823 - 831

Chapter 823: An Encounter by the Riverside

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Golden Light City was over 2,000 miles away from Youzhou City. It was vast but sparsely populated with beautiful scenery on the way. However, it was not wild. In each dozen miles, there would be a village or inn along the roadside for the convenience of vehicle replenishment. They could occasionally enjoy Hua food with extremely distinctive local features. Since they left Golden Light City on September 21st, Zhang Tie and his dad would drive the touring car alternatively, each one a few hours per day. Whenever they found a fun place somewhere, they would park and loiter over there. Sometimes, Zhang Tie would go hunt some wild animals such as pheasants and made a barbeque on the sightseeing platform of the vehicle. The family enjoyed the trip so much.

On the second day, since they left Golden Light City, Zhang Tie's mom had completely recovered with higher spirit and greater strength. Watching his mom becoming better, Zhang Tie knew that it was a right trip.

After leaving Golden Light City for 10 days, on the evening of 1st October, their "Traveller" had reached at plain being less than 200 miles away from Youzhou City.

In the twilight, when they watched the grass waves in the breeze and the wild antelopes eating grass being not far away in the endless prairie, Zhang Tie drove off the highway and parked it at the bank of a shallow river beside the road. The limpid river water could only reach his knees. The river shoal was covered with cobblestones. This place was suitable for cooking food and having a rest.

"Dad and mom, how about sleeping here tonight?" Zhang Tie turned around his head and shouted towards the sound-transmitting brass pipe on his side. Zhang Tie's family members were appreciating the beautiful scenery on the sightseeing platform at the top of the touring car. When the touring car drove off the highway, Zheng Chenglei, Zhang Chengting and Zhang Chengpei exclaimed in the sightseeing platform.

"Fine, your mom agreed to sleep here tonight!" Zhang Tie's dad replied through the other end of the brass pipe together with Zhang Chengting's exclamation.

Previously, Zhang Tie had just seen a sound-transmitting brass pipe in an airship, he had not imagined that there was also such a facility in the touring car. How considerate it was!

Zhang Tie braked on a plain ground over 20 m away from the riverside and adjusted the power boiler to parking state. Closely after that, he opened the door of the car and jumped out of it.

Zhang Tie went to the riverside to check the quality of the river water first. After finding it was clean, he took a barrel from the vehicle and started to fill the barrel with river water for the power boiler of the touring car. If in a motel, he only needed to link the touring car with a water pipe. However, as it was in the wild, he had to lift water from the river. Additionally, they needed water to wash vegetables in the kitchen and cleanse themselves before bed. Water became especially important in the wild.

When Zhang Tie filled the barrel with water, his three sons couldn't wait to run away from the sightseeing platform and started to catch fish in the river. Zhang Tie's dad took a fish pole and urged that he would compete with the three kids for catching fish.

It was full of cheers and laughter.

When Zhang Tie charged water for the touring car, he dug a pit on the ground near the touring car to bury the boiler ash. After doing this heavy labor work, the ladies had prepared the dinner. On the sightseeing platform of the touring car, they opened its movable sunroof and watched the beautiful scenery in the distance while enjoying the supper in the pleasant night breeze under the twilight.

The competition between Zhang Tie's dad and the three kids ended with Zhang Tie's dad catching over 30 cm-long fish. Therefore, they had one more fresh fish soup.

...

After supper, Zhang Tie washed bowls. After Linda, Beverly and Fiona cleaned the table, he carried a pile of bowls and chopsticks to the riverside and carefully washed them.

Only after a few minutes, ground-breaking clops drifted to Zhang Tie's ears from the distance of the plain. Zhang Tie was still washing his tableware. Zhang Chenglei, Zhang Chengting and Zhang Chengpei who were playing beside the vehicle were called in the car by Linda and Zhang Tie's mom.

Taixia Country had a very good security. After traveling for a few days, they had not met any bad people. However, as it was in the wild, they'd better watch out. It seemed that the clops came from a team of cavalries. After hearing the thunder-like clops, the flock of wild antelopes in the distance were scared away in a flurried way.

Only in a few minutes, the thunder-like clops had drawn closer. The clops didn't stop until they reached the riverside.

It was a team of over 50 Hua cavalries. It seemed that they had long known about this river. They just came here to let their mounts drink water, which were bigger and stronger than iron-horn beasts with a bent horn on their head.

As Zhang Tie washed his tableware, he observed those people and their mounts over 20 m away.

The heads of the team of cavalries were two youths, followed by those ferociously intrepid cavalries. What was more attractive was their mounts which were bigger and stronger than iron-horn beasts with a bent horn on their head. Those mounts looked very mighty.

Zhang Tie knew that this animal was called rhino-dragon horse. It was a LV 6 living being. Like xiphodon, this kind of animal was much more ferocious than iron-horn beasts. However, xiphodon was a carnivore while the rhino-dragon horse was a herbivore, which meant that rhino-dragon horse was more senior. In Eastern Continent, the rhino-dragon horse was the standard mount of Taixia's cavalries. Except for very few special troops, all the cavalries across Taixia Country rode rhino-dragon horses. Zhang Tie heard that there was a huge military breeding farm of rhino-dragon horses outside Youzhou City. There were 600,000 rhino-dragon horses in the entire military breeding farm. Such a scale could never be matched by Sacred Iceland Kingdom. Many provinces in Taixia Country were feeding rhino-dragon horses. Rhino-dragon horses were also slightly different in abilities in different regions due to different living environments, breeds and lineages. Rhino-dragon horses in Youzhou Province ranked top in the territory of Northeast Military Region of Taixia Country. It was well-known even across Taixia Country.

A common rhino-dragon horse would be worth over 600 gold coins in Taixia Country. Special rhino-dragon horses would be worth more. Rhino-dragon horse was very important in the foreign trade of Youzhou Province. Over 400,000 rhino-dragon horses would be sold out from Youzhou Province every year, which meant a total trade volume of about 300 million gold coins. After arriving at Youzhou Province, Huaiyuan Palace had intended to trade rhino-dragon horse. Until then, Huaiyuan Palace had not gotten through the joints of this business. If Huaiyuan Palace could help Zhang Taixuan win the position provincial governor of Youzhou Province, those problems facing Huaiyuan Palace, especially the source of rhino-dragon horse would be handled immediately.

Zhang Tie and was glancing at those cavalries and rhino-dragon horses on the other bank of the river. Those cavalries were also gazing at Zhang Tie. However, when they caught sight of that touring car and Zhang Tie who was washing bowls on the riverside, they lost their interest in Zhang Tie at once.

"Brother Cangwu. What do you think about the rhino-dragon horse in the military breeding farm of Youzhou Province?" One of the two young men on the other bank asked, which could be clearly heard by Zhang Tie.

"Rhino-dragon horse in Youzhou Province could run 700 miles a day. They're indeed as excellent as their reputation. Whereas, they were still a bit dwarfed by those in Jianzhou Province, Hezhou Province, Liangzhou Province and Ganzhou Province in speed and endurance. Compared to those in Chuanzhou Province, Tangzhou Province and Yunzhou Province, these rhino-dragon horses don't take advantage in carrying capacity. If they could be further modified and make a further breakthrough in one aspect, they might enter the list of top horses in Taixia Country!"

"It's not easy to modify a horse breed. Very few animal controllers could have such a talent. It depends!" The youth sighed.

"Hahaha, brother Tianqi is right. I'm more like an armchair strategist!"

"Brother Cangwu's opinion goes right to the heart of the matter and matches that of Commander Cheng. If you're an armchair strategist, the think tank of Commander Cheng would be driven mad."

"I'm flattered. It's late. Let's go back!"

"Fine, the rhino-dragon horses have drunk enough, let's go back to Youzhou City then..."

The two young men threw another glance at Zhang Tie before turning around the heads of the rhino-dragon horses and leaving, closely followed by the team of cavalries...

Few minutes after those people left, Zhang Tie finished washing his tableware and returned to the touring car with them.

"Hubby, who are they? They look aggressive!" Fiona asked him while patting her plump breasts.

"They might be cavalries in Youzhou City!" Zhang Tie answered.

When he replied, the two youths' faces flashed across his mind once again. Zhang Tie let out a sigh inside. 'Taixia is really full of talents and resources. It could never be matched by Waii Sub-continent. I met two young Hua knights even when I washed bowls at the riverside. I really have not seen anyone who could promote to knight at such a young age in Waii Sub-continent except for me.'

...

After over 1 hour, that team of cavalries had been over 70 miles away from the riverside. Suddenly the young man called Cangwu grabbed the rein. With a neigh, his rhino-dragon horse suddenly raised high its front legs and stomped onto the ground forcefully. Closely after that, it stopped.

As the other cavalries were very good at horsemanship, watching this young man stop, the entire team stopped in a split second.

"Brother Cangwu, what's wrong?"

"Nothing, I was just recalling something. It's okay; it's okay!" The young man called Cangwu revealed a smile. Without giving any explanation, he continued to gallop his rhino-dragon horse. After exchanging a glance with each other, the others followed him up towards Youzhou City at once.

The scene that Zhang Tie was washing tableware at the riverside always loomed in Cangwu's mind.

'The 16-year old boy was too calm.'

'That young man didn't even stand up when he watched us galloping towards him until we left...'

'He just squatted down there...'

'Squatting down there... all the way!'

'This is where the problem lies!'

'Youzhou City is becoming more and more boisterous these days!'

The younger elites of Heavens Fortune Sect sighed with emotions inside...

...

It felt very special sleeping overnight in the wild. In the evening, after closing the sunroof of the sightseeing platform, they could watch the countless stars in the sky as long as they lay in their bedrooms.

There were 4 bedrooms in the touring car, two 2-people bedrooms, one 3-people bedroom and one 5-people bedroom. Zhang Tie, Linda, Beverly and Fiona lived in the 5-people bedroom; his dad and mom lived in the 2-people bedroom while the 3-people bedroom was for the 3 kids.

Zhang Tie put his arms around the necks of Linda, Beverly and Fiona on the bed and watched the stars. Zhang Tie talked about the embarrassing things that he did in Blackhot City and the 7th national male middle school, especially when he went for Ms. Anna, which made the three women giggle for quite a while.

"Well, well, I was doubting how could you be that docile when joining the survival training in Wild Wolf Valley. We thought that you were a gentleman. It doesn't seem now!" Beverly smiled.

Zhang Tie's face blushed faintly as he replied, "Ahem...ahem...I was very innocent at that moment. I indeed had no evil thought!"

"What about now?" Fiona watched Zhang Tie with an enchanted look while her hands started to fumble over Zhang Tie's body.

As it was turning cold outside, Zhang Tie's room turned hot...

What satisfied Zhang Tie the most was this touring car's expert-level sound insulation...

...

On the second day, after catching fish with the three kids in the morning, they set off once again in the afternoon.

When the night fell on October 2nd, they finally arrived at Youzhou City.

Although not being rustic, Zhang Tie was still stunned for quite a while when he caught sight of Youzhou City for the first time.

When people saw a Class A city in front of them since they came to Taixia Country, they would definitely be greatly shocked.

In Zhang Tie's eyes, Youzhou City was really large.

This was a shocking, magnificent city.

In the nightscape, the shocking light effect of the immortal fluorite lamps on the city walls made Youzhou City a huge fortress made of jadeites...

The airships above Youzhou City were as many as crucians in the river. What a dreamlike, prosperous city!

Chapter 824: Count Long Wind

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Zhang Tie's family arrived at Youzhou City on the evening of October 2nd. In less than 3 days, the competition for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province would start. The entire Youzhou City had become the focus of everybody in Youzhou Province as all the talents across Youzhou Province had gathered in Youzhou City. Besides those clans which wanted to compete for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province, even though those who wanted to join the fun and take advantage had also converged in Youzhou Province.

The selection of the first provincial governor of Youzhou Province was of great significance to all the people across Youzhou Province. Additionally, Commander Cheng also came here by airboat. It was said that the Heavens Ball of Heavens Fortune Sect was also carried here. Due to various reasons, Youzhou City was as hot as holding a grand lantern festival, which was even more boisterous than the new years festival.

Actually, Zhang Tie was the latest elder of Huaiyuan Palace who arrived at Youzhou City.

Yesterday, Elder Muyuan, Elder Muan, Elder Muray, Elder Muyu and Elder Muen of Huaiyuan Palace had arrived at Youzhou City by airship on the same day, including Count Long Wind Zhang Taixuan, the head of Huaiyuan Palace who had just come from the earth-elements realm.

Actually, someone was more worried whether Zhang Tie could arrive at Youzhou City on time more than Zhang Tie himself.

When Zhang Tie was about 10 miles away from Youzhou City, he had already met some deacons of Huaiyuan Palace who were raising their heads and waiting for him.

At the sight of Zhang Tie's touring car, those deacons and disciples almost burst out into tears.

"God bless us!" They had arrived at Youzhou City earlier than elders; especially those clan deacons and disciples who were ready to receive Zhang Tie, who had been waiting for Zhang Tie outside Youzhou City for almost a week.

As Zhang Tie left Golden Light City by a touring car, they didn't know when would he arrive at Youzhou Province. Therefore, these deacons and disciples just waited here for him. As Zhang Tie was very engrossed in this travel, they dared not urge him. If they made Elder Mushen unhappy, they would never dream about having a bright future in Huaiyuan Palace. However, if Elder Mushen was late and failed to join this competition timely, they, who were responsible for receiving Zhang Tie, would definitely be regarded as being incompetent and would not have a bright future in Huaiyuan Palace either, the other clan elders might not reprimand Elder Mushen though; they might even be severely punished due to this.

They had almost been driven mad when Clan head arrived yesterday.

When they caught sight of the touring car "Traveller" with the driving plate of Golden Light City of Yanghe Prefecture 12345 on the highway, they finally became reassured.

They waved their hands to block the touring car. Zhang Tie then jumped out of his cab swiftly.

Zhang Tie felt that he had seen them on Yiyang Mountain before.

"You're..."

"Elder Mushen, I'm Zhang Desheng, a clan deacon of Huaiyuan Palace. We're dispatched here to receive you!" That deacon and three disciples bowed towards Zhang Tie respectfully. At this moment, only the deacon was qualified to speak; the other 3 disciples didn't even have a chance to introduce themselves.

"Hmm, it's late. I'm thinking about finding an inn!" Zhang Tie smiled as he let out a sigh of relief.

"Huaiyuan Palace has a mansion in Youzhou City. We will take you there right now, Elder Mushen!" Zhang Desheng said as he threw a glance at the touring car behind Zhang Tie. He then pointed at the Faerie-Dragon elder-level cars behind him, "Would Elder Mushen and family members like to take a ride in these cars? I will have a disciple drive the touring car into the mansion!"

"No need. You can just lead the way in front of us. I will follow you!" Zhang Tie jumped into the touring car once again after saying that.

The deacon and the 3 disciples threw a glance at each other as they had not imagined that Zhang Tie was so easygoing. Without saying anything, they just got on the cars and escorted Zhang Tie's touring car towards Youzhou City.

In the touring car, a small window behind Zhang Tie's cab was opened, showing his dad's face.

"Zhang Tie, what happened?"

"Nothing, dad, some deacon and disciples of Huaiyuan Palace were waiting for me!"

"Hmm, fine!" Zhang Tie's dad let out a sigh of relief obviously, "Your mom wants to know whether will we live in the car or in a hotel tonight?"

"Huaiyuan Palace have a mansion in Youzhou City. We will go to the mansion of Huaiyuan Palace!" Zhang Tie answered as he turned around his head.

"It's crowded on the way, watch out when you drive!"

"Don't worry, dad. I could even drive with closed eyes!" Zhang Tie replied casually like talking something big.

"You, bad boy!" Zhang Tie's dad forced a bitter smile before closing the window.

Zhang Tie then followed the limos in Youzhou City.

Before entering Youzhou City, Zhang Tie raised his head and watched the towering city wall as he drew in a cold breath. The city wall was above 70 m in height. The deep passage beneath the city wall was at least 100 m in strength.

Higher than 70 m, wider than 100 m and longer than 25 miles. Zhang Tie had not seen or heard such a magnificent city wall before. He could imagine about the terrifying defense capability of such a city wall.

In Waii Sub-continent, all the city-defense forces had camps and encampments inside cities; however, in Taixia Country, all the city-defense forces lived in the city walls. City walls were both an urban defense facility and the camp of Taixia soldiers. In Taixia Country, except for the camps of city-defense forces, all the other city-defense forces were built outside the cities.

This was the "military code" in "Regulations about Taixia Country". Taixia soldiers' responsibility was to protect the country and the cities; instead of being protected by the country and the cities. Therefore, no camp would be stationed in cities across Taixia Country as it would be regarded as a shame by Taixia soldiers. Brave Taixia soldiers regarded quartering camps at dangerous places as a great honor and responsibility. The more dangerous the camps were stationed in, the higher respect those troops would have in Taixia Country. Among humans, only Taixia Country had established troops based in the earth-elements realm.

Zhang Tie had not imagined that Youzhou City could be so boisterous and prosperous; especially in the evening when the big Youzhou City was brightly lit and crowded with vehicles on the roads. Roadside hotels were filled with a confused noise of voices; righteous and heroic men were drinking and knocking jars while singing songs generously; playboys were calling their friends and partners in the restaurants; female dancers in colorful frocks were contending in beauty and fascination, who were surrounded by many playboys; acrobats were showing off all sorts of talents on the streets and attracting a lot of onlookers.

Zhang Tie had not seen such a prosperous and boisterous scenery in such a magnificent city before. It was the most vivid exhibition in Taixia Country.

Although it was Zhang Tie's first time to see all this, Zhang Tie always felt everything here being very intimate perhaps because of his blood and genes of Hua people.

...

Huaiyuan Palace's mansion was located nearby an unknown avenue in Youzhou City. Occupying over 66,700 square meters, it was pretty magnificent.

It took Zhang Tie more than half an hour to arrive here under the guidance of the Faerie-dragon vehicles.

There was a huge 5-6 m long board on the front gate of the mansion, which was marked with four big, powerful golden Hua characters " 怀远会馆 1 ".

The characters reminded Zhang Tie of the scene when he raided the Zhen's Mansion in Heavens Cold City. After making a comparison with it, Zhang Tie sensed a vicissitude.

However, the moment Zhang Tie's vehicle arrived at Huaiyuan Mansion, he had sensed a weird atmosphere around the front gate of the mansion——at least 7-8 groups of people were gazing at those people accessing to Huaiyuan Mansion. Zhang Tie realized that they must be dispatched by Huaiyuan Palace's opponents. Those people just gathered on the streets within 100 m of the front gate of Huaiyuan Mansion fearlessly while pretending to taste the tea and sell goods on the roadside; some even directly squatted down on the opposite of the street and gnawed fruits while stealthily throwing a glance at the Huaiyuan Mansion time and then.

Until Zhang Tie drove in the mansion were those eyes isolated by the courtyard walls and tree shadows did Zhang Tie feel a bit comfortable.

Zhang Tie parked in the parking lot. His family members then got off the touring car and glanced over here with curious looks.

"Huaiyuan Mansion doesn't look bad!" Zhang Tie's dad said pleasantly when he looked around this mansion which was almost like a park.

"Have you prepared for the bedrooms?" Zhang Tie asked Deacon Zhang.

"The mansion has prepared an exquisite courtyard for Elder Mushen's family members. All the female servants in it are loyal to Huaiyuan Palace. Elder Mushen can use them at your will!"

"Fine, lead us there then!" Zhang Tie waved his hands while Deacon Zhang led them to an exquisite courtyard beside the lake inside the mansion. It was as delicate as their own courtyard. Given that Zhang Tie took his 3 kids here, there was even a mini children's playground on the lawn. Zhang Tie's parents and wives were also very satisfied with the designs.

After settling down his family members, Zhang Tie left that exquisite courtyard and told that deacon to lead him to the other clan elders and the head of Huaiyuan Palace.

The other clan elders and the head of Zhang Clan were rightly negotiating something in the conference room of the mansion.

When he realized that he would meet Lan Yunxi's dad for the first time, Zhang Tie became a bit intense.

...

"Clan head, elders, Elder Mushen has arrived!"

After hearing a deacon's report, the 6 elders in the conference room stopped talking at once.

"Call Elder Mushen in!" A man in the chief seat of the conference room issued an order faintly.

"Yes, sir!" The deacon exited.

...

After over 10 seconds, under the gaze of 6 pairs of eyes, Zhang Tie entered the conference room frankly and saw Zhang Taixuan the Count Long Wind, the head of Huaiyuan Palace for the first time...

Chapter 825: Why Not Replace him?

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

At the sight of Zhang Taixuan, Zhang Tie had found that Lan Yunxi was similar to him.

To be honest, if Zhang Tie was requested to select a middle-aged man who was the most charming to women, Zhang Tie would choose Zhang Taixuan first.

Given his look, this man was between 40 and 50 years old. Besides, he had a pure white and flawless face, well-combed hair, sparkling eyes and the dignity as the head of a major clan and a gentleman.

Although Zhang Taixuan didn't look strong, he had an extremely powerful qi field among those elders in this room. After sensing it carefully, Zhang Tie was slightly shocked as he felt that the knight qi of Zhang Taixuan was even more powerful than that of the demon general.

Zhang Tie sensed that Zhang Taixuan was going to promote to an earth knight, 'No wonder he dares compete for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province.'

Zhang Tie and Zhang Taixuan just watched each other.

Among the clan disciples of Huaiyuan Palace, Zhang Tie didn't have an outstanding look. He was not as handsome as Apollo. He just looked straight and frank. However, Zhang Tie's age made him very special among all the other elders of Huaiyuan Palace.

Even Zhang Tie didn't know why he maintained his look of 16-17 years old. His look was 10 years younger than his factual age.

"Clan head!" Zhang Tie crossed his hands and bowed towards Zhang Taixuan.

Zhang Tie was very polite as it was his first time to meet Zhang Taixuan. As for this man who might be his father-in-law, Zhang Tie wanted to leave a good impression on him. If he made this man feel that he was too arrogant and fickle, this man would be a high mountain between him and Lan Yunxi in the future.

Watching Zhang Tie's good performance, Zhang Taixuan revealed a bit smile and uttered kindly, "Elder Mushen, please take a seat!"

Zhang Tie then sat next to Elder Muyuan.

"Elder Muen, as Elder Mushen has just arrived, he might be confused about something. You can introduce what we talked to Elder Mushen!"

"Yes, sir!" Elder Muen replied before briefly introducing what happened in Youzhou City lately to Zhang Tie.

As the competition for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province was going to start, all the details about the competition gradually became clear.

This competition would indeed proceed in the virtual battlefield of Treasures Ball.

There were 9 candidate clans, only 2 of which could match Huaiyuan Palace, namely Lu Clan of Spiritualmaple Prefecture in Youzhou Province and Gu Clan of Easternriver Prefecture in Youzhou Province.

With 10 knights, Lu Clan was a noble clan in Youzhou Province. Its clan head Lu Dingzhi was a hereditary count, who had a high reputation in Youzhou Province. He once promoted to the coin-building officer of the Ministry of Finance. With a deep background, he could probably win this competition.

Gu Clan of Easternriver Prefecture was also a local major clan. Although being not a hereditary noble clan, Gu Clan was also well-known across Youzhou Province. Gu Clan had 8 knights, the most able ones of which were the clan head and the young master. Gu Dashou the head of Gu Clan and Gu Qingyun the young master of the clan, were both knights, which were unique in Youzhou Province and were always praised by people. Gu Dashou had Gu Qingyun at an old age. Among knights, Gu Dashou was not tough, Gu Qingyun was much more talented than his dad.

In Youzhou Province, Gu Qingyun ranked first in cultivation talent. Gu Qingyun had promoted to a battle spirit at 16. Closely after that, he learned from the elders of Heavens Holding Pavilion, one of the top 7 major sects in Taixia Country. After entering Heavens Holding Pavilion for 6 years, he had promoted to the black iron knight at 22, when his name shocked Youzhou Province. It was said that Gu Qingyun was pretty appreciated by the elders in Heavens Holding Pavilion. He would have a limitless bright future for sure.

Lu Clan and Gu Clan were better than Huaiyuan Palace which had just settled down in Youzhou Province in all aspects.

Besides the above two clans, the other 6 clans were Yan Clan of Chaoyang Prefecture, Liu Clan of Changshan Prefecture, Simon Clan of Xingbei Prefecture, Sun Clan of Guide Prefecture, Guo Clan of Sanquan Prefecture and Li Clan of Miyun Prefecture.

All of them were local major clans. With special forces on their back, they were most powerful in their prefecture. Each of them had at least 3 knights. They had also prepared well for this competition.

Given all aspects, Huaiyuan Palace could only rank 3rd. Huaiyuan Palace had a poor chance to win. Among those onlookers, none of them thought that Zhang Taixuan could win the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province. The odds for Huaiyuan Palace in the gambling house of Youzhou Province was 1: 1.35, which meant that most of the people thought that Huaiyuan Palace only had a chance of less than 30% to win the battle. Those who were keeping their eyes on Huaiyuan Mansion included those who were dispatched by Huaiyuan Palace's competitive opponents and those in the gambling house of Youzhou Province; especially the latter who were concerned about Huaiyuan Palace's actions very much.

After hearing the brief introduction of Elder Muen, Zhang Tie turned solemn too. Youzhou City was really full of talents and powerhouses, who were all drooling about the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province.

After saying that, Elder Muen paused before continuing, "This is the situation facing Youzhou City which had been told by the Clan head. After that, when the Clan head was talking about Heavens Ball with the other elders, you arrived!"

Zhang Tie nodded. After hearing the Heavens Ball, he became spirited once again.

After Elder Muen's introduction, Zhang Taixuan coughed twice faintly. When the other elders moved their eyes onto him once again, he uttered, "Heavens Ball is a marvelous treasure. As it was excavated from the underground world, it was not exclusive to the Heavens Fortune Sect. It is not unique as I've seen such an item in the Taihang Fortress of Earth-elements Realm during these years when I fought in the Earth-elements realm. I have even experienced inside it. Therefore, I knew how it works. I will tell you about that for your reference..."

...

After over 20 minutes, the conference came to an end. After bidding a farewell to Zhang Taixuan politely, all the elders left the room one after another while feeling gloomy.

Zhang Tie's mind had been filled by the Heavens Ball. After listening to Zhang Taixuan's introduction, Zhang Tie was not thinking about this competition for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province, but the mysterious Earth-elements Realm.

Zhang Tie didn't notice that Count Long Wind was stroking an odd-looking brilliant jade ring and watching his back while a sorrowful look flashed by Zhang Taixuan's eyes.

...

"Elder Mushen!" Elder Muyuan stopped him when he was leaving the pavilion.

"Elder Muyuan!" Zhang Tie stopped as he faintly bowed towards Elder Muyuan.

"Did your mother get better?" Elder Muyuan asked out of concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Elder Muyuan. My mother felt very pleasant on the way here. She has almost recovered!"

"Hmm, that's good!" Elder Muyuan let out a sigh of relief, "This competition for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province is of great significance, Elder Mushen should think more about it!"

"I know, I will exert my full efforts for sure!"

Elder Muyuan nodded as he touched his mustache and asked Zhang Tie suddenly, "I wonder what do you feel about Gu Qingyun, Elder Mushen?"

Zhang Tie became confused about Elder Muyuan's intention. After being silent for a couple of seconds, he uttered, "He's talented. Additionally, he relies on Gu Clan and the 7 top major sects of Taixia Country. He lives up to his reputation."

"Everybody in Youzhou Province knows about Gu Qingyun, don't you want to replace him?"

'Replace him?' Zhang Tie was startled by Elder Muyuan's words. To be honest, he had really not thought about such a domineering opinion.

Watching Zhang Tie's dumbfounded look, Elder Muyuan revealed a wisdom and experienced smile, "When we could strive for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province for Huaiyuan Palace in the Heavens Ball, why not strive for yourself, Elder Mushen? Haven't you learned something from Gu Qingyun who became famous across Youzhou Province at 16 and grew more and more famous from then on? Humans would always belittle the weak ones and praise those stronger ones. Aren't reputation, wealth and power circling around vanity? After promoting to a knight, your cultivation road forward would grow narrower. It would be more difficult for you to reach a new level. You need greater strength to reach a new high. Whether in Waii Sub-continent or Taixia Country, have you seen any one form 2 or 3 chakras silently?"

Zhang Tie became stunned as he felt that Elder Muyuan's words were very meaningful.

"Retrospecting to the past 5,000 years, you would find that very few people became something silently! Whether it was because they were not making their full efforts? Whether it was the God's will or humans' will?" After leaving this sentence, Elder Muyuan sighed with emotions before leaving.

After standing still for a few seconds, Zhang Tie deeply bowed towards the back of Elder Muyuan...

Chapter 826: Preparation for the Competition

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Zhang Tie's family members had left on the second day since they arrived at Youzhou City.

Previously, Zhang Tie intended to take a look around Youzhou City with his family members on the second day; however, after arriving at Huaiyuan Mansion, Zhang Tie sensed the intense atmosphere that all the other elders were trying their utmost best to prepare for the coming competition for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province. After knowing the importance of Zhang Tie's task, Zhang Tie's dad and mom didn't want to travel in Youzhou City anymore as they were afraid of distracting Zhang Tie from the competition. Therefore, they determined to leave Youzhou City for Golden Light City by airship on the next morning.

"Son, your mom and I really had a good time these days. We've not been so happy for many years. No need to worry about us. No matter what, your mom and I belong to Huaiyuan Palace. Although we cannot help you; if we influenced your preparation, we would feel restless even though we were not condemned by others. Therefore, your mom and I have negotiated with Linda, Beverly and Fiona last night that we would return to Golden Light City today in case of distracting you from the competition. Once the competition comes to an end, we will find another chance to travel here!"

Zhang Tie's dad said.

Realizing that his family members had determined to leave, he could only have the fury-level airship, which had been escorting them all the way here, carry his family members back to Golden Light City together with the touring car "Traveller".

The airship then landed in the airship port of Huaiyuan Mansion.

It would take them only 1 day to return to Golden Light City by airship. Before departure, after confirming that Zhang Tie would not have any dangers in this competition, Zhang Tie's parents and wives became reassured. After Zhang Tie bade a farewell to his parents, he was kissed by his three wives on his cheeks.

"Dad, come on!" Zhang Chenglei, Zhang Chengting and Zhang Chengpei encouraged Zhang Tie in unison before leaving. Zhang Tie replied with a big smile.

At this moment, the clan elders and head of Huaiyuan Palace had closed their doors and entered meditation in Huaiyuan Mansion so that they could handle the fierce battle in Heavens Ball in the best state two days later.

Zhang Tie raised his head and saw the airship flying towards Golden Light City. Until the dazzling morning glow reached his eyes did he move his eyes away and returned to the backroom in the exquisite courtyard.

There was one point that Zhang Ping was right about. After they left, Zhang Tie could indeed try his utmost best to prepare for the battle in 2 days without any concern.

...

Beneath the courtyard, the backroom only covered more than 40 square meters. As for Knight-level powerhouses, it was a bit small for long-time closed meditation; however, it was available for short-term closed meditation.

The backroom had been matched with enough water, food, some kinds of possible medicament and 4 earth-elements crystals which were specially prepared for this competition. After arriving at Youzhou City, each clan elder was rewarded with 4 earth-elements crystals. The 4 earth-elements crystals for Zhang Tie just lay in the backroom of this exquisite courtyard.

When he caught sight of the 4 earth-elements crystals, Zhang Tie remembered those achievements that he had made in Waii Sub-continent. Besides the 5879 earth-elements crystals in the space teleportation equipment of the demon general, he gained 3511 more earth-elements crystals from the secret warehouses of those Three-eye Association clans. All the 9390 earth-elements crystals could not even light 30 scales on his earth-elements chakra.

'Although almost 10,000 earth-elements crystals is already a great figure for the other knights; it's still far away from the 100,000 earth-elements crystals that I need to form the second chakra of King Roc Sutra.'

'100,000 earth-elements crystals? Even if I'm always as lucky as when I was in Waii Sub-continent, I might have to plunder 10 subcontinents at least so as to gain 100,000 earth-element crystals. It's impossible for me. Three-eye Association and demons are not idiots. They will not provide me with so much convenience.' Gorath had been the target of demons and Three-eye Association. After disguising as Gorath and releasing the terrifying ptomaine miasma across Blackhot Sub-continent, Gorath had completely disappeared as Zhang Tie sensed the danger facing Gorath. Demons and Three-eye Association would at least dispatch an earth knight to handle Gorath; instead of a black iron knight.

After picking up one earth-elements crystal, Zhang Tie touched its smooth and brilliant surface before letting out a sigh. He then sat on the bed with crossed legs and took out the Elements Gathering Matrix from that space teleportation equipment of the demon general and put it in front of him. Closely after that, he entered the Elements Realm...

In the Elements Realm, spiritual hands started to form one after another, 1, 2, 3...10,11...18.

9 spiritual hands were carrying earth elements from earth-elements crystal while the other 9 spiritual hands were capturing those polyhedral earth crystals which were moving swiftly in the Elements Realm.

Anyone would be dumbfounded by such a high efficiency. However, as Zhang Tie had made a breakthrough in this spiritual energy in the Dragon Cave and spent almost half a year to digest that fruit of brilliance which contained the spiritual energy of 13 Three-eye Association knights and practice, he had felt as easy as taking a walk by doing this.

Zhang Tie didn't know whether he had reached a limit in multitasking. Even though he felt that he had surplus spiritual energy, he could not make any progress in multitasking anymore. Whenever he tried to make a breakthrough by visualizing 19 abacuses in his mind, he would feel his brain blowing up with deafening ears, sparkling eyes and disordered spiritual energy. After attempting twice, Zhang Tie did not dare do that any longer. Therefore, he only maintained the current frequency.

18 was 2 times that of 9. In Hua people's recognition, 9 represented an upper limit in mathematics. When he remembered that those fruits on the small tree were always limited to mathematical laws, Zhang Tie speculated that 18 might be the upper limit of multitasking of black iron knights. He didn't know whether he could make the breakthrough after promoting to an earth knight. Currently, if he didn't use earth-elements crystal and just captured those earth-elements crystals in the Elements Realm with the help of Elements Gathering Matrix by spiritual hands, he would capture them faster than the frequency that those earth-element crystals appeared in the range of his perception. 9 spiritual hands were the upper limit that Elements Gathering Matrix could support as of now.

With the concerted efforts of the 9 spiritual hands, the earth-element crystal was consumed very fast. Each earth-element crystal could only stand less than 4 hours.

In 2 days, Zhang Tie consumed 12 earth-element crystals in the backroom in total.

After 2 days of cultivation, the 10th dragon scale on Zhang Tie's knight's crystal plate slowly turned bright...

11 of the 12 earth-elements crystals that Zhang Tie had consumed came from his storage. He only used 1 of the 4 earth-elements crystals that Huaiyuan Palace placed in the backroom for each clan elder.

In this way, if someone else entered the backroom, he would find that Zhang Tie had consumed 1 of the 4 earth-elements crystals in the past 2 days, which was normal for a new knight.

Zhang Tie was usually meticulous in such details.

On the evening of the second day, Zhang Tie entered the trouble-reappearance situation and activated Master Abyan and a lot of demon fighters in Dragon Cave. After reviewing that battle, he drank up two vials of all-purpose medicament and threw himself onto the bed.

Zhang Tie slept 4 hours, which was the longest period that he had slept lately.

At 5 am, October 5th, Zhang Tie exited the backroom as energetic as a horny buffalo with sparkling eyes.

A team of female servants had been waiting in the exquisite courtyard. At the sight of Zhang Tie coming out of his bedroom, they started to help him bathe and cleanse up. They also helped him to put up a set of a brilliant robe of python silk, making him look refreshed all over.

After doing all this, Zhang Tie burned a stick of incense in the exquisite courtyard and entered meditation with closed eyes. When it was 7 am, Zhang Tie opened his eyes and left that exquisite courtyard.

The sky was bright as the first ray of sunglow had reached Youzhou City.

Youzhou City today looked like a still pendulum clock. Previously, the street outside Huaiyuan Mansion used to be boisterous at this time; however today, the street was pretty quiet.

Zhang Taixuan and the other 5 Clan elders of Huaiyuan Palace left their own exquisite courtyards at the same time. Watching Zhang Tie's energetic look, all of them nodded inside, 'It seems that Elder Mushen has made good preparation during the past two days. He's already reached his best state.'

All the members in the Huaiyuan Mansion had gathered solemnly in the main courtyard in rows like muddy sculptures.

"Let's go!" Zhang Taixuan uttered while all the other Clan elders left the ground...

"We hope Clan head and elders to win this battle so as to make Huaiyuan Palace more awe-inspiring!" All the members of Huaiyuan Palace bowed deeply to the ground and saw them off respectfully...

Chapter 827: A Shock Before the Battle

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

After Zhang Tie and the other elders of Huaiyuan Palace flew off, they could clearly see the sceneries on the streets below them.

Youzhou City today indeed looked different than before. It was especially solemn. As almost all the citizens knew that the provincial governor of Youzhou Province would be selected in White Tiger Complex, they had gathered in pubs, tea houses or urban squares and parks for the latest news in the early morning.

As a grand event in Youzhou City, it was even more solemn than celebrating a festival.

The area within 20 square miles of White Tiger Complex had become the focus of the entire Youzhou City. Numerous people were surging towards White Tiger Complex. Garrisons of Youzhou City had to maintain orders on streets in case of a stampede.

Soon after Zhang Tie and the other clan elders of Huaiyuan Palace left Huaiyuan Mansion, Zhang Tie had seen a light beam shooting into the sky near White Tiger Complex. Like a mirage, it stretched and formed a vast heavenly curtain, tinting the sky above Youzhou City to glow.

As the light beam rose, the entire Youzhou City began to boil.

The heavenly curtain reminded Zhang Tie of the artificial thing "film" before the Catastrophe.

The light beam and the heavenly curtain originated from the Heavens Ball. Zhang Tie was told that the battle in the Heavens Ball between 9 clans would be reflected into the sky. Therefore, all the people across Youzhou City would be able to watch it live.

If it was a film, the grand show today might be a free super action movie starred by knights that could be enjoyed by everybody.

This was why Youzhou City was so boisterous now. Being attracted by such a grand show, all the major clans across Youzhou Province had gathered in Youzhou City; even many people from neighboring provinces had arrived in Youzhou City by various traffic tools such as airship.

As this film could be seen for free as long as one was in Youzhou City, the hotels in Youzhou City had been crowded lately. Even if it was a paid film, who could have so many knights of major clans across Youzhou Province participate in such a grand show pleasantly?

When he recalled his family members who left Youzhou City in advance, Zhang Tie was deeply moved as he felt like crying. In order to not influence his performance in the ring, his family members didn't even stay here for two more days. In order to support him, they even ignored such a grand show. When he recalled what his parents had done for him in their lives, Zhang Tie felt complex; however, being gazed by numerous pairs of eyes, Zhang Tie felt a bit excited faintly.

At this moment, Elder Muyuan turned around and threw a profound glance at Zhang Tie.

Watching Elder Muyuan's expression and remembering what Elder Muyuan told him last night, Zhang Tie slightly nodded.

This competition for the provincial governor of Youzhou Province was not only for Huaiyuan Palace but also for Zhang Clan and Zhang Tie himself. Zhang Tie had determined to do something in the ring.

'Elder Muyuan is right. Sometimes, I should not be silent when I could show off myself. Over these years, my elder brother has been running Jinwu Business Group meticulously in Taixia Country. He limited the production of all-purpose medicament to only a bit more than 2 million vials per year, even though all-purpose medicament's supply could not meet its demand. The reason was that elder brother was afraid of being envied by people as Jinwu Business Group had no powerful forces on its back. With Huaiyuan Palace on its back, Jinwu Business Group indeed developed fast these years with increasingly deeper root. Jinwu Business Group could make about 10 million gold coins per year through cooperating with Long Wind Business Group; it's easy for Jinwu Business Group to expand this business by 10 times or 100 times; whereas, what then? Can Jinwu Business Group avoid from being envied by competitors?'

Actually, Zhang Tie's elder brother was not worried about making money for the time being but to keep the business growing sustainably.

As Zhang Tie had returned home, Zhang Yang let out a sigh of relief. Through private communication, Zhang Yang had intended to build a city.

Zhang Tie felt that someone should stand out and shoulder the responsibilities for the Zhang Clan in Youzhou Province, Taixia country.

'Who else the person would be except for me? We cannot depend on those kids.'

Actually, it was not a matter of "to be or not to be", but a matter of degree for Zhang Tie.

'It is a matter of degree for me to show off myself in the ring on the premise of keeping a part of my trump cards; especially my most powerful trump card.'

...

As knights flew very fast, soon after they left Huaiyuan Mansion, they had arrived at White Tiger Complex.

"Ahh, knights!"

Watching knights flying over there, so many people exclaimed loudly in the nearby streets of White Tiger Complex.

For many commoners in Youzhou City, although the number of knights in Taixia Country ranked top among all the human places, there was still a sharp disparity between knights and commoners. Commoners might only see knights a few times in their whole lives. Therefore, so many people came to White Tiger Complex to watch the grand show being performed by so many knights across Youzhou Province.

White Tiger Complex was a Hua palatial complex where central organs of power were located. The provincial governor of Youzhou Province which was selected today would live and work in White Tiger Complex and rule the entire Youzhou Province.

When Zhang Tie and the other clan elders of Huaiyuan Palace arrived at White Tiger Palace, all the other clans' knights had also arrived there consecutively, causing a series of exclamations among the nearby onlookers. Perhaps many people dreamed to fly; therefore, they felt watching people flying in the sky much more interesting than watching acrobatics in the streets of Youzhou City.

When they saw knights flying over, many kids exclaimed while riding on their fathers' shoulders, "I will fly too, I will fly too..."

"If you learn well at school and practice hard, you will also fly like a knight in the sky like them one day. Do you want to be a knight?" A father asked his kid who was riding on his shoulders.

"I want to be a knight!"

Many kids clapped their hands happily with gleaming eyes as they set a lifetime dream.

This was why many parents would like to take their kids here——Each kid in Taixia Country dreamed to be a knight. Each parent hoped their kids to be elites. Even the singles across Youzhou City had crowded here since last night in order to watch that grand show to boost in front of others in the future. All the fathers who took their kids here so as to give a lesson to their kids by this chance.

'Just because this father failed to be a knight doesn't mean this father's son could not promote to a knight either. I will show knights to my kid today from a short distance. Maybe my son could also promote to a knight in the future.' All the fathers thought inside.

...

There was a huge square covering about 1 square mile being made up of white marble stones outside White Tiger Palace, which was over 1 m higher above the ground. It was the portal of White Tiger Complex to the outside. The four corners of the square were guarded with ferocious white-marble tigers, which indicated the majesty of this square and the origin of its name.

At present, over 200,000 commoners were circling around the White Tiger Square. Two rows of strong city guards in iron armor isolated those onlookers from the square.

Almost the moment Zhang Tie and the other clan elders of Huaiyuan Palace landed on the White Tiger Square, onlookers' sigh with emotions had drifted from around the White Tiger Square. Almost at the same time, numerous people attempted to surge forward; however, they were blocked by the city guards.

"Is that young man Gu Qingyun?"

"He's too young. He looks only 16 or so. How could he become a knight at such a young age?'

In a split second, tens of thousands of exclamations sounded.

"Show me, show me, where is that 16 year-old knight?"

Almost the moment Zhang Tie landed on White Tiger Square, he had shocked those commoners around the White Tiger Square. As Zhang Tie was really too young. He was more like a neighborhood juvenile than a knight. As for those who had seen Zhang Tie, they were greatly stunned by Zhang Tie's age.

"No, that's not Gu Qingyun. Gu Qingyun is not that young. That's a knight of Zhang Clan in Yanghe Prefecture!" Someone shouted...

"Zhang Clan? Which Zhang Clan?"

"Zhang Clan of Huaiyuan Palace!" More and more people identified the status of Zhang Tie and the other elders of Huaiyuan Palace...

Listening to the exclamations among the crowd, Zhang Taixuan and the other elders of Huaiyuan Palace threw a glance at Zhang Tie with a faint smile. What a shock before the battle! The shock that Zhang Tie brought to the onlookers was beneficial for Huaiyuan Palace to consolidate its position in Youzhou Province at a higher speed. It was a great assistance for Zhang Taixuan who aimed to compete for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province. With such an elite in Zhang clan, of course Zhang Taixuan felt very pleasant inside. Because the honor of Huaiyuan Palace was the honor of the clan head...

Chapter 828: The Arrival of Knights

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

"Are you Count Long Wind from Huaiyuan Palace, Yanghe Prefecture?" When Zhang Tie aroused exclamations outside White Tiger Complex, a middle-aged officer walked over there and bowed towards Zhang Taixuan with crossed hands before asking politely.

"Yes, I'm Zhang Taixuan!" Count Long Wind answered.

"Please wait for a second. It's already well prepared inside. We can go inside at scheduled time!" That middle-aged officer said politely as he stealthily threw a glance at Zhang Tie. Zhang Tie's young look shocked both those onlookers outside White Tiger Complex and those inside White Tiger Complex.

"It's okay!" Count Long Wind looked gentle and easy-going, making Zhang Tie shout "bravos" for him inside.

The competition would start at 8 am. At 7:15, they would enter White Tiger Complex to learn about the rules. After that, they could prepare for half an hour or so. As Commander Cheng was sitting in the White Tiger Complex, nobody dared be late today. In order to show their respect and prudence, all the clan elders of Huaiyuan Palace and Count Long Wind had arrived at 7:10 am, 5 minutes ahead. The other clans also arrived consecutively in a few seconds.

"Wow, so handsome, so handsome, Huaiyuan Palace's knights are so handsome..." Louder and shriller exclamations drifted from the girls and middle-aged women among the onlookers.

Any men, who appeared in such an open land in a set of brilliant boa-silk costume as a knight, would look extremely handsome in the eyes of women, as long as his original look was not too ugly. As Zhang Tie was not ugly; plus the make-up in Huaiyuan Mansion, he drove hundreds of thousands of women mad at once the moment he arrived.

When the next two teams of knights landed, they were also stunned by Zhang Tie's young age as they started to stealthily glance at Zhang Tie.

In a wink, two more teams of knights arrived.

Given the population of the two teams of knights, Zhang Tie knew that the real opponents of Huaiyuan Palace had arrived.

One of the two teams included 10 knights, which was the greatest population among all the teams of knights at present. The head knight of the two teams was a genial middle-aged man with an unbearded white face. He looked as majestic and handsome as Zhang Taixuan the Count Long Wind.

At the sight of them, Zhang Tie had known that they were from Lu Clan of Spiritualmaple Prefecture in Youzhou Province. That middle-aged man should be Lu Dingzhi.

Besides a good look, Lu Dingzhi's qi was almost as that of Count Long Wind. 'Another would-be earth knight.' Zhang Tie was faintly shocked inside, 'Although being just a lower province in Taixia Country, Youzhou province has so many talents. If in Waii Sub-continent, such people would be greatly influential too.' However, Zhang Tie had not seen anyone else in Waii Sub-continent who was going to promote to an earth knight except for the demon general. What a grand show!

The other team included 8 knights, the two heads of which looked like a father and a son. The father had whiskers, which made him very heroic. The son looked 27-28 years old. He was almost the youngest one among the knights at present except for Zhang Tie. Needless to say, this team belonged to Gu Clan of Easternriver Prefecture. The father was Gu Dashou while the son was Gu Qingshan.

After Gu Clan's knights arrived, they were a bit shocked by the crazy onlookers and Zhang Tie in the team of Huaiyuan Palace.

At this moment, some bold women among the onlookers were exclaiming loudly.

Zhang Tie noticed that they were hailing his handsome look. After throwing two glances at Zhang Tie, Gu Qingshan's eyes turned gloomy.

As for a man who had been used to be eye-catching in the public, if he found that others changed their idol in front of him, he might feel a bit disappointed.

After noticing Gu Qingshan's changing look, Zhang Tie had an evil thought, 'According to the suggestion of Elder Muyuan, Gu Qingshan should be my first stepping stone in Youzhou Province today. I hope Gu Qingshan doesn't turn today's disappointment into a psychological shadow in the future.'

...

"Are you Brother Taixuan?" Lu Dinzhi hailed Zhang Taixuan the Count Long Wind after landing on the White Tiger Square.

"Ahh, hoho, Brother Dingzhi!"

"I've long heard about your reputation, Brother Taixuan. You look even more majestic than the legend. The "Early sunshine after light snow" in the White Dear Building on the Long Dragon Mountain outside Youzhou City ranks top in Youzhou Province, after leaving White Tiger Square, how about having a cool drink there?"

"Fine. I was told that "Early sunshine after light snow" was brewed by the first drop of melted snow from the plum blossom petals on the Long Dragon Mountain. I've long been dreaming of that. Now that I met Brother Dingzhi today, we will have a cool drink tonight! It's pleasant for us to drink liquor and appreciate the moons tonight."

After exchanging a glance with each other, Lu Dingzhi and Zhang Taixuan burst out into laughter at the same time...

Although the competition would start soon, the two most capable competitors were neither talking about the position of provincial governor nor the competition, but the cool drink in White Deer Building. Their open-mindedness was really awe-inspiring like real gentlemen. Even Zhang Tie was applauding for them inside.

"How could we just drink liquor without meat? Occasionally, I brought some cyan-horn deer from Gu Clan. I will roast some cyan-horn deer and send them to White Deer Building today for our pleasure. Will you welcome me?" Gu Dashou interrupted with a laugh.

"Why not, Brother Gu?" Lu Dingzhi replied with a smile.

"I've long heard about the cyan-horn deer of Gu Clan in Easternriver Prefecture, which was well-known in Youzhou Province. If I could taste the two delicacies in Youzhou Province tonight, I would have no regret here!" Count Long Wind sighed with emotions.

The three men burst out into laughter at the same time. Watching this, the other clans' heads who had intended to swarm up stayed silent on one side. Because 3 people would form a group. However, If others swarmed up too, they would be disadvantageous.

Someone became silent; someone replied with a cold harrumph. After hearing the obvious cold harrumph, Zhang Tie turned around and saw 3 knights landing on.

The head of the 3 knights was a female whose qi field could even match that of a male.

She looked about 30-40 years old. In a set of red clothes, she looked hot with a pair of golden hooks on her back. Her look and figure would make men's dicks turn hard. Even men would be dwarfed by her powerful qi field and cold face. She was the very one who uttered a cold harrumph.

'Even a female dares compete for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province?' Zhang Tie was really startled. What made Zhang Tie more amazed was that aggressive cold harrumph. Lu Dingzhi coughed twice slightly as he dared not speak to her. Gu Dashou also smirked in silence. Count Long Wind slightly nodded towards the latest three knights.

After sensing Zhang Tie's gaze, that woman threw her sharp eye light at Zhang Tie. After finding that Zhang Tie was too young, her look turned a bit tender. After throwing two more glances at Zhang Tie, she continued to leave a cold harrumph to Zhang Tie, "Hmm..."

Watching that woman turning around, Zhang Tie scratched his head as a question occurred to his mind, 'Who's she? She's really a tantrum thrower.'

"This woman is Guo Hongyi, the head of Guo Clan in Sanquan Prefecture. Guo Clan is not the most powerful clan in Youzhou Province; however, this woman is extremely tricky. She's completely a troublemaker. Don't irritate her!"

Elder Muen whispered in Zhang Tie's ears in a secret way. Zhang Tie nodded as he replied in the same secret way, "Even women could compete for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province?"

"Of course, it's normal for women to be officials in Taixia Country. It's told that there are even female chancellors in Taixia Country. Additionally, female provincial governors exist in other upper and major provinces. Therefore, you'd better not belittle women in Taixia Country!"

'Female provincial governors? Female chancellors?' Zhang Tie became speechless. Taixia Country really brought him constant surprises. When he recalled Gongsun Liniang in Golden Roc Bank, Zhang Tie realized that any female knight might be tricky in Taixia Country. He really wondered what those people who supported the feminist movement in Waii Sub-continent would think when they saw these female knights and provincial governors.

'However, she might be elder than her look. After promoting to a knight, her physical functions would be greatly improved; especially for many female knights, they paid more attention to their look and figure than their battle strength. Therefore, their real age was more elusive than that of male knights. With a look as young as Linda and qi like that of 30-year old women, her real age might have been over 100 years old.

...

As everybody had arrived, after waiting for a few minutes, each clan team had been led into the White Tiger Complex by an official.

If it was in Waii Sub-continent, White Tiger Complex would definitely be more magnificent than many international imperial palaces.

After passing through many gates and squares and stepping on many steps, they saw a square like temple of heaven.

A huge ball on a base in about 3 m high was placed in the middle of the square. The light beam which shot to the sky just now was originated from the top of this ball...

'Heavens Ball!' Zhang Tie knew what it was the moment he caught sight of it.

Its diameter was over 2 m. He didn't know what the ball was made of. It looked somewhat like crystal or metal. It was misty with changing colorful luster inside the ball. The base of the Heavens Ball was made of certain metal, which was full of classic sense. The base was covered with dense runes and lines.

In the palace being not far from this square, a man with a swarthy and profound face was sitting on the high seat and watching the 9 clan teams.

What made Zhang Tie more amazed was the two young knights on two sides of that man. At the sight of Zhang Tie, the two young knights were stunned at the same time while shooting out a shrewd eye light...

"Commander Cheng!" Everybody bowed towards that man with a swarthy face including Zhang Taixuan and Lu Dingzhi.

"Hmm, stand up!" Commander Cheng glanced over the 9 clan teams. Zhang Tie felt a great pressure facing him. After promoting to a knight, he had not felt such a feeling for a long time.

"You're here today for the seal of provincial governor in my hand. Show me your talents now!" Commander Cheng put his hand upside down while a brilliant adult's head-sized seal appeared in his hand abruptly.

With a loud sound "bang", Commander Cheng put the seal on the desk and stimulated their hearts, "Alright, cut the crap, read the rules and prepare for the battle!"

Closely after Commander Cheng finished his words, the atmosphere across White Tiger Complex turned intense immediately...

Chapter 829: Rules and Start

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

"The rules for the selection of the provincial governor of Youzhou Province are as follows..."

A young man on one side of Commander Cheng moved one step forward and started to read the concrete rules of this selection. The moment he started, all the knights at present pricked up their ears.

This young man was rightly one of the two young men whom Zhang Tie had seen that day. Given his clothes, he should be a young officer beside Commander Cheng. 'Such a young knight on the side of Commander Cheng on such an important occasion must have a bright future. He must have a deep background.'

Zhang Tie thought, 'I heard the other one call him "Brother Tianqi" that day. However, I don't know his surname.'

"This competition will proceed in Heavens Ball. Each clan could have limitless knights access to Heavens Ball at the entrance fee of 10 million gold coins per person. You can give up if you want now!" When the youth said this, he waited for a few seconds and wanted to see whether someone would give up the opportunity.

"Hmm, cut the crap. They've already known that. If you want to compete for the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province, of course, you need to be rich and powerful; otherwise, you'd better roll back home to take a pee and play mud with your pee!" Commander Cheng waved his hands impatiently as he revealed the essence of this competition in the most coarse humor——Only the richest and powerful people could take the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province.

Without money and power, did you think you could hold the position of provincial governor? The admission fee of 10 million gold coins scared off those who just wanted to join the fun. 'You want to enter Heavens Ball? Go get 10 million gold coins first.'

Of course, there were more than 9 major clans in Youzhou Province. However, after considering their own power and the expensive admission fee, they were all scared off. As it were, the nine clans which joined in the competition for the position provincial governor of Youzhou Province were excellent in both power and boldness.

When Zhang Tie heard this, he threw a glance at Guo Hongyi in the distance as he started to admire her boldness and battle strength. The young man on the side of Commander Cheng forced a bashful smile before coming to the key points.

"The head of the clan with the highest points in Heavens Ball will take the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province!"

"After Heavens Ball is triggered, it will simulate a spatial topography covering 100,000 square miles in the earth-elements realm. The clans of each clan will appear in any place across that space. After entering it, you will have 3 minutes to adapt to its environment. After 3 minutes, you will see your enemies. In the beginning, you will see 53 LV 15 demon battle-spirits in total, one point for killing each demon battle-spirit!"

"After eliminating the first batch of demon battle-spirits, you will see the second batch of enemies, whose number is twice that of yours!"

"After eliminating the second batch of demon battle-spirits, you will face the third batch of enemies, whose number is thrice that of yours. After you clean up the third batch of demon battle-spirits, you will see standard black iron demon knights in the Heavens Ball. 5 points for each black iron demon knight. When the 4th batch of demons appears in the Heavens Ball, you will experience the cruelest test!"

"The number of black iron demon knights in the 4th round is 10 more than that of the living human knights before they appear. That is to say, if you don't suffer from any casualty before the 4th batch of demon knights appear in Heavens Ball, you will have to fight 63 demon knights in the next round!"

"After the 4th round, the number of demon knights in each round will be 10 more than that of the living human knights in the Heavens Ball!"

"This selection will come to an end when the last human knight is killed inside. By then, the head of the clan with the highest points will take the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province. If two clans have the same highest points, they will start a fiercer overtime!"

"There is one point that you should bear in mind, namely, you could not attack any human knight in the Heavens Ball. Commander Cheng will enter Heavens Ball to supervise your live performance. Meanwhile, your performance and clan points will be reflected on the mirage above Youzhou City by the Heavens Ball, which will be watched by all the people in Youzhou Province!"

"You're not allowed to take your own weapons and equipment in the Heavens Ball. Your weapons are limited to those provided inside the battlefield. Additionally, it only takes you a bit spiritual energy and a fraction of vigor to die inside the ball, instead of causing a damage to your health. You will be okay after taking a rest for 2 days. Those who are killed inside will exit Heavens Ball!"

"Additionally, remember, you could not get points unless you kill your enemy. Wounds don't work. If you wound an enemy, who's finally killed by another one, you will not get that point!"

"Each of you will get a copper plate. You only need to hold the copper plate and trigger it by injecting your spiritual energy into it before entering the Heavens Ball!"

After saying that, that youth waved his hands while 9 servants served trays in front of the 9 teams respectively so that knights of each clan could get one copper plate from one tray to access to the Heavens Ball.

When one servant came to Zhang Tie's front, Zhang Tie also picked one copper plate from the tray. Zhang Tie found it was purple. Being not like common copper, it felt cold and was covered with dense odd-looking runes. Additionally, there were 4 holes on the copper plate, which were specially set for people's fingers.

That man called Tianqi made a demonstration in front of them. After putting his 4 fingers into the holes, he clenched his fist and held the copper plate tightly.

"You need to hold the copper plate like this. If it drops off your hands, you could only exit the Heavens Ball and not access to it any longer!"

After hearing that youth's warning, all the clan knights at present clenched their fists.

In the period of a few breaths, they had almost prepared for the battle.

There were some cattail hassocks in front of each clan team, where sat those knights.

"After 30 seconds, the Heavens Ball will be triggered. The adaptive period of 3 minutes will start to count down since the first knight enters it!"

Soon after this guidance, the Heavens Ball in front of them started to change its luster. At the sight of this scene, all the clan knights began to prepare for activating their own copper plates immediately, including Zhang Taixuan and Lu Dingzhi, etc..

Zhang Tie also started to inject his spiritual energy into that copper plate.

Based on his current spiritual energy, Zhang Tie could activate his copper plate in a split second. However, as he found others were "slowly" activating their plates, he slowed down his speed too.

With the injection of the spiritual energy, the copper plates in the hands of those knights started to radiate faint blue light...

"Brother Taixuan, please!" Lu Dingzhi revealed a smile.

"Please!" Zhang Taixuan replied with a smile.

Closely after that, the two people closed their eyes and entered the Heavens Ball at the same time.

After their copper plates radiated blue light one after another, all the knights at present closed their eyes and entered the Heavens Ball.

After over 20 knights entered the Heavens Ball, Zhang Tie finally activated his copper plate...

Before entering the Heavens Ball, Zhang Tie evidently felt that Commander Cheng threw a glance at him once again.

After a few seconds, all the knights entered Heavens Ball spiritually while sitting around the Heavens Ball physically with eyes closed.

"Who's that juvenile of Huaiyuan Palace?" Until all the knights entered the Heavens Ball did Commander Cheng turn round to ask an officer on his side.

"According to the information submitted by Huaiyuan Palace, that person is Zhang Mushen, the elder of Huaiyuan Palace. His original name is Zhang Tie, who promoted to a knight in Waii Sub-continent. He was born on March 26th, the 873rd year of Black Iron Calendar. He's actually 26 years old!" The officer answered strictly, "Through our approval, his information is true."

"Ahh? I've not imagined that there could be such a young knight in the offsprings of Lord Huaiyuan! Additionally, he's good at preserving his youth!" Commander Cheng uttered a strange voice as he stroked his mustache with his hand. Closely after that, he turned around and asked that elder of Heavens Fortune Sect, "Which one is better in your eyes, Zhang Tie or Gu Qingyun?"

With a cold face, the elder of Heavens Fortune Sect replied like having been ripped off by Commander Cheng lately, "Sometimes, knights win by the thickness of their face; instead of battle strength. If anyone's face is thicker than the city wall of Youzhou City, he may be unrivaled when the other conditions between him and the others are the same!"

After hearing this sentence, all the officers in White Tiger Complex lowered their heads like having not heard that at all.

"Ahem...ahem...I've not imagined that elder of Heavens Fortune Sect could have such a deep study on the learning of face. You've exposed the essence of the learning of face." Commander Cheng coughed twice and made a counterback. However, before the elder of Heavens Fortune Sect lost his temper, he hurriedly said, "I will take a look inside..."

Soon after Commander Cheng's words, the light beam of Heavens Ball had changed its color. Closely after that, a splendid scene slowly spread in the misty mirage like a huge curtain. Numerous onlookers in and out Youzhou City raised their heads. At this moment, all the people's hearts across Youzhou City seemed to come to a stop...

Chapter 830: The Lion in Youzhou Province (I)

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

In the simulated earth-elements realm...

Zhang tie had heard the name earth-elements realm for many times. However, it was his first time to enter it and see its real look.

When he entered the Heavens Ball, Zhang Tie felt very familiar as he had experienced the same feeling for many times during the past years.

It was like entering a trouble-reappearance situation.

The copper plate in the hand of each knight was a tool that linked each one to the Heavens Ball.

When he landed on the ground, Zhang Tie looked at his hands and body and found that he didn't take in any equipment with him except for his clothes.

After finding that he was in normal conditions, Zhang Tie looked around before taking in a deep breath.

Zhang Tie found that he was in a huge space.

Zhang Tie was really shocked by the look of the earth-elements realm.

Standing on the ground, he could not see the upper limit of the height of the sky. The clouds in the earth-elements realm were fiery, golden, blue and purple in the shape of those outside, illuminating the entire earth-elements realm.

The clouds were floating like being blown by the wind. There was indeed wind in the earth-elements realm, which indicated that there was atmospheric motion in the earth-elements realm.

The plants above the ground looked a bit strange. Within the range of his vision, Zhang Tie saw at least 10 kinds of plants, which grew very well. Rooting in the soil of the earth-elements realm, some plants were very huge. After wind blew over, the umbrellas on a plant like dandelion flew off in front of Zhang Tie. However, compared to the dandelion outside, this dandelion was almost as large as a millstone. When its plume-like seeds flew off, it was especially beautiful and full of fairy-tale colors.

Besides these plants, there were many cone-shaped natural stone pillars on the ground, big or small. Smaller ones were only dozens of meters high while bigger ones were higher than 1,000 m. Zhang Tie was really shocked by these items which didn't exist outside.

After entering the Heavens Ball, Zhang Tie understood something.

Heavens Ball was not a trouble-reappearance fruit. The two items might be related to each other; however, they were not the same.

When Zhang Tie entered the trouble-reappearance fruit for the first time, he was just a rookie as he had just lit two surging points. However, Zhang Tie felt that only knights could enter this Heavens Ball. This Heavens Ball could faintly sense and resonate with the chakras of knights entering it. It seemed that the energy that could run the chakras of knights could support the knights to manifest their complete bodies inside Heavens Ball. Therefore, those who had not formed their chakra could not access to it.

Besides this point, this Heavens Ball had some advantages over the trouble-reappearance fruit. For instance, Heavens Ball could hold many people at the same time; additionally, it could freely adjust the number and level of enemies. It could even hold demon knights, which was never available to the trouble-reappearance fruit.

However, Zhang Tie preferred the trouble-reappearance fruit, because the trouble-reappearance fruit could fully recreate the scene. Additionally, the trouble-reappearance fruit had an amazing ability, namely, it could help Zhang Tie restore an emperor-level secret knowledge. Given this point, the trouble-reappearance fruit was more advanced than the Heavens Ball.

When he recalled the mirage above Youzhou City, Zhang Tie even had a weird thought, 'Is this Heavens Ball similar to a "recreational machine" in the former brilliant age? The function of the mirage is not designed for people entering it, but for the demand of those onlookers.'

Although the thought was a bit weird, it might be true.

As Zhang Tie was thinking about these strange things, he flew off and started to be familiar with the surrounding environment. The real combat would start in 3 minutes even though he had already spent half a minute just looking around.

Zhang Tie flew off while releasing his battle qi. He hoped that the elders of Huaiyuan Palace could gather together at the sight of his battle qi.

Actually, most of the knights were thinking the same. The moment Zhang Tie released his battle qi, he had seen some battle qis shooting into the sky within 70 miles. Apparently, the other knights were also hailing their own partners. Pitifully, all the other battle qis were strange to Zhang Tie.

In the space of 100,000 square miles, as knights appeared in optional places, it was almost impossible for Zhang Tie to meet the other elders of Zhang Clan in 2-3 minutes. All the knights were just making an attempt. As the battle was going to break out, they didn't have time to hail their friends at all.

In another half a minute, the sky in the earth-elements realm changed its color suddenly while a pair of shadowy eyes appeared in the sky like a mirage and overlooked everybody in this space. It seemed that everything in this space was within the range of his vision.

That pair of eyes reminded Zhang Tie of Commander Cheng as they were the same as that of the latter.

Together with the pair of eyes were rows of huge words in the sky——Lu Clan of Spiritualmaple Prefecture, Gu Clan of Easternriver Prefecture, Zhang Clan of Yanghe Prefecture, Yan Clan of Chaoyang Prefecture, Liu Clan of Changshan Prefecture, Simon Clan of Xingbei Prefecture, Sun Clan of Guide Prefecture, Guo Clan of Sanquan Prefecture and Li Clan of Miyun Prefecture. Below these words were respectively the names of the clan heads and elders. Each elder's name was followed by points while each clan was followed by total points. Onlookers could see clearly each clan's ranking and points in this earth-elements space.

Zhang Tie saw his name at the end of Zhang Clan's column——Zhang Mushen, points: 0.

At this moment, a red figure flew towards him and arrived at Zhang Tie's front in a split second.

"It's you?" Guo Hongyi threw a faint, amazed glance at Zhang Tie. Actually, Zhang Tie left a deep impression in Guo Hongyi's mind among the clan elders of Zhang Clan.

"Elder sister Guo!" Zhang Tie grinned cheekily. He was not flattering her as he indeed admired her to a certain degree.

After hearing Zhang Tie's "appellation", Guo Hongyi slightly relieved her cold facial expression; at the same time, she slowed down her flying speed.

"What's your name?" Guo Hongyi asked.

"Zhang Tie, Zhang Mushen!" Zhang Tie pointed at the last rank of Huaiyuan Palace in the sky and replied, "The one at the bottom of Huaiyuan Palace."

"It seems that you're clear-minded!" Guo Hongyi replied in a malicious way. Closely after that, she threw a glance at Zhang Tie and made a cold harrumph, "Hmm, given your look, you must have spoiled a lot of Hua women. After promoting to the knight at a young age, men would never lack money. All of you are assholes!"

"Hahaha, Elder Sister Guo, you must be kidding me. I've not even spoiled one Hua woman since I was born. I embraced and kissed one at most; however, I was still almost beaten out sh*t by her!" Zhang Tie explained with a smile. Meanwhile, he added one sentence inside, 'Although I've not spoiled any Hua women, I've indeed experienced some absurd things with some non-Hua women. But, I've not spoiled any of them.'

After hearing Zhang Tie's reply, Guo Hongyi became really shocked. She threw her glance at Zhang Tie twice before further relieving her serious look, "I feel that you are much better than Gu Qingshan among the knights in Youzhou Province. I hope Gu Qingshan doesn't defeat you!"

"Haha, I will try my best!"

After saying that, Zhang Tie and Guo Hongyi found something sparkling especially on the ground in the distance at the same time. After throwing a glance at each other, they flew towards that place.

It was an open mini-arsenal on the ground. The special luster that they saw was reflected by various weapons in the arsenal.

There were all sorts of weapons in the arsenal which were available for the knights entering the Heavens Ball in case that someone won the competition by practicing fraud with equipment or weapons.

Two more knights caught sight of the sparkling luster over here and also arrived here soon. Although knights would cause a remarkable greater destruction with weapons in hands than without weapons, nobody forced them to use weapons.

Guo Hongyi charged at a pair of golden hooks as they were her well-content weapons.

Zhang Tie picked up one longsword and read its attributes.

——Fantasic Iron Long Sword

——Attributes, Class III sharpness, Class III firmness.

Zhang Tie then picked up one long saber.

——Fantastic iron long saber.

——Attributes, Class III sharpness, Class III firmness.

Without having to check all the other weapons, Zhang Tie knew that all the weapons in this arsenal were only granted with Class III sharpness and Class III firmness. Only in this way could it be fair for this competition.

At the sight of that metal spear container in the corner of the arsenal, Zhang Tie's eyes sparkled as he instantly caught that metal spear container by his hand.

The moment he caught it, Zhang Tie saw another hand stretching towards the spear container with an anxious and furious voice, "Put it down, it's mine!"

Chapter 831: The Lion in Youzhou Province (II)

Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem

Zhang Tie chose spears as they were the sharpest and most effective weapon for him to handle demon battle spirits.

To be honest, if anyone among the knights entering the Heavens Ball really wanted to use these spears, Zhang Tie could give them to him if that knight asked him politely. Because the pass of demon battle-spirits was just the appetizer of this competition, Zhang Tie could handle them even in other means. However, this knight was very rude and wanted to rob it away from Zhang Tie's hands. Zhang Tie hated such kind of a person the most.

Zhang Tie could be persuaded by reason but not be cowed by force. At the sight of that hand stretching out towards his spear container, Zhang Tie immediately punched towards him.

With a loud sound "Bang", Zhang Tie slightly flew backward while that man who wanted to rob away the spear container from Zhang Tie responded with a muffled harrumph and flew backward at the same time. The powerful qi, which spilled out of this collision, blew off those weapons at this corner in a split second.

A knight with gray hair, thick eyebrows and leopard's eyes stretched his beard and hair while standing in the air and watched Zhang Tie with a furious look. Zhang Tie also watched him with a cold look.

Zhang Tie had a bit impression about this man——a knight in Gu Clan.

"Hmm, Elder Gu Qingyun is really majestic. You dare even rob other's weapon in the Heavens Ball. Gu Dashou is not the provincial governor of Youzhou Province yet!" Guo Hongyi ironized as she stood on Zhang Tie's side.

Zhang Tie faintly felt something special about Guo Hongyi's cold harrumph.

When Gu Qinglong heard Guo Hongyi's words, he faintly changed his face. Closely after that, he watched Zhang Tie with a sneer, "Zhang Clan in Yanghe Prefecture is really insidious. You know that my nickname is 1,000-step Immortal Spear; however, you still grabbed spears ahead of me. Don't you think it shameful to do that?"

Zhang Tie picked his ears by his hand and flicked his fingernail, making Gu Qinglong's eyebrows keep jumping, "What a coincidence. I've also got a nickname Demon-killing Immortal Spear. I excel at using spears. As I got it ahead of you, of course, it should belong to me. Do you think that you're too arbitrary?"

"How could it be so fortuitous?" Gu Qinglong felt Zhang Tie was fabricating a lie.

With a sparkling light in the eyes, Zhang Tie asked, "You don't believe that, Elder Gu Qinglong?"

As Elder Gu Qinglong was always emulative, how could he admit his mistake to this juvenile orally? Therefore, he answered immediately, "Of course not!"

Zhang Tie almost burst out into laughter. However, apparently, he let out a deep bitter sigh, "Now that Elder Gu doesn't believe in me. In order to preserve the reputation of Zhang Clan in Yanghe Prefecture, I have to show off my spear throwing skill in front of you; otherwise, if the head of Zhang Clan in Yanghe Prefecture wins the position of provincial governor of Youzhou Province in a fluky way, Elder Gu might fabricate that our Zhang Clan won the competition by playing tricks. Such a victory is shameful, our Zhang Clan usually win people by virtue!"

Before Elder Gu Qinglong responded, a roar had drifted from afar. Hearing that, everybody's heart pounded as the competition finally started.

The roar came from a demon battle spirit less than 15 miles away from here.

Hearing that sound, Gu Qinglong threw a glare at Zhang Tie as he immediately picked up a huge saber and darted towards the source of that roar.

Of course, Guo Hongyi and Zhang Tie also accelerated towards there. The remaining knight flew towards the demon battle spirit after selecting a weapon too.

Gu Qinglong, Zhang Tie and Guo Hongyi could fly almost at the same speed. Of course, Zhang Tie could fly faster. However, he didn't think it was necessary to show off his trump card at this moment.

There were also 53 LV 15 demon battle spirits. After they appeared in the Heavens Ball, it seemed that they could sense and lock the locations of the surrounding human knights. When Zhang Tie, Gu Qinglong and Guo Hongyi rushed towards them, those demon battle spirits also darted towards them.

4 demon battle spirits flew towards them. After flying a couple of miles, they had seen the first demon battle spirit. Guo Hongyi accelerated in a split second and rushed towards the nearest demon battle spirit.

Gu Qinglong and Zhang Tie didn't compete with Guo Hongyi as the first battle spirit could only help her be familiar with the battle sense in this space. Although she could get a point ahead of them, it had not come to the grand show. Additionally, if they competed with Guo Hongyi even for only one battle spirit, they might be revenged by her.

Noticing that Gu Qinglong gave up the first demon battle spirit, Zhang Tie abandoned the chance too. He then continued to fly towards far neck and neck with Gu Qinglong.

In the flight, Gu Qinglong became faintly shocked as he found that Zhang Tie could fly easily as fast as him with a metal spear container which contained 18 heavy spears weighing at least 300 kg on his back. Although such a bit weight was nothing for a knight on the ground, it tested his flying ability in the sky at such a high speed.

'It seems that this junior is something!' Gu Qinglong made a cold harrumph inside. He still didn't believe that Zhang Tie's nickname was Demon-killing Immortal Spear until now. 'How could it be so fortuitous! The moment I told him that my nickname was 1,000 Step Immortal Spear, he had exposed his nickname. He dares plagiarize two words of my nickname, how disgusting he is!'

That was how men always felt. As long as they had an impression of something, they would form a fixed opinion about that thing and would stick to their opinion.

The two knights flew over 50 m above the ground while there were undulating hills below their feet. The hills were covered with 1 m high odd-looking bluegrasses.

In front of their eyes, two LV 15 iron-armored demon battle spirits flashed out of a hill from 200 m ahead of them and rushed towards Zhang Tie and Gu Qinglong. The battle qis of the two iron-armored demons pushed bluegrass waves towards two sides.

With bold temperament, bloody eyes, grim expression, exposed fangs, they were same as real iron-armored demons. Commoners, at the sight of two iron-armored demons rushing towards them, would feel terrified, except for Zhang Tie.

At the sight of the two iron-armored demons, Elder Gu Qinglong growled as he sped up immediately towards the first iron-armored demon, leaving Zhang Tie behind.

When he surpassed Zhang Tie, Elder Gu Qinglong sneered inside, 'That's what a junior should be! However, he had not noticed the faint smile on Zhang Tie's face when Zhang Tie slowed down his speed on purpose.

Zhang Tie took out two spears from his spear container.

...

"Go die!" Elder Gu Qinglong roared when he was over 50 m away from the first demon battle spirit. At the same time, he waved his big saber, causing a powerful saber qi to roll towards the nearest demon battle spirit. It seemed that he wanted to kill that demon battle spirit in a split second.

This Gu Qingyun was also a saber sage.

Generally speaking, although the black iron knight's battle strength was above that of the demon battle spirit, the battle spirit was able to wrestle with the black iron knight. Common black iron knight could barely kill a battle spirit easily. However, sometimes, powerful saber sage and sword sage could also kill a demon battle spirit in a split second based on his powerful battle strength and battle skills.

Elder Gu Qinglong's saber qi was like a huge sickle's sharp blade. With sparkling white light, it cut through the 1-m high purple prairie and rolled towards the demon battle spirit. When the saber qi was less than 20 m away from that demon battle spirit, it split into halves and blocked all the dodging space of that demon battle spirit from top to bottom.

This movement displayed Gu Qinglong's powerful battle strength and control force as a saber sage.

It seemed that the demon battle spirit was destined to be killed by Gu Qinglong. Elder Gu Qinglong even revealed a faint smile.

Right then, a flame flashed across...

When Elder Gu Qingyun's saber qi was only 3-5 m away from that demon battle spirit, the target was suddenly shattered like being struck by a lightning bolt, causing a loud sound "Boom".

A fiery line burned in the air...

As a powerful knight who also excelled at throwing spears, Gu Qingyun knew what did that fiery line mean. It indicated that someone's spear throwing skill had reached a legendary realm, in which, it would not produce any sonic boom; instead it would cause a flame, which was due to the ignition of the free hydrogen and oxygen in the air when in flight. The remaining flame was the only evidence of the flying spear while the thunder-like sound would not be heard until the spear hit the target. Such a realm of spear throwing skill enjoyed a name in Taixia Country——thunder in a palm.

It was far more than awakening ancestral bloodline. It was the perfect combination of unrivaled strength, knight-rank battle qi, insight and transcendental skills. Even though the energy of the explosion was reduced. How powerful was that spear!

"Zhang Clan used to win people by virtue!" Zhang Tie's sound drifted into Gu Qinglong's ears. At the same time, Zhang Tie had passed Gu Qinglong and released another fiery line towards the 2nd demon battle spirit hundreds of meters away as fast as a lightning bolt. With another thunder, the 2nd demon battle spirit was shattered too. Zhang Tie waved his hands for the 3rd time while another flame flew off and hit another battle spirit. With another boom, the 3rd demon battle spirit was shattered.

At the sight of this, the other knight who had arrived here a bit later instantly turned around and went to seek for other battle spirits. Because he realized that he could not even have soup behind such a domineering guy, not to mention eating flesh.

The points in Zhang Mushen's column in the sky surged from 0 to 3 almost in a second...