1605 - 1616
Chapter 1605: A Nightmare
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"Qing'er, do you know the history of the human navy?" Zhang Tie suddenly posed such a strange question after being silent for a while; instead of asking Yan Feiqing how many secrets did she know about him.
After hearing Zhang Tie's question, Yan Feiqing was confused; instead of being concerned.
Before Yan Feiqing replied, Zhang Tie had answered.
"Over the past hundreds of years before the Catastrophe, before humans' tentacles and ambition touched the sky, they pursued giant ships and artilleries. In that age, anyone who could have heavier warships with thicker armors and bigger artilleries would be unrivaled on the sea. In that case, fierce, heavy battleships with thick armor were unparalleled on the sea. Besides battleships of the same kind, no warship could match them!"
Watching Yan Feiqing's puzzled look, Zhang Tie combed off his train of thoughts as he continued.
"However, despite being powerful, battleships are very expensive. Not every country could produce it. Therefore, in that age, besides battleships, human navies were also matched with other warships with thinner armors which were smaller and weaker than battleships, such as cruisers and destroyers. Any of these warships couldn't match battleships independently; however, the combination of some cruisers could inflict heavy losses to battleships or send them to bottom. Similarly, these warships were also components of a country's maritime hegemony and power; additionally, they had their own strengths. For instance, cruisers might move faster than battleships!"
"When battleship reached its heyday, someone suggested to build a new warship besides battleship, cruiser and the others; this new warship could combine the great firepower of a battleship with the speed of cruiser. As long as this kind of warship was built, it would make the following effect come true——as long as it could catch up with its enemy, it would be able to crack them by force and send them to the bottom. However, warships which could send this kind of warship to the bottom by force couldn't catch up with it. Do you think there's any problem with this thought?"
After thinking it for a while, Yan Feiqing replied, "It's reasonable, correct. However, I'm afraid that the result was not like how those people imagined. Because this kind of warship's strength couldn't last. Now that you could make it, the others could make it too. After offsetting the strength interactively, the ocean would recover its balance!"
Zhang Tie nodded as he said, "Therefore, human navy powers built a new warship called battlecruiser. It combines the firepower of a battleship with the great speed of cruiser. Later on, as you say, when it was built, it was pretty powerful; although it couldn't defeat battleship, the latter couldn't catch up with it either. Anyone that it could catch up with would suffer a great loss. After that, the strength of this warship was known to the public. As a result, the same battlecruisers were built by other countries, matching up its strength on the sea. From then on, all parties returned to the same starting line and maintained the balance until airplanes were put into use in naval battle…
"You mean…" Yan Feiqing understood it a bit.
"If a sage-level knight is regarded as the battleship in this age, I might be a battle cruiser in this age. Even if it was a duel, I could also be unrivaled due to my great speed. In the battle at the bank of Weishui River, if Sagus the Abyss King didn't use the thunder of nirvana, it couldn't hurt me at all even if we carry out a fight. The combat between a sage-level knight and I wouldn't see a result but a stalemate. It depends on who could stick to the end and agrees to leave the battlefield first…"
"Do you really think so?"
"Yes!" Zhang Tie nodded. During the long period before his full recovery since he was severely injured from the battle at the bank of Weishui River, Zhang Tie had deducted the combat between a sage-level knight and him for many times. The mere result was that he dragged the opponent into a longlasting stalemate using his strength in speed as a divine dominator. No matter how powerful a sage-level knight was, if he couldn't touch Zhang Tie, his strength in battle strength would be useless.
After taking in a deep breath, Yan Feiqing asked, "Do you know that the sage-level knight of Taiyi Fantasy Sect also masters a mysterious yet very powerful aiding strength besides his realm? That aiding strength could offset your strength in speed!"
"Aiding strength? I have aiding strength too. But I feel…"
"The aiding strength of sage-level knight is absolutely different than that of common knights. They're not on the same level. In fact, only the aiding strength of sage-level knight deserves its name. All the aiding strength of knights below sage-level knight are far from the essence of aiding strength, reinforced or weakened. The real aiding strength is always mysterious and unpredictable. Like the edge of universal law, they're absolutely irresistible for people below sage-level knight…" Yan Feiqing paused as she continued, "When I was young, my master told me that she saw a sage-level human knight striking an escaping heavenly demon knight into pieces from 60 miles away by one punch using his aiding strength in the earth-element realm…"
Zhang Tie watched Yan Feiqing with a dumbfounded look. At this moment, Zhang Tie suddenly recalled that his master Zhaoyuan told him that aiding strength was the most powerful strength that a knight could master. However, after owning his Supreme Protection, Zhang Tie gradually forgot about the power of aiding strength as he thought it was just mediocre…
…
After staying in the attic for a short while, Yan Feiqing had left there, leaving Zhang Tie sitting beside the window, watching the scenery outside the window.
Not until then did Zhang Tie find that he actually not had face-to-face combat with a sage-level knight at all although he had contacted sage-level knights for a few times. To tell the truth, he didn't have a deep recognition of the battle strength or abilities of sage-level knights. Therefore, Zhang Tie felt a bit regretful having not had face-to-face combat with Yun Zhongzi in his realm a few days ago.
He had not even tried a sage-level knight's realm, not to mention a sage-level knight's aiding strength.
Not until then did Zhang Tie realize that he had underestimated sage-level knights…
With his growing power, Zhang Tie, unavoidably, became conceited as he was proud unconsciously.
The sage-level knight of Taiyi Fantasy mastered aiding strength. It seemed that the Imperial Alliance had determined to win the combat.
This crisis was definitely much severer than he could imagine. In fact, it was absolutely the largest crisis facing him since he promoted to a knight…
Chapter 1606: Zhang Tie's Arrangement
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie returned home at night and had supper with his wives.
Although Zhang Tie looked as normal as before and even told a joke at the table, causing his kids to chuckle around him constantly, his wives didn't look happy at all; instead, they all looked a bit worried about him.
Apparently, his wives had already known that the top three sects sent black invitation cards to Zhang Tie. Additionally, they knew what did black invitation card mean.
Now that Feng Yexiao and the other two shadow knights did it in front of over 10,000 disciples of Iron-Dragon Sect, this event couldn't be confidential anymore. In fact, when Zhang Tie left Xuantian Peak, a piece called Black Invitation Cards from Top Three Sects in Taixia Country Appeared in Iron-Dragon Sect at the same time had been popular in the forum Mountain of Brightness. Tens of thousands of people had already viewed it. After that, Zhang Tie's remote-sensing devices started to rock, which he used to contact Guang Clan, Jiang Clan, royal prince, military commander Cheng, military god, Yun Zhongzi, Heavens Fortune Sect, Demons-kill Valley and his elder brother, and so on…
In the case of Zhang Taixuan, most of Zhang Tie's remote-sensing finger rings had got lost. As Zhang Taixuan didn't know the codes and jargons of those finger rings, Zhang Tie thought those remote-sensing finger rings might have long been destroyed by Zhang Taixuan. Therefore, after Zhang Tie recovered freedom, Zhang Tie ordered another batch of remote-sensing finger rings and had people sent them to his friends and relatives so that he could contact them in Taixia Country. As for some friends on the Western Continent, Zhang Tie couldn't contact them for the time being.
It took Zhang Tie a few hours to patiently reply to those concerns and inquiries, stop Yun Zhongzi from coming back to the surface of the ground, deal with some affairs and make some arrangements.
Although having promoted to a sage-level knight, Yun Zhongzi didn't master the aiding strength of a sage-level knight. Therefore, even though he came back, it couldn't change anything. No matter what, he was facing three sage-level knights, who were the most powerful ones of top three sects; instead of only one sage-level knight. Besides, Yun Zhongzi's return might make it trickier. Therefore, Zhang Tie didn't have him come back.
Additionally, he verified the complete difference in aiding strength between a sage-level knight and those below sage-level knight through Yun Zhongzi——the aiding strength of sage-level knight combines four elements, namely earth, water, wind and fire, which could resonate with the universe like an immortal strength. Nobody below sage-level knight could resist it. Only sage-level knights who had mastered absolute strength in his own realm could isolate himself from other sage-level knight's aiding strength.
Therefore, only sage-level knights could fight sage-level knights as top powers in this age.
When the sun set, Iron-Dragon Sect looked tranquil as before. However, the entire country had been shocked by the black invitation cards from top three sects. As a result, the news that Iron-Dragon Sect was going to collapse had become popular across the country only in half a day.
At that time, Zhang Tie left Iron-Dragon Sect and reunited with his wives and kids at the table after months' departure. They started to enjoy a bumper supper. No matter how billows surged outside, the moment the gate of Zhang Tie's home was closed from inside, they had been blocked outside.
…
"Alexander, it's too late. You should go to finish your evening classes with your brothers and sisters and go to bed…" Olina who didn't eat too much put down her tablewares as she told Alexander who was listing to Zhang Tie's story with a strong interest when the supper was almost coming to an end.
Although those little guys were still interested in Zhang Tie's story, they still constrained their curiosity as they left the table and returned to their own rooms under the guidance of their maids.
"Dad, what about later? What happened to the two boas later…" Alexander couldn't stand turning around and asking Zhang Tie when he was going to leave the dining room.
"They become the bracelet of that warrior and the powerful battle partners who could be summoned at any time by that warrior for the coming challenge and exploration…" Zhang Tie said with a smile.
"Aah, that's great…"
After cheering up, Alexander and the other little guys felt satisfied as they returned to their own rooms pleasantly.
However, those little guys didn't notice that double-snake bracelet on the left wrist of their father. Zhang Tie's experience was dangerous, undulating, shocking and legendary. Only after brief handling, Zhang Tie could make them vivid knight's stories which these kids were fascinated by. Alexander and the other kids might not know that all the stories that Zhang Tie told them were Zhang Tie's real experiences; instead, they all took them as fabricated stories. Perhaps, they would understand when they grew up.
Zhang Tie watched them disappearing at the stairs at the end of the corridor gently and fatherly. Not until they completely left there and the door of the canteen was closed did Zhang Tie turn around when he saw the concerned and worried eyes of his wives.
Compared to this crisis facing Zhang Tie, the crisis facing Ice and Snow Wilderness from Sacred Light Empire on the Western Continent was just a piece of cake.
O'Laura became slightly hesitant under the gaze of the other wives before she broke the silence, "This time…"
"This time, it is just a challenge. I've experienced so many similar challenges and dangers!" Zhang Tie interrupted her arbitrarily and calmly as he picked the glass and bottomed up it. After putting down the glass, he watched O'Laura seriously, saying, "I've already considered what you���ve told me last time. I feel you're right. Over these years, I have indeed ignored your feelings. In fact, you didn't feel happy at all, even in Taixia Country. Therefore, I agree to coordinate with you so that you could leave Taixia Country safely. Additionally, I would arrange everything well for you. Don't worry. I've already found proper teachers for our kids. As long as they're old enough to receive an education, someone would take them away. From now on, you will be fully committed to the business of fiery oil on the Western Continent. Alexander and the other hybrids would inherit it in the future. Jinwu Palace would not interfere with it. In addition, I've contacted Golden Roc Bank and customized a top personal wealth and comprehensive safety plan for each other you; more than that, I've bought insurance worth 2 billion gold coins for each of you; it has already taken effect. Linda, Fiona and Beverly, you should leave together with them too…"
"You bastard; liar…" Watching Zhang Tie who looked pretty calm, O'Laura suddenly became irritated as she tossed her glass towards Zhang Tie, a table in between; at the same time, she burst into tears.
When the glass arrived in front of Zhang Tie, it was caught by an invisible hand and suspended in the air. Closely after that, it slowly descended onto the table.
All the women in the room had been in tears.
"No, I will not go anywhere…" Linda cried as she shook her head, saying, "I will always be with you. I'm not afraid of anything as long as you're on my side!"
"I will not go anywhere, either…" Fiona cried as she begged Zhang Tie.
Beverly was gazing at Zhang Tie while biting her lips.
Facing those plaintive eye lights, Zhang Tie suddenly felt like giving a compromise; however, closely after that, Zhang Tie gritted his teeth as he sprung up and watched them calmly, saying, "You have to go. I'm a bit tired; I have to take a rest…"
After leaving these words, Zhang Tie left the canteen, leaving those women behind…
Chapter 1607: The Discussion in Stars-picking Pavilion
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
In the deep evening, Stars-picking Pavilion, Xuanyuan Hill…
In long robe, Xuanyuan Changying was standing on the top of Stars-picking Pavilion which was higher than 200 m. Hands on back, he had been looking up at the stars for two hours without moving.
Not until his trusted bodyguard said in a low tone with footsteps, "Your Majesty, Mr. Fang has arrived…" did he let out a long sigh and turn around abruptly. Being as silent as before, he strode towards the study room…
In the study room, a literati in green robe was waiting there. Xuanyuan Changying opened the curtain, causing jade beads quiver like how rain beat plantain leaves. Closely after that, Xuanyuan Changying strode forward with the wind as he said, "Mr. Fang…"
"Your Majesty, you're going to be the emperor of Taixia Country and rule humans and the universe. As an emperor, you should not change your face even when Mount Tai collapses in front of you. However, Your Majesty has already lost your mind due to the event of the black invitation cards. This is a taboo for the emperor. The greater the event is, the calmer Your Majesty should be…" the literati in green robe watched Xuanyuan Changying in an extremely conscientious and unprecedentedly stern look.
"I know my fault, but it's great urgency. Therefore, I have to call Mr. Fang back from Cangzhou Province for the countermeasure…" Xuanyuan Changying explained as he bowed towards that literati.
"After 4-5 hours' trip by airboat, I'm a bit hungry and thirsty. It's said that Your Majesty's teaism is great in the royal palace and once won the favor of the former Emperor Xuanyuan. How about performing your teaism for Qingming first, Your Majesty?" Mr. Fang said as he took off his boots and sat down quietly beside the tea table. Watching Xuanyuan Changying calmly, he continued, "In such a beautiful day, it's elegant for us to drink tea in Stars-picking Pavilion and listen to the blow of wind…"
Xuanyuan Changying instantly got Mr. Fang's meaning as he took in a deep breath and took off his shoes too. Sitting on the opposite of Mr. Fang, teapoy in between, he clapped his hands, having maids serve tea set.
The teaism of Taixia Country was extensive and profound. One hour flashed since Xuanyuan Changying started to perform his teaism.
The anxiety of Xuanyuan Changying slowly faded away as the scented tea water entered his mouth. As a result, his blue face slightly turned kind after Xuanyuan Changying had a cup of tea.
In the process, Mr. Fang remained silent. He just saw Xuanyuan Changying gradually slow his movement and pour tea water into teacups on the teapoy as fluently as flowing clouds and water like how blossoms opened and fell. Then, Mr. Fang gradually revealed a faint smile.
'In teaism, human and tea control each other. Although I work for a royal prince. In my opinion, everything in the world is a piece, including Emperor Xuanyuan and royal prince. If I want to use the royal prince as a piece, I should be involved in the game too. There's actually no border between player and piece. It's just a matter of realm. If I could have a fight in the big game and remain famous forever, I would live up to my learning and ambition.' Fang Qingming thought inside.
After having two cups of tea, Mr. Fang put down the teacup as he slowly opened his mouth, "It's a deadlock!"
The moment he heard Mr. Fang's words, Xuanyuan Changying, having just recovered his composure, had quivered his hand, sprayed some tea water over the teapoy. Watching the bit of tea water on the teapoy, His Majesty heaved a sigh inside as he lightly put down the teacup and asked, "Why do you say so, Mr. Fang?"
"These black invitation cards are definitely not the products of the whim of top three sects; nor do they send them because of the event of the Dongtian of Great Wilderness Sect, although top three sects couldn't bear their losses. There's only one reason——the top three sects have been scared of Zhang Tie too much as they don't want to spare time for Zhang Tie to grow up anymore. In my opinion, when Zhang Tie killed the heavenly demon knight at the bank of Weishui River, they had already prepared the three black invitation cards!" Mr. Fang said calmly as wise light flashed across his eyes.
Xuanyuan Changying was shocked at a stroke as he appeared knowing something, "But why now?"
"There're two reasons——first, after the battle at the bank of Weishui River, Zhang Tie made a great contribution to Taixia Country and humans and won a great prestige. Besides, he was severely injured. At that moment, the top three sects had intended to launch a challenge to Zhang Tie; however, they couldn't find any excuse; otherwise, they would become the target of the public. Therefore, they kept bearing it since then. However, there was one more important reason, which is because of Your Majesty!��
"Aah, because of me?" Xuanyuan Changying became startled.
"Yes, because of you. If not Zhang Tie instantly expressed that he would like to stand on your side and make Your Majesty more popular among people and closer to the throne, I think the powers of the top three sects should try to contact Zhang Tie and persuaded him to join them. By contrast, now, as long as they seized a bit chance in the Dongtian of Great Wilderness Sect, they had intended to kill Zhang Tie. If they succeeded, they would break one arm of Your Majesty. Their fast and fierce move is equal to admit their disguise…"
As Xuanyuan Changying was smart, he instantly understood what Mr. Fang meant. He was shocked so much that he didn't make a response until a few minutes later, "Mr. Fang, you mean…"
"Yes, the top three sects have already been involved in the war for the throne of Taixia Country. Additionally, Taiyi Fantasy Sect, Heavens Holding Pavilion and Qionglou who sent black invitation cards to Zhang Tie must not root for Your Majesty; instead, they must support third prince or ninth prince…"
"Audacious…" Xuanyuan Changying was irritated as he slapped onto the teapoy. Giving out light weirdly, the tea set disappeared in the eyes of Mr. Fang due to the great battle qi of Xuanyuan Changying; instead of being broken into pieces.
'Is this the power of Xuanyuan Deity Sutra ? If it was used for a commoner or an ordinary knight, that person might have been crushed into sh*t by such a palm. As it was Mr. Fang's first time to see Xuanyuan Changying lose his temper, Fang Qingming's heart raced as he thought, 'But…the tea water, what a pity…'
Watching the empty seat in front of him, Mr. Fang shook his head helplessly…
"How dare they do that? How dare they do that?" Xuanyuan Changying was driven mad as he sprung up and walked here and there in the room like a mad lion while giving out his killing intent, "Top six sects are forbidden to intervene with internal politics. It's the rule fixed between my father and the top six sects. After my father disappears, they become so rebellious. Besides, they even join the war for the throne of Taixia Country and intended to abolish me and advocate another royal prince. That's too audacious! That's too audacious! I will summon the top four armies along with Military God to annihilate those bandits. I will chop off their heads; chop off their heads…"
"Your Majesty, do you really want to call back Military God?" Mr. Fang heaved a sigh as he continued, "If Military God is fetched back, the first one being beheaded would be me; instead of the knights of the top three sects as I would be accused of bewildering the royal prince so that Your Majesty would do such a stupid thing. As a result, the country as a whole would be in chaos. By then, Military God would definitely have Your Majesty send my head to the top three sects for their forgiveness. Besides, Your Majesty shall at least send a notice of self-condemnation and admit your fault to the rest of the world. It's not an end yet. After that, Your Majesty's reputation would decline greatly while all sorts of gossips that Your Majesty is not suitable to take the throne would be popular across the country. Advocated by someone, the one who was rooted for by the top three sects might return to Xuanyuan Hill and take the throne aboveboard…"
After hearing Fang Qingming's words, Xuanyuan Changying who was furious instantly became petrified like being poured with a basin of water. At the same time, he recovered his composure.
"Mr. Fang, you mean…"
"But we have no evidence. Your Majesty, do you think that the top three sects would reveal any evidence to us if they root for a prince? Even if we could find some evidence, do you think the evidence would be important or not?" Mr. Fang said as he watched Xuanyuan Changying calmly, "There's a proverb on Western Continent——Being furious when you're weak is meaningless. As Emperor Xuanyuan has disappeared, who in Taixia Country could crack down the sage-level knights of the top three sects?"
"We could combine with Heavenly Fortune Sect, Demons-kill Valley, Elder Liu who's on the back of the imperial palace and Military God…" Xuanyuan Changying said with hope.
"Haha…" Mr. Fang burst into laughter. Closely after that, he let out a sigh, saying, "Your Majesty, have you forgotten how you blamed Taiyi Fantasy Sect, Heavens Holding Pavilion and Qionglou Pavilion just now? If Your Majesty wants Heavenly Fortune Sect and Demons-kill Valley to assist you, it's nothing different than having them transfer their powers to Your Majesty. Your Majesty, do you think Heavens Holding Pavilion and Demons-kill Valley would die for you? Even if they agree, someone would blame Your Majesty for having top sects involve in the war for the throne of Taixia Country. By then, Your Majesty would be the one who violated the law regulated by the former Emperor Xuanyuan. What would you say then…"
After standing there still for a while, Xuanyuan Changying finally sat down in a bit frustrated manner as he said, "Mr. Fang, you mean, I could only watch the top three sects break my arm this time. As Zhang Tie helped me in Xuanyuan Hill; if I couldn't keep him alive this time, who would favor me in the future? Who would regard me as a reliable person…"
"That interprets the evil of the three black invitation cards. Besides defeating Zhang Tie and occupying Iron-Dragon Sect, they also want to ruin Your Majesty's reputation!" Mr. Fang said as he watched Xuanyuan Changying seriously. After being silent for a short while, he continued, "I'm just a literati; instead of a knight. I don't know about the battle strength of the sage-level knights of the top three sects; however, I know that Your Majesty must know their powers. Your Majesty, do you think Zhang Tie could escape from the chase of sage-level knights when he used his ability as a divine dominator? Do you think he could carry out longlasting combat with sage-level knights in this way? If he could, I have a method to help Zhang Tie reverse the battle situation…"
Shaking his head, Xuanyuan Changying heaved a sigh, "It's impossible. Mr. Fang, you might not know that my father told me that the sage-level knight Taiyi Old Man of Taiyi Fantasy Sect had already promoted to a sage-level knight for over 300 years. His aiding strength is Great Power Sun Flame. This aiding strength is unrivaled. Within hundreds of miles, as long as he glanced at the target, he would be able to have his Sun Flame cover the opponent. Even a heavenly knight couldn't stand too long facing Sun Flame. Despite Zhang Tie's fast move, he couldn't match the transmission speed of the Great Power Sun Flame. Additionally, the site is in the vast Gobi. In that case, the power of the Sun Flame would be greater. I don't think Zhang Tie could survive the combat…"
"It still doesn't work even though Zhang Tie promotes to a heavenly knight in the tower of time within 100 days?"
"It doesn't work. Unless he could promote to a sage-level knight within 100 days, he could never resist the aiding strength of a sage-level knight!"
It was almost impossible for a person to promote to a sage-level knight from a shadow knight. Actually, Zhang Tie couldn't promote to a sage-level knight even if he stayed 100 years in the tower of time. The key to promoting to a sage-level knight was to form one's sage chakra. It was the largest obstacle facing all the cultivators who were going to promote to sage-level knights, which couldn't be broken through in a short period. Someone might still not be able to find the way to promote to a sage-level knight even after promoting to a semi-sage knight for hundreds of years.
"It's just the individual power of Taiyi Old Man. I wonder whether the sage-level knights of the other two sects have mastered aiding strength or not?"
"Not yet in the last holy war between humans and demons; however, this time…" Xuanyuan Changying said as he shook his head, "My father had been paying special attention to the sage-level knights of top sects. However, he couldn't get any intelligence from the sage-level knights of the other two sects over these years even in Xuanyuan Hill!"
"According to you, Zhang Tie is doomed to die this time?"
"Yes!" Xuanyuan Changying replied with a regretful and furious look, "I was too careless. If I've long known this, I would have appointed Zhang Tie as the commander-in-chief of air cavalries in Taixia Country when he was in Xuanyuan Hill even if he disagreed. At least, we don't need to worry about receiving black invitation cards…"
"Nobody could predict the future in this world. If there is, the holy war has long come to an end. After hearing Your Majesty's words, I feel pretty self-condemned…" Mr. Fang answered with a bitter smile, "At that time, I thought Immortal Qianji would live free after leaving the officialdom; I thought he would concentrate on managing Iron-Dragon Sect and develop his reputation and influence among the people, which would definitely be more helpful to Your Majesty than being in the officialdom. Therefore, I didn't persuade Your Majesty to keep him at that time. I didn't imagine that Taiyi Fantasy Sect, Heavens Holding Pavilion and Qionglou Pavilion dare to intervene with the war for the throne of Taixia Country when Your Majesty is still supervising the domestic affairs. It seems that they have long combined with each other; instead of choosing their stance temporarily…"
"The preoccupancy is the black invitation cards; I wonder about your countermeasure, Mr. Fang."
"The opponent put down a perilous and powerful piece this time. However, my countermeasure couldn't solve the problem essentially…"
"Aah, Mr. Fang, hurry, tell me about that!"
"Isn't Your Majesty investigating the case of the extermination of Great Wilderness Sect? We could pin down the top three sects to a certain degree from this point…"
"But even if we could do something, we wouldn't have the top three sects withdraw their black invitation cards!"
"Of course, the top three sects couldn't withdraw their black invitation cards even if we do that…"
"If so, does this countermeasure work?"
After being silent for a while, Mr. Fang slowly opened his mouth, "It depends on the choice of Immortal Qianji. Although it's very hard to make such a choice at a high price, as long as Immortal Qianji makes this choice, Your Majesty could help him solve the rest things…"
Xuanyuan Changying was almost confused as he asked, "Mr. Fang, you mean…"
"Black invitation card is the regulation fixed between top sects in Taixia Country. It's not from Taixia Law. To tell the truth, it's just an unwritten rule in folklore. Anyone who receives black invitation cards should attend the combat as requested by the top sects.
Widely opening his mouth, Xuanyuan Changying understood it at a stroke, "I see…"
"It's hard to make such a choice. Additionally, he has to suffer a lot. His reputation might be ruined. Your Majesty, if you agree, I will pay a visit to Zhang Tie in Iron-Dragon Sect tomorrow on behalf of Your Majesty…"
Chapter 1608: Zhang Tie's Decision
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
When Zhang Tie woke up again, he found that Linda was lying on his one arm while Beverly was lying on his chest. His other arm was around Fiona. The big bed was crisscrossed with naked bodies while the tight and thick curtain made the room a bit dim. An extravagant and bohemian atmosphere was fermenting in the room…
Turning around, Zhang Tie saw a trace of tears on Linda's face. Zhang Tie didn't know whether her tears were originated from the pleasure of sex or sad departure or both of them. Last night, when he made her orgasm for the last time, Linda finally couldn't stand dropping off her tears…
After throwing a glance at those women, Zhang Tie got off the bed; instead of waking them up. He came to the bathroom for a bath. After changing a set of clothes, he left the room.
It was Zhang Tie's first time to leave this room since he came back five days ago. Over the past five days, Zhang Tie just meddled with them like how he did with those girls of Rose Association in Blackhot City. He rolled with women day and night like what an emperor of uncontrolled lusts did.
After putting on clothes, Zhang Tie left the bedroom and came to the floor close below them. He came to his kids' bedrooms one after another and threw a glance at them who was in sound sleep. After covering quilts for them, he lightly kissed each of them before leaving there quietly.
When Zhang Tie left the villa, the day had not broken yet while the icy moonlight and starlight sprayed over the ground. Misty vapor was drifting above the water pool in the garden. As it was almost November, it had been piercing to bones in Youzhou Province. The leaves of red maples in the garden had already turned red, along which frost, they indicated the coming bleak autumn.
After taking a deep breath of the fresh and cold air and exhaling a mouth of hot air, Zhang Tie looked up at the skyline as he felt clear-minded.
O'Laura had just woken up; however, she didn't open her eyes. Nor did Zhang Tie wake her up; instead, he left the room alone as he pretended to not have known that she was already awake.
Although they received the black invitation cards five days ago, he felt that it was one year ago. After these days, the stress and faint irritation in his heart had already faded away while the feeling of controlling everything returned.
A tenacious and decisive look flashed across Zhang Tie's face.
After achieving the Dongtian of Great Wilderness Sect, Zhang Tie had not imagined that the Imperial Alliance could give him such an overwhelming blow after he disguised to have not fully recovered and showed the white feather. Zhang Tie had underestimated the decision and strong will of the Imperial Alliance. Instead of stimulating him or making a further attempt, Imperial Alliance directly forced him to the dead end, sparing no chance for them anymore.
As top three sects of Taixia Country who would like to compete for ruling the country with Xuanyuan Changying, Imperial Alliance finally let Zhang Tie know what opponents he was facing with its evil and decisiveness. Perhaps he was still a bit naive and reckless in the eyes of those old monsters in Imperial Alliance who had lived hundreds of years given shrewdness.
It was also a lesson that Zhang Tie gained this time——Never underestimate your enemy. There might be idiots in your enemies; however, don't expect that all of your enemies are idiots. In fact, they might be smarter and more experienced and vicious than you. They always know how to hide and give you a fatal blow in critical moments.
However, each coin had two sides. Besides forcing Zhang Tie to the dead end, the three black invitation cards saved a lot of trouble for Zhang Tie.
Previously, Zhang Tie planned to make an arrangement for disguising the departure of his wives. However, after receiving black invitation cards, he might not prepare too much for that.
"Master…" Zhang Gui, whom Zhang Tie had not seen for seven days had shown up in front of Zhang Tie, lowering his head, like an old dog in the dark corner of the garden.
Zhang Tie threw a glance at Zhang Gui as some vials of top disguising medicament appeared in his hand. He then handed them to Zhang Gui.
As a person who used to do dirty jobs for Han Zhengfang and his son, the moment he took those vials of medicament, Zhang Gui had known their function. Looking at Zhang Tie for a second, Zhang Gui instantly knew what he should do.
"When my wives leave Taixia Country, you'd better leave with them in another identity. If a trusted subordinate of mine is with them, I would be reassured. Am I clear?" Zhang Tie told Zhang Gui using his battle qi.
"As long as this vassal is alive, I would guarantee the safety of madams and young masters…" Zhang Gui promised as he put away those vials of disguising medicament.
"You'd better make preparation in the following days. The language and customs in the west are different than that in Taixia Country…"
"Yes, sir!"
After throwing another glance at Zhang Gui and the villa behind him, Zhang Tie shot into the sky at a stroke and disappeared in the next second.
In this case, it was already meaningless for him to hide his real battle strength for trapping others. Nor did Zhang Tie feel like hiding anything. After entering the sky, he changed his direction towards Jinwu City and reached severe times the speed of sound in a split second.
O'Laura was standing behind a curtain as she bit her lips and watched Zhang Tie flying away with sparkling tears…
Zhang Tie's move of looking back appeared that he was bidding farewell to her.
O'Laura knew that Zhang Tie had gone downstairs to look at their kids. However, the departure before daybreak meant that Zhang Tie would not come back again. It was the last time when she saw Zhang Tie in Taixia Country.
O'Laura tried to not cry out; instead, tears flew off her delicate cheeks and gathered at her beautiful jaw before falling onto the soft carpet.
"Previously, he was the whole world of us. From now on, we should be another world of him…" Olina had already appeared behind O'Laura as she put one hand on the latter's shoulder. Being different than O'Laura, Olina didn't have tears in her eyes; instead, she only showed a strong will, "This continent doesn't belong to us. If this continent doesn't belong to him one day, his home would be where we are."
…
Zhang Tie stayed in Jinwu City with his elder brother and parents for two more days.
Over the two days, the black invitation cards had aroused greater influence across the country. Even Jinwu Business Group's foreign trade had been weakened as some cooperative programs which had been contracted saw changes. As the center of the storm, Youzhou Province, however, was in tranquility weirdly.
People from all walks of life were queuing up outside the mountain gate of Iron-Dragon Sect to ask for meeting Zhang Tie. However, Zhang Tie had people declined all of them.
However, two days later, the arrival of one person forced Zhang Tie to return to Iron-Dragon Sect from Jinwu City.
Zhang Tie had to meet the person dispatched by the royal prince…
Chapter 1609: Family Members
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie's elder brother Zhang Yang didn't promote to a knight. Actually, he couldn't even bear two decades' silence in the tower of time of Heavenly Fortune Sect. According to Zhang Yang, although he had made preparations well, when he stayed in the tower of time for 14 years, he had felt something wrong as the monotony and loneliness in the tower of time almost drove him mad. Zhang Yang even had hallucination in that environment. Additionally, he couldn't concentrate on cultivation at all and almost became obsessed with the devil for a few times. As he couldn't stand it anymore, he could only end his cultivation in the tower of time in advance in case of trouble.
The strict environment in the tower of time was not suitable for everyone. As Zhang Yang lacked a bit of flair in cultivation, he couldn't bear such a long period in such an environment.
After 14 years' cultivation using the cultivation resources that he had prepared for himself, Zhang Yang totally lit 597 surging points in the tower of time, 13 surging points away from being a LV 15 battle spirit.
When Zhang Tie saw Zhang Yang, Zhang Yang had already recovered after a few days' rest. Although he had made great progress in battle strength, he was still scared of the tower of time.
Zhang Tie stayed at home for two days. In the daytime, he accompanied his parents and declined all the guests' visits. In the evening, after having supper with his family members, Zhang Tie would have secret talks with Zhang Yang in the study room. Nobody knew what they talked about. Not until the person dispatched by Xuanyuan Changying arrived at Fire-Dragon Bounty Territory did Zhang Tie bid a farewell to his elder brother and his family members and leave Jinwu City.
When he left, his parents, Zhang Yang and elder sisters-in-law left the house to bid farewell to him.
"Dad, mom, take care of yourselves. I have something to deal with and have to go back to Iron-Dragon Sect…"
Under the gaze of everyone at present, Zhang Tie suddenly knelt down in front of his parents. After kowtowing three times for them, he stood up.
Zhang Yang kept watching Zhang Tie with a solemn look; instead of stopping him to do that. However, their parents were startled by Zhang Tie's move as Zhang Tie did not do that when he bade farewell to them before.
"What are you doing? Why do you kowtow? Your dad and I are still young. When Zhang Yang and you become grandpas, we could even look after your grandchildren…" Zhang Tie's mom cared about his son so much. When Zhang Tie stood up, his mom hurriedly walked over there as she started to blame him and cleared the dust on his pants by patting it.
"Ahem, ahem, as the head of a sect, you don't need to kowtow for us. Thankfully, there's no outsider here. How embarrassing it would be if it was seen by outsiders…" Zhang Tie's dad said on one side. After a few seconds, he finally asked Zhang Tie, "I heard someone talk about black invitation cards outside yesterday. Is Taiyi Fantasy Sect finding you trouble?"
After hearing their dad's words, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang exchanged a glance with each other. Closely after that, Zhang Yang frowned faintly. Nevertheless, Zhang Tie remained calm as usual.
"What black invitation cards? Guoguo, you have trouble? But why don't you tell me?" Zhang Tie's mom instantly caught the topic as she asked Zhang Tie.
"Haha, it's nothing. Because of the discovery of Dongtian of Great Wilderness Sect in South Border, I have a small conflict with some sects. As we couldn't solve it orally, we have to have combat…" Zhang Tie said casually.
"Erm, is it dangerous?" Zhang Tie's mom asked him.
"Mom, you know who your son is. I was not even afraid of the demon army at the bank of Weishui River and could survive it, why am I scared of the small conflict between Iron-Dragon Sect and a couple of sects in Taixia Country? Given your son's fame, I would not worry about Taiyi Fantasy Sect's threat, not to mention my power!"
Zhang Tie explained loudly as if it was just a piece of cake. As his parents didn't know the details, they believed in Zhang Tie's words and became reassured.
"We Zhang family would neither stir up trouble nor be afraid of trouble. Guoguo, no matter what you do, your family is always on your back!" Zhang Tie's mom expressed her stance confidently.
"However, we should always show mercy to our opponents. As for those problems which could be settled peacefully, you'd better be low-key…" Zhang Tie's dad persuaded Zhang Tie in case of trouble.
Zhang Tie constantly nodded as if he was accepting their education modestly. After his parents finished their words, Zhang Tie turned around and saw his elder brother and elder sisters-in-law.
"Elder brother, elder sisters-in-law…" Zhang Tie told them with a smile, "When I'm not at home, you should take care of our parents; thank you in advance…"
Zhang Yang nodded while Zhang Tie's elder sisters-in-law answered modestly hurriedly.
"Alright, I got to go…" Zhang Tie revealed a smile as he instantly flew off. After making a circle around the mansion, he flew towards Iron-Dragon Sect as fast as a lightning bolt.
Zhang Yang watched Zhang Yang flying off while he was clenching his fists forcefully, causing his fingernails white.
After Zhang Tie left home and his family members returned home, Zhang Yang instantly declared a piece of news to his parents——he would marry again a few days later.
"Aah, which family does she come from?" Zhang Tie's mom's eyes turned bright at once after hearing the news.
Their parents didn't feel strange about having one more daughter-in-law. All the major clans in Taixia Country would have a lot of daughters-in-law and an array of grandchildren. Although having already got wives and concubines, Zhang Tie and Zhang Yang were relatively conservative in this aspect. Whereas, what amazed their parents was that it was Zhang Yang who posed it himself this time.
"Actually, this marriage was almost fixed by Zhang Tie for his elder brother last year. The female comes from Zuoqiu Clan in Taixia Country…"
"Zuoqiu Clan? It's a rare family name. I've not heard about such a major clan in Youzhou Province and Northeast Military Region…" Zhang Tie's dad asked out of confusion after thinking about it carefully.
"Is it Zuoqiu Clan of Biyong Palace?"
"Zuoqiu Clan of Biyong Palace?" Zhang Tie's dad instantly widely opened his eyes. After the founding of Jinwu Palace, Zhang Tie's dad had been learning about the famous clans in Taixia Country in case of being embarrassed. Biyong Clan was well-known across the country, which was even more famous than Huaiyuan Palace. By contrast, Huaiyuan Palace was like a rural daughter while Biyong Palace was like a princess in a lord's mansion. This family name shocked Zhang Tie's dad at a stroke. After a few seconds, Zhang Ping swallowed his saliva as he asked hesitantly, "Is it.. the branch of Zuoqiu Clan or…"
"She's the direct descendant of Zuoqiu Clan who has close parental relation with Zuoqiu Mingyue the military minister of Taixia Country. With good look, talent and customs, she could be a good wife…" Zhang Yang explained calmly…
Zhang Tie's mom didn't know the position of Biyong Palace in Taixia Country; however, she was clear about the title of military minister in Taixia Country. Therefore, Zhang Tie's mom was also petrified…
Chapter 1610: The Arrival of Qingming
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
It was pleasant to display one's battle strength at his will. Like that a billionaire didn't need to hide his deposit; instead, he would like to use it whenever he wanted. It was good for any person.
It was a sunny day. Zhang Tie was flying at seven times the speed of sound and enjoying the flight while displaying his abilities casually. In this state, the bit fret in Zhang Tie's heart appeared having been blown away by the heavy airflow.
It took Zhang Tie less than one hour to arrive above Xuantian Peak of Iron-Dragon Sect from Jinwu City.
After almost one week, the influence of black invitation cards had been gradually fermenting in Iron-Dragon Sect. Thankfully, it didn't arouse any chaos within the sect. Whereas, the thousands of meters long line outside the mountain gate of Iron-Dragon Sect became much shorter today.
An airboat was suspending above Xuantian Peak. Given its magnificence and pattern, Zhang Tie immediately recognized that it was from Xuanyuan Hill. It appeared that His Majesty was not afraid of being known that he had dispatched someone here. Perhaps, His Majesty did it purposefully to tell someone that His Majesty was at least standing on Zhang Tie's side.
Nevertheless, Zhang Tie felt much better no matter whether His Majesty did it sincerely or not. At least it was better than framing him. It was not easy for His Majesty to make it based on his temperament.
After returning to Iron-Dragon Sect and greeting those elders, Zhang Tie entered an attic with beautiful scenery where he solemnly received this important person who came here on behalf of the royal prince at this critical moment.
Previously, Zhang Tie thought he was an internal affairs official of His Majesty or a powerhouse; however, Zhang Tie had not imagined that he was just a gentle literati in three strands of the long beard, holding a jade-framed feather fan.
Only after throwing a glance at him, Zhang Tie had known his battle strength. The literati had only lit his shrine surging point and 34 surging points on his spine, which meant he was just LV 9. It was really out of Zhang Tie's imagination.
Although being low in battle strength, the literati looked decent. Others might look a bit awkward by holding a fan in Youzhou Province in this season, but it felt pretty coordinated when this person held the white feather fan. It was like those stereotyped gentlemen on the Western Continent who always took an umbrella when they left home.
After bowing towards Zhang Tie, the literati took a seat which was specially set for VIP. At this moment, a maid served them tea before leaving there and closing the gate, leaving the two-person alone.
"Mr…?" Zhang Tie asked with a smile.
Now that he could come here on behalf of the royal prince, he must be something. Even though he was a commoner, Zhang Tie wouldn't neglect him either. Therefore, Zhang Tie treated him politely and modestly.
"I'm Fang Qingming!" The literati put it straight, which let Zhang Tie feel good.
"Oh, it's Mr. Fang. I've long heard about you!" Zhang Tie said as he cupped his hands.
"I'm just doing something trivial for His Majesty, no need to be so polite!" Mr. Fang answered.
As Mr. Fang talked with Zhang Tie, he was observing the latter. After finding that Zhang Tie was still calm, profound and fank, Mr. Fang spoke highly of Zhang Tie inside at a stroke. Across the country, very few people could behave as calmly as Zhang Tie after receiving the black invitation cards of the top three sects.
'His Majesty was definitely not as calm, famous and powerful as Immortal Qianji, this person is really something…'
Soon after this whim occurred to him, Fang Qingming had quivered a bit all over as he forced himself to drive this rebellious thought out of his mind.
"I wonder what His Majesty dispatches Mr. Fang here for?" Zhang Tie also put it straightforwardly.
"His Majesty is always paying heed to you, immortal. When in Xuanyuan Hill, immortal had not fully recovered from the effect of the thunder of nirvana. I'm here to ask whether immortal has already recovered on behalf of His Majesty." Mr. Fang shook his feather fan as he asked Zhang Tie meaningfully yet casually.
Of course, Zhang Tie knew what did he mean. However, as Zhang Tie had long made a decision, he didn't plan to hide nothing; therefore, he replied, "Thanks to His Majesty's concern. When in the south border, I've already recovered due to karma…"
Fang Qingming sighed as he watched Zhang Tie with gleaming eyes, saying, "Immortal, as you suffered the injury for the country and the people, your glory and achievement couldn't be forgotten by anyone. If the top three sects sent you black invitation cards when you've not fully recovered, it would be pretty rude and made all the righteous men in the world disappointed. His Majesty would never allow such a rebellious thing to happen!"
It was an evident hint. As long as Zhang Tie said that he had not fully recovered or disguised that he had not fully recovered, His Majesty who was far away in Xuanyuan Hill would instantly use his power and relations to prevent the duel 100 days later. Relatively, this action could preserve Zhang Tie's reputation to a certain degree and nullify the excuse of the top three sects which they used to send black invitation cards. If Taiyi Fantasy Sect didn't want to be the notorious target of the public, it would definitely not take action when Zhang Tie was not fully recovered.
"What would come would come sooner or later. If I've not fully recovered, of course, I could ignore those black invitation cards. However, I've already recovered and have already displayed my abilities in the Dongtian of Iron-Dragon Sect. If I want to stop the three top sects in this reason, they would not agree for sure. What if they let a top national doctor check me? How could I cheat them? If I don't accept the examination, everyone across the country would know that I'm telling a lie. By then, Iron-Dragon Sect would become a laughingstock for sure and Jinwu Palace's fame would be severely weakened!" Zhang Tie shook his head decisively as he answered.
Zhang Tie didn't value honor and fame; however, it didn't mean that he would like to spoil them…
Chapter 1611: The Royal Prince's Sincerity
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
If Zhang Tie had not fully recovered, he could ignore the black invitation cards aboveboard. However, Zhang Tie had not imagined that the fact that he had fully recovered in the Dongtian and carried out a performance with Yun Zhongzi inside there provided a chance for the three top sects to attack him.
The honor and fame of Iron-Dragon Sect and Jinwu Palace didn't belong to Zhang Tie alone. Therefore, Zhang Tie would not do anything to ruin the fame of Iron-Dragon Sect and Jinwu Palace, as which would turn those people on his side into a laughingstock.
After looking at Zhang Tie, Mr. Fang sighed inside as he thought Zhang Tie didn't understand at all, saying, "Superficially, the black invitation cards indicate that the three top sects are going to end the animosity between you and them. In fact, they have long been intervening with the war for the throne of Taixia Country by choosing the third prince or the ninth prince for usurping the throne. Because you root for His Majesty, you became sore in their eyes. Therefore, they want to defeat you. Although His Majesty doesn't know which prince is the three top sects colluding with, he's already been investigating it. We would get the answer soon."
'I knew the existence of Imperial Alliance by accident; however, Mr. Fang could catch the secret behind the even of the delivery of black invitation cards from the three top sects through speculation. The royal prince really has a subordinate powerhouse!'
As Zhang Tie thought, he revealed an amazed look as if it was his first time to hear that news, saying, "You mean there's a war for the throne of Taixia Country behind this event?" Zhang Tie performed so vividly that even Mr. Fang couldn't find any loophole from his performance.
"Right, therefore, the event of black invitation cards is not your personal affair. The so-called black invitation card is neither an imperial decree nor a law. To be honest, it's just an unwritten folklore rule between sects in Taixia Country. If immortal could stand it and give way to it this time, even though you're mocked, you would regain your respect one day. As a hero, you should be flexible. You should bear the humiliation of passing one's crotch sometimes, not to mention such a bit of trouble. When immortal promotes to a heavenly knight or a sage-level knight, you would be unrivaled. Immortal, as you're free to make the choice, Taiyi Fantasy Sect and Heavens Holding Pavilion wouldn't want to attack you…"
Zhang Tie watched Mr. Fang calmly, asking, "His Majesty wants me to escape?"
"Not escape; just evade its sharpness for the time being. Similarly, when two armies were fighting, when the enemy outnumbers our party, it's great for us to fight them like an animal in a cage; however, it's also wise for us to judge the current situation and evade their sharpness. His Majesty regards immortal as his good master and friend. In this case, His Majesty doesn't want immortal to be involved in the conflict with the three top sects, nor does he want immortal to be in danger; therefore, he sent me here to persuade immortal!" Mr. Fang continued, "As long as immortal agrees to leave for the time being, His Majesty would deal with the rest for you!"
"I wonder how His Majesty plans to deal with the rest for me."
"First, the result of the investigation about the extermination of Great Wilderness Sect would be a piece of His Majesty. If immortal leaves, His Majesty has his way to frighten the three top sects using this case!"
"What else?" Zhang Tie asked Fang Qingming with interest.
"His Majesty has a daughter who's 16 years old. His Majesty loves her pretty much. His Majesty knows that immortal has three sons in Heavenly Fortune Sect who're all getting mature. Therefore, His Majesty would like to marry his daughter to one of your sons. By then, Zhang Clan of Jinwu Palace would be the relatives of the royal prince. Even though immortal leaves Iron-Dragon Sect and Jinwu Palace for the time being, the three top sects dare not do any harm to Iron-Dragon Sect or Jinwu Palace!"
Zhang Tie was really shocked by the second trick of His Majesty. To marry the daughter of a prince was always a big deal, not to mention that of the royal prince. According to the rule, when the royal prince ascended to the throne one day, it was equal to marry the daughter of the will-be Emperor Xuanyuan, which would have a great influence. As long as Jinwu Palace became the relative of the royal prince of Taixia Country, it would be unrivaled across the country.
Zhang Tie didn't answer him immediately; instead, he just watched Mr. Fang with a smile, saying, "Is the royal prince sure that I couldn't win the combat 100 days later?"
After throwing a glance at Zhang Tie, Mr. Fang took out a beautiful case out of the void. There was a bizarre piece of black crystal in the case on which hung a small symbol by a golden wire.
Mr. Fang then gave the case to Zhang Tie. Zhang Tie took the piece of crystal as he found it was like secret knowledge crystal; however, it was a bit heavier. One end of the crystal was covered with mithril, on which were the runes of master-level consolidating skill. The runes could prevent the crystal from being destroyed. The symbol and the golden wire were tied to the mithril through a small hole.
Zhang Tie saw three lines of tight, decent and clear words on the symbol.
The first line was——Pavilion 360, Building Mou, Departure Secret, Treasures and Rune Items Center, Imperial Palace of Emperor Xuanyuan, Taixia Country.
The second line was——The Combat of Taiyi Old Man in the Deities Region, Earth-elements Realm on the 763rd year of Black Iron Calendar.
The third line was——Sage-level Knight's Aiding Strength, Taiyi Fantasy Sect, Real Sun Flame.
At the sight of the words, Zhang Tie had known that it was a classified file collected in the Archives of the imperial palace in Taixia Country. 'Mr. Fang might take it here at the request of His Majesty.'
Like reading a secret knowledge crystal, Zhang Tie penetrated his spiritual energy into it. Closely after that, he saw a dynamic picture in his mind as if he was watching a film before the Catastrophe.
The picture was vivid as it was from a person's angle of view——It's a flight at a high speed; actually, it's more like a chase. Because Zhang Tie saw another figure wrestling with the main character at the same high speed. After flying across tens of thousands of meters in the air, the strong sword qi missed its target and finally struck against the ground, causing a huge ravine as long as thousands of meters, despite it could move thousands of meters in a split second in an overwhelming manner.
Watching such great battle strength, Zhang Tie was full of excitement and shock.
Given the anxious look of the one in the latter, Zhang Tie found it was a demon; given its battle strength, Zhang Tie confirmed that it was a sage-level demon knight.
Of course, the one in front of it was also a sage-level knight. After evading one stroke from that sage-level demon knight, the main character rubbed his hands, causing a thunder-like rock in the air. At the same time, numerous, dense starlights besieged the demon knight behind him before striking it like tens of thousands of meteors.
Meanwhile, the sage-level demon knight used a full moon to confront with those meteors.
A heavy explosion was dazzling within 0.001 seconds. Flying starlights, 360-degree rolls, earth-shaking wrestles, strikes and collisions.
The scenes changed so fast that commoners would definitely feel dazzled at the sight of it. Even ordinary knights might not catch up with its speed.
Except for Zhang Tie; instead, Zhang Tie just felt a bit thirsty as it was combat between sage-level knights.
The two sage-level powerhouses wrestled and moved fast. Only after a short while, they had flown over thousands of miles and entered another battle region.
With the move of the angle of view and attention in the picture, another picture appeared, enlarged and was focused on…
It was an old sage-level human knight in silver hair and gloomy face. He was fighting a sage-level demon knight in the air. At the same time, a heavenly demon knight was flying towards the battle region from hundreds of miles away. When the old man was focused, he suddenly gave out light. Closely after that, the entire sky became crimson like a furnace. In the crimson, the sage-level demon knight and that heavenly demon knight were flying back at pretty high speeds. Additionally, the elements realm appeared having been broken beside the old man as numerous berserk fire elements were pouring out like halos and storm, rocking the entire space. Even the angle of view from hundreds of miles away rocked two times out of control…
After the halos of fiery elements rolled over, the sage-level demon knight instantly released a shrinking black light curtain, which wrapped it like a huge cocoon. Zhang Tie knew that the light curtain was a performance of sage-level realm.
The fire element didn't stop pouring down. Element storm was just the first round of strike. Fire element constantly gathered and finally realized a qualitative change. Closely after that, a burning blue sun appeared behind the sage-level human knight, whose high temperature appeared to be able to twist the space…
The sage-level human knight pointed at the heavenly demon knight was escaping away over 60 miles away. Almost at the same time, the heavenly demon knight gave out a dazzling light as he had already been caught by three blue flames.
The heavenly demon knight released its protective battle qi in vain. Facing the blue flames, even its protective battle qi caught fire along with his black outfit and zigzag weapon.
The heavenly demon knight cried miserably as it shot into a bizarre, green lake. However, closely after that, it flew out of the green lake while still burning all over. It then hit itself against a mountain range and penetrated through the cliff. However, the flames didn't die out either…
The sage-level human knight in silver hair and gloomy face threw a cold glance at the escaping sage-level demon knight while flickering his eyes.
The entire process only took a few seconds; although it was hard to describe.
The picture was still rolling. After a few minutes' wrestle, the angle of view finally caught the heavenly demon knight who had been caught by three blue flames. However, it had already deteriorated into burning ash on the ground…
The picture then turned into dark.
Zhang Tie exited his spiritual energy from that piece of crystal with a great shock as he asked, "What's this…"
"As long as one promotes to a sage-level knight, he would be able to duplicate what he see in form of this kind of crystal for the sake of memory. It records the scene that an employed sage-level human knight in the imperial palace of Xuanyuan Hill saw in the Earth-elements Realm. Less than 10 people could see this scene. Additionally, the items in the Treasures and Runes Items Center are forbidden to leave the imperial palace. However, His Majesty let me hand it to you, immortal!" Mr. Fang said calmly as he gently shook his feather fan. After that, he took a cup of tea and had a sip. At the same time, his frown relieved as a shocking look flashed by. He glanced at the teacup for two more times before transfixing onto Zhang Tie, saying, "Immortal, what you watched just now was the power of the aiding strength of Taiyi Old Man of Taiyi Fantasy Sect; it's called Real Sun Flames. We've received the intelligence that the three top sects would recommend a sage-level knight to fight you. The one who was recommended is Taiyi Old Man. Immortal, do you think whether you could escape safe and sound facing such a sage-level knight…"
Closing his eyes, Zhang Tie knocked at the table, sending the room into an absolute silence at a stroke. A few minutes' silence was as long as a few hours.
The tea water tasted special. Therefore, Mr. Fang couldn't stand having a few more while waiting for Zhang Tie's decision.
After a while, Zhang Tie finally opened his eyes. He stopped knocking at the table as he pressed his hand onto the table, saying, "Please tell His Majesty, Zhang Tie extends his sincere thanks to His Majesty and would pay for His Majesty for sure. However, now that his opponents have come for him by force, it's hard to avoid it; Zhang Tie would not retreat!"
Mr. Fang watched Zhang Tie with a bit dumbfounded look as he saw Zhang Tie's unwavering decision and will from his eyes…
…
Half an hour later, Mr. Fang boarded on the airboat with five kgs' tea leaves produced especially in Iron-Dragon Sect. Meanwhile, he felt confused, 'Why didn't Immortal Qianji scare when he saw Taiyi Old Man displaying his aiding strength?'
It was the first time for Mr. Fang to feel confused about someone. Zhang Tie had become a hot, hard mist in his heart…
Chapter 1612: Returning to Castle of Black Iron
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Besides failing to accomplish a task requested by His Majesty, Fang Qingming left Iron-Dragon Sect with a puzzle.
Actually, Fang Qingming had prepared well for this task as he had considered well for Zhang Tie. He didn't know that Zhang Tie had wavered his mind for a second because of the condition provided by His Majesty and the scene in the memory crystal. Pitifully, when Zhang Tie closed his eyes and considered it, he further fixed his decision.
Imperial Alliance had their conspiracy and methods. Zhang Tie had his decision and trump cards too.
Imperial Alliance regarded this event of black invitation cards as an opportunity to deal with Zhang Tie; however, Zhang Tie also treated it as a chance to dissolve the threat of the Imperial Alliance.
Through the event of Zhang Taixuan, Zhang Tie had been clear that he had long become sore in the eyes of the Imperial Alliance. He didn't have the way to retreat at all. The contraction between both parties could barely be reconciled. Imperial Alliance had planned to frame Zhang Tie since he got acquainted with His Majesty.
What was intolerant and annoying was that the Imperial Alliance also involved Zhang Tie's family in the case and arranged a piece beside Zhang Tie's elder brother, targeting at their parents. This violated Zhang Tie's bottom line. Given this point alone, Zhang Tie would turn hostile against the Imperial Alliance. Therefore, Zhang Tie just treated the black invitation cards from the three top sects as an excuse and figleaf of Imperial Alliance, which was nothing but sh*t. When powerhouses above heavenly knights were needed to solve the problem, this excuse could be ignored as powerhouses on this level would always regard laws and imperial decrees as waster paper, not to mention unwritten folklore rules. Whereas, since Zhang Tie was too well-known and enjoyed an increasingly higher honor across the country, the Imperial Alliance had to find such an excuse for the sake of the condemnation from the public.
Standing in an attic of Xuantian Peak, Zhang Tie squinted at the airboat disappearing in the skyline, hands back while his tender face revealed some resolute muscular lines.
At this moment, he heard fine footsteps on his back, which were caused by Yan Feiqing, Bai Suxian and Guo Hongyi.
"Did you refuse the help of His Majesty?" Yan Feiqing asked Zhang Tie as she heaved a sigh slightly while Bai Suxian and Guo Hongyi were watching Zhang Tie with concerns.
Although Bai Suxian and Yan Feiqing and Guo Hongyi disliked each other, they didn't make any trouble any more at this moment.
After turning around, Zhang Tie watched the three women while slightly raising his mouth corners, saying, "Do you think the three top sects would not deal with me after I evade from facing the black invitation cards from them? They would find me trouble whether there are black invitation cards or not. They would fight me for sure no matter whether I choose to confront them this time or not. It's not a matter of black invitation card; but the fundamental conflict of interest between me, Iron-Dragon Sect and the three top sects, which couldn't be reconciled at all. We have to face it!"
"But I think His Majesty's concern is right!" Bai Suxian opened her mouth.
"It's right from his point of view. But it's wrong from my perspective. Do you think that the top three sects have not considered that I might evade from confronting with their black invitation cards?" Zhang Tie shook his head as his eyes turned sharp, and he said, "The Great Wilderness Sect was much more powerful than Iron-Dragon Sect in South Border; however, it was still exterminated overnight. Although the three top sects look decent verbally, nobody knows how many dirty things have they done secretly. If I treat them as disciplined gentlemen, I would be the No. 1 idiot in this world. In the eyes of the three top sects, there are only life or death and the great plans of their sects. Do you think they would value Taixia laws or black invitation cards? Even if they couldn't fight you aboveboard, they would also find you trouble secretly…"
Zhang Tie's words shocked the three women at the same time.
Yan Feiqing said after being silent for a while, "But you have time!"
"You know that, His Majesty knows that, the top three sects know that too. Therefore, I couldn't give a compromise to them or escape this time. Time wouldn't stand on our side unless we defeat them and have them feel the pain, making them restless. This time, I would strive for 2 decades for Iron-Dragon Sect, Jinwu Palace and our kids!" Zhang Tie moved two steps forward as he pulled the hands of the three women.
"What? You mean we've got pregnant…"
Bai Suxian and Guo Hongyi widened their eyes with excitement at the same time.
"Yes, you have got pregnant on the airboat when we came back two days ago. You would feel it in a few days!" Zhang Tie watched Bai Suxian and Guo Hongyi with a faint smile. Closely after that, he took off the snake-shaped bracelet and put it on Yan Feiqing's wrist, saying, "I am still 3 months away from the duel on January 29. I need to enter secluded cultivation and would leave the backroom through a secret tunnel to do something outside during this period. Therefore, you will be responsible for Iron-Dragon Sect!"
The bracelet represented two heavenly powerhouses. With their help, Iron-Dragon Sect would be much safer even though Zhang Tie was absent.
Yan Feiqing nodded.
The snake-shaped bracelet understood Zhang Tie. When Zhang Tie handed it to Yan Feiqing, he delivered an order to the two snakes——to follow the order of Yan Feiqing from now on in his absence.
…
One hour later, after handling the affairs of Iron-Dragon Sect and leaving some words to Lu Yishan and Li Su, Zhang Tie frankly entered his backroom under the respectful gaze of the disciples and elders of Iron-Dragon Sect.
After entering the backroom and closing its gate, Zhang Tie heaved a sigh in that tranquil environment as he turned calm at once.
Since he returned to South Border with Bai Suxian, Zhang Tie had been surrounded by a lot of people. Therefore, he had not entered the Castle of Black Iron for over two months.
After throwing a glance at the backroom, Zhang Tie triggered his spiritual energy and returned to Castle of Black Iron.
As he had not been back to Castle of Black Iron for a long time, when he stood in the hall of the palace tree and sniffed the fresh air full of Reiki, Zhang Tie felt as safe and relaxed as being back home.
"Welcome back, Castle Lord…"
Heller's familiar and intimate voice sounded in Zhang Tie's ears at once…
Chapter 1613: Fiery Lotus Roots
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
The lobby of the palace tree was almost as large as a football field. Although it looked a bit desolate because of less population, as the most hidden nestle and shelter of Zhang Tie, it felt safe and tranquil for Zhang Tie.
It was absolutely a private space of Zhang Tie. Perhaps each man would like to have such a place where he could do whatever he wanted. In this place, he didn't need to disguise, be scared, care about others' eye lights and gossips, or wear thick outfits. It could be his base, harbor for relaxation and playground. Zhang Tie would not see any annoying people here; if there were, they must stay in the underground prison. Unless he agreed to let them free, they would not appear in front of him for real.
Heller smiled and behaved as modestly and gently as usual. In black swallowtail, white shirt, golden collar, bright leather shoes, plus his look which could match that of Apollo, Heller looked perfect.
Zhang Tie felt like meeting a long-awaited friend and partner; instead of treating Heller as an "artificial intelligent being". Therefore, he gave a big hug to Heller as he patted the latter's shoulder forcefully.
"Thank you, it's great for me to come back!"
Heller was not used to Zhang Tie's passion as he turned a bit stiff when being embraced. He didn't recover his composure until Zhang Tie loosed his grip. "Castle Lord, it's been 120 days since you came to South Border…"
"Aah, really?" Zhang Tie was shocked by Heller's good memory.
"It means that Castle Lord is growing more and more powerful and doesn't always need Castle of Black Iron anymore!" Heller said with a smile.
"Haha, I've not forgotten about you. I've not taken enough fruits from the small tree!" Zhang Tie said as he burst out laughing.
"Castle Lord, you might have forgotten one thing in Castle of Black Iron which perhaps helps you this time!"
"What's that?"
"Castle Lord, have you forgotten about the fiery lotus in the magma lake in the underground karst cave?"
Patting his head, Zhang Tie instantly recalled it, "I almost forgot it. The seeds of fiery lotus could constantly strengthen my lotus-flower eyes! Are the new batch of seeds of fiery lotus ready?"
Heller couldn't stand heaving a sigh, "It seems that Castle Lord has forgotten it. The new batch of seeds of the fiery lotus is ready. But there's something more important…"
"What else?"
"The root of fiery lotus!"
Zhang Tie goggled his eyes at a stroke as he patted his head again. He finally remembered that Heller told him that at least earth knights who had formed earth chakra could absorb the effect of root of fiery lotus. After taking it, an earth knight would enjoy an unimaginable resistance to high temperature and lava. Additionally, the earth knight's protective battle qi could also see a new round of evolution and carried the feature of fiery flame slightly. After that, he could do harm to his enemy when defending the opponent.
"Castle Lord, when you promoted to an earth knight in the Earth-elements Realm, there were not enough roots of fiery lotus in Castle of Black Iron; nor did Castle Lord take them. After a few years, there have been many roots of fiery lotus here. I thought Castle Lord ignored it for the time being as you were busy. Therefore, I didn't warn you. It turns out that Castle Lord has forgotten it for real…"
"Heller, thank you. Without your warning, I wouldn't have remembered it!" Zhang Tie patted Heller's shoulder again as he added, "If roots of fiery lotus could greatly improve my resistance to fiery flames, I would have one more trump card when I face Taiyi Old Man of Taiyi Fantasy Sect…"
"Castle Lord, do you want to take a look in the underground karst cave?"
"You bet!"
Zhang Tie threw a glance at the small tree when he entered the underground tunnel leading to the underground space of the Immortal Mountain with Heller.
The small tree didn't disappoint Zhang Tie as Zhang Tie saw over 100 fruits of redemption from golden uangs, gulf shrimps and hairy shells. It appeared that Paul and his team were still working diligently.
When Zhang Tie came back two days ago, he contacted Paul by remote-sensing communications finger ring. Paul was in Huizhou Province, Taixia Country and couldn't go back to meet Zhang Tie right away. However, Paul told Zhang Tie that he was brewing a big action.
When Zhang Tie thought about the steady improvement of his overall strength, Zhang Tie instantly felt good as he paced up, not to mention those roots of fiery lotus.
A few minutes later, Zhang Tie and Heller entered the underground karst cave beneath the Immortal Mountain again.
The space of this karst cave had expanded many times than that Zhang Tie saw last time. It was fiery all over while the lava in the magma lake was flowing slowly.
The temperature in the karst cave was above 60 degrees Celcius. It smelt like sulfur in the air. However, a special fragrance was drifting in the space which was full of Reiki like a fresh brook in the desert. The moment Zhang Tie sniffed it, he had been highly spirited.
The entire magma lake was covered with dense fiery lotus. Looking into the distance, Zhang Tie saw golden light sparkling in the lake. Like a legendary world, it was full of open fiery lotus flowers. Even Zhang Tie couldn't count the fiery lotus.
The extremely rare fiery lotus in the outside world realized quantitive production in Castle of Black Iron.
Even Zhang Tie felt dazzled about this scene.
Who could imagine that Zhang Tie was racking his mind to take out the fiery lotus which was rare for others?
"How many roots of the fiery lotus are there?" Zhang Tie asked Heller as he swallowed his saliva…
Chapter 1614: Ice and Fire
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
"Fiery lotus roots keep growing every day in this magma lake. Therefore, its quantity is rising. If you need it, as long as you input sufficient aura value and moral value, I could increase the number of fiery lotus roots by two times within a short period. Even now the number of fiery lotus roots have already surpassed your absorptive capacity as a shadow knight!"
"You mean I couldn't eat all of them?"
"Of course, fiery lotus root is the most powerful medicine to a certain degree. Nobody could eat them limitlessly. Due to the difference in physical condition, cultivation method, spiritual energy and level, knights would see different capacities in absorbing fiery lotus roots!"
Zhang Tie nodded as he said, "I see. How do I eat them? Soak them in liquor like seeds of the fiery lotus?"
"No!" Heller shook his head as he explained, "If you insist on taking them in that way, you could absorb them well for real; in fact, if you want fiery lotus roots to play its effect to the utmost, you have to take them in a special environment!"
"A special environment?"
"Yup, you should freeze and soften these fiery lotus roots in an environment under minus 100 degrees Celcius before consuming them!"
"Under minus 100 degrees Celcius?"
"You bet. In natural environments such as underground world or where fiery lotus grows, when these fiery lotus roots are picked, they always carry the best effect. However, you couldn't eat them right away when they're so hot; whereas, you couldn't find such a cold environment to take them so as to absorb their effect to the utmost. After being picked, if these fiery lotus roots could enter a super low temperature within a short period, their essence would not escape and one could absorb them easily and gain a great effect! To be honest, Castle Lord's master might have taken some fiery lotus roots somewhere; however, the environment where he took them was not perfect. As a result, a greater part of the effect of those fiery lotus roots that he had taken was wasted…"
"Don't I worry about this issue?"
"Sure thing. Castle of Black Iron could provide the best environment for Castle Lord. Therefore, Castle Lord could play the effect of fiery lotus roots to the utmost and absorb them well. As to how many could you take, it depends on you." Heller said confidently.
Zhang Tie didn't worry about it for real because he had long got a super large freezer for storing food in Castle of Black Iron. He even froze the flesh of the huge deep sea monster there. The temperature in that freezer was fully under Heller's control. He could have Heller adjust its temperature for free. What was more, the freezer was right above this karst cave. It was just a few minutes' walk from here. If he ran or move using his ability as a divine dominator, Zhang Tie could move faster.
Zhang Tie sighed, and said, "I've not imagined that a fiery lotus root would play its utmost effect at such a low temperature!"
"Fiery lotus grows in such a high temperature; especially its root which is soaked in the high-temperature lava all day long. If you want to fully absorb its effect, you need an utterly different environment. It's like how water and fire, yin and yang mend up each other!"
"After hearing your words, I couldn't wait for it!" Zhang Tie said as he rubbed his hands, watching the fiery lotus over the lake with gleaming eyes.
"Castle Lord, you don't need to wait anymore!" Heller said with a smile as he pointed at the lava lake full of fiery lotus, continuing, "Castle Lord, you could use your ability as a divine dominator to cut off those fiery lotus roots and take them out of the lake. After that, you could take them to the freezer above us and enjoy their unusual effect!"
"How long do I have to wait to consume them after moving them to the freezer?"
"About 30 minutes. When these roots gradually lose their glow and start to freeze, you could take them one after another. Since eath fiery lotus root starts to freeze, Castle Lord had better take them within 1 hour. If it's too long, their effect might decline. Castle Lord, you could cut off one section of root and take it to the freezer first. After eating it, you could come back for the second section. That would preserve its effect…"
"Fine!"
After figuring out its usage, Zhang Tie couldn't wait to move his index finger. Soon after Heller's words, Zhang Tie had fixated onto a fiery lotus not far from him. Under his lotus flower eyes, the high-temperature magma under it instantly became as transparent as water that Zhang Tie could clearly see each root under fiery lotus.
The roots, being golden all over, were giving out the glow, like gold growing in the magma, large or small, long or short, thick or thin. Those fiery lotus roots were as same as ordinary lotus roots in shape and size.
The entire magma lake had been covered with fiery lotus roots under its surface, which couldn't even be carried away by trucks.
"Split…" Zhang Tie murmured as strong spiritual energy penetrated through the magma and reached over 10 m deep. After cutting off a section of golden fiery lotus root as thick and long as a kid's arm, Zhang Tie had it fly out of the lake and float in the air while giving out a brilliant glow.
After making a hand gesture to Heller, Zhang Tie instantly caught that section of golden fiery lotus root and flew towards the freezer above.
The fiery lotus root was as hot as the magma like a piece of hot iron sheet. Commoners would be scorched for real. However, as a powerful knight, Zhang Tie only released some protective battle qi before taking it easily by hand.
Strangely, previously Zhang Tie thought this section of fiery lotus root would be very heavy, after taking it, he felt that it was just as heavy as ordinary lotus roots. What an amazing creation!
Chapter 1615: A Bizarre Capacity
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
At the speed of divine dominator, Zhang Tie flashed across the underground tunnel as fast as a lightning bolt. Only in less than half a minute, he had flown out of the scorching karst cave and entered the freezer.
The freezer was very large. For the sake of its effect, Zhang Tie didn't stop at the edge of the freezer; instead, he came all the way into the center of the freezer where the temperature was stable. After that, he suspended the section of the root in the air using his ability as a divine dominator, having it bathe the cold.
As a knight, Zhang Tie had the great cold-resistant ability, plus the assistance of the effect of fruits of redemption; Zhang Tie's cold-resistant ability became much greater than that of ordinary knights.
The temperature in the freezer had been declined to minus 100 degrees Celcius by Heller while a wisp of frost had already covered the center of the freezer. Rolling over there, the frost felt heart-piercing. Only by releasing a bit protective battle qi, Zhang Tie had not sensed the cold anymore.
Widening his eyes, Zhang Tie watched the section of fiery lotus root suspending in the air.
In the freezer, the glow over the section of fiery lotus root was gradually disappearing. At the same time, Zhang Tie sensed the cold qi gathering towards the section of fiery lotus root in a weird way.
It felt like throwing a piece of dry sponge into the water as water would be automatically absorbed by sponge; it also felt like black holes in his mind sea and qi sea engulfing the surrounding energy. How amazing it was!
Zhang Tie thought that even his master Zhao Yuan might not have a chance to see this.
As cold qi was gradually gathering around that section of fiery lotus root, an icy swirl slowly came into being around it which rotated in a close-wise manner. The shape of the icy swirl was extremely similar to that of the Taiji diagram, which stunned Zhang Tie again.
As time passed by, the glow over the section of fiery lotus root gradually faded away while the golden root slowly turned conspicuous. As smooth as polished metal surface, the section of the fiery lotus was clean and bright, having no trace of magma.
After over 20 minutes, the glow over the section of fiery lotus root had completely disappeared. Zhang Tie then widened his eyes and watched it for 7-8 minutes more. Then, the golden section of fiery lotus became transparent while a pale layer of frost gradually froze over the root. Right then, Zhang Tie stretched out his hand and had the section of fiery lotus root fly into his hand.
After throwing the last glance at it, Zhang Tie gave it a bite at once.
Previously, Zhang Tie thought it would be hard; unimaginably, the section of fiery lotus root tasted very soft, even a bit crispy. Besides, it tasted icy and fragrant. However, before Zhang Tie started to taste the fragrance carefully, the section of the root had already turned into liquid and flown all the way into his stomach from his throat.
Zhang Tie's stomach felt warm and comfortable. At the same time, bizarre energy instantly spread over Zhang Tie's body like how a leakless fruit usually did. The greater part of its energy finally gathered in the void of his qi sea and was absorbed by the battle qi sun. The rest part scattered into his bones, meridians, muscles, blood, even guts.
The process was as comfortable as taking a sauna bath.
After taking this section of root for less than 5 minutes, Zhang Tie licked his lips as he felt a bit change in his qi sea and his body for real. However, he wondered whether it was because of King Roc Sutra and his strong physical condition as the change was too small, which was far away from the situation where he couldn't absorb any more. Additionally, the root appeared to be unable to make him feel full. After taking the section of firey lotus root and absorbing its mysterious energy, Zhang Tie still felt hungry.
Closely after that, Zhang Tie flashed into the karst cave below. In the blink of an eye, he had brought back another section of fiery lotus root, which was much bigger than the first one.
As Zhang Tie waited for the second section of root to turn cold, he sat on the ground with crossed legs as he ran his battle qi to digest and absorb the energy of the former section of root.
After almost half an hour, the second section of the root was just frozen. Only after a short while, it had been engulfed by Zhang Tie. After that, Zhang Tie rushed towards the karst cave below for the third time.
Later on, Zhang Tie kept traveling between the karst cave and the freezer with high spirit. He kept digesting the energy of the former section of the root while waiting for the next one. Basically, he could take and digest one section of the root in every 40 minutes. He was so interested in doing that he almost forgot time.
…
After many hours, when Zhang Tie hurriedly flew towards the freezer with a section of fiery lotus root, he suddenly threw a glance at his hand. Closely after that, he became still in the air.
At this moment, the section of fiery lotus root was still giving out sparkling glow with a pretty high temperature, just like a steel mold. However, Zhang Tie realized that he didn't even release his battle qi at all; instead, he just held the section of high-temperature fiery lotus root by hand.
Not until he moved his eyes onto his hand did he feel a bit warm. However, it was still acceptable.
Zhang Tie's palm was stuck to the section of root. After losing his grip and having it float in the air, Zhang Tie took a look at his hand as he found no scald on his palm at all; not even a blister; instead, he only found his palm a bit red like how it looked when he took a bowl of hot soup from the kitchen to the table when he was young. Additionally, his hand didn't see any change. Neither it turned into a terrifying monster's claw, nor it produced any surplus skin layer. His fine hair could still be seen clearly like before.
Zhang Tie held it by another hand as he felt the same. That hand was not scaled either; instead, it just felt a bit warm.
The fiery lotus roots had already started to change his physical condition and resistance to high temperature and flame.
…
After almost 40 minutes, when he finished that section of root, Zhang Tie came back to the bank of the magma lake. Squatting down, Zhang Tie directly put his left hand into lava while stroking his forehead using his right hand with releasing any protective battle qi.
His right hand felt as warm as before; instead of being icy or uncomfortable. His body temperature remained 35.5 degrees Celcius.
He stirred his left hand in the lava like how he stirred warm water before. However, he didn't feel uncomfortable at all. He only felt warm although Zhang Tie was clear that the lava's temperature was 968 degrees Celcius.
When his left hand was in the lava, bizarre energy in all the cells of that hand appeared having been activated by the high temperature. Closely after that, that hand could fit high temperature. When he pulled that hand out of there, the bizarre energy among those cells slowly recovered.
The special energy in his cells was like mercury in a thermometer, which could adjust the energy level of his cells when feeling the change in temperature so that his body cells could bear it easily.
When the temperature was high outside, the bizarre energy level in his body cells would rise for real; when the temperature outside was normal, the bizarre energy level in his body cells would recover.
'F*ck, it turns out that my sense and tolerance of temperature has been updated to an unimaginable degree. Fabulous!'
Watching his hands, Zhang Tie squatted down there for a while. After that, he stood up as he found that he could take many more roots; therefore, he cut off another section of fiery lotus root before running towards the freezer above…
Chapter 1616: Zhang Tie's Confidence
Translator: WQL Editor: Aleem
Zhang Tie didn't know how many fiery lotus roots had he eaten. When he felt full and the sun above his qi sea couldn't absorb the special energy from fiery lotus roots anymore, Zhang Tie finally stopped.
Zhang Tie didn't know how many days had passed. When he felt that he couldn't absorb the special energy from fiery lotus roots anymore, Zhang Tie also felt very sleepy and tired. Closely after that, he rushed out of the freezer all the way to the lobby of Palace Tree before returning to his own bedroom and throwing himself onto the bed.
Even knights needed sleep to recover their energy and physical strength.
When Zhang Tie woke up in about two days, he became energetic again.
After having a bumper dinner in Castle of Black Iron, Zhang Tie called Heller, Aziz, Edward and Agan to test the effect of fiery lotus roots in Edward's workshop beneath the Palace Tree, which could spout fire from the ground.
…
"Wait a moment…" Edward hurriedly stopped Agan when Zhang Tie stood straight and had Agan pierce at him by a fine steel long sword so as to test the strengthening effect of his protective battle qi. Closely after that, Zhang Tie handed a pair of thick gloves to Agan, saying, "Here's a pair of asbestos gloves. After putting on it, you would not be scalded…"
After taking the pair of gloves, Agan put it on before holding the fine steel long sword again.
"Come on, no worry…" Zhang Tie told Agan.
Agan nodded as he threw a glance at Zhang Tie. Gritting his teeth, he then pierced his long sword at Zhang Tie's shoulder.
Before the fine steel long sword touched Zhang Tie's shoulder, Zhang Tie's protective battle qi had quivered as a glow flashed by. "Aah…" Agan screamed. With a crashing sound, he dropped his long sword while he was sent flying backward.
The fine steel long sword, lying on the ground, turned pretty red just like having been taken out of the furnace while its tip had almost melted.
After taking so many fiery lotus roots, Zhang Tie's protective battle qi finally accomplished a powerful evolution and carried a bit power of the fiery flame. When his protective battle qi encountered a strike, as long as Zhang Tie ran his spirit, it would be able to bounce back the high-temperature strike.
Agan, Aziz and Edward were all petrified by the red fine steel long sword, lying on the ground.
"Hahaha, that's unimaginable…" Zhang Tie couldn't stand bursting into laughter as he watched them and that fine steel long sword.
When Zhang Tie saw his master Zhaoyuan turn a LV 10 strong fighter's arm into ash when being hunted by people in the Dragon Island, he was pretty shocked. Unimaginably, he could make it one day too. Additionally, Zhang Tie was confident that the anti-strike ability of his protective battle qi was much greater than that of his master Zhao Yuan after such a powerful and effective evolution.
The fiery lotus roots that his master ate ought to not match him in quantity and quality.
Protective battle qi was a pattern for a knight to apply his battle qi, which originated from the sun above one's qi sea at one's lower abdomen.
At this moment, the sun above Zhang Tie's qi sea appeared to have changed too——it was more brilliant than that before and had expanded by two times. Not only that, the sun was surrounded by a bizarre golden flame which looked like a corona.
Besides the power of his protective battle qi, Zhang Tie felt that his battle qi had grown more powerful too. After looking around, Zhang Tie flicked, sending a bit meteor-like battle qi towards the set of navyblue iron outfit on the rack and directly penetrating the location on its breast.
Edward ran over there and got back the broken breast armor. There was a thumb-sized hole on the armor as the metal over there had been melted.
Although Zhang Tie's same trick could also penetrate through this armor easily several days ago; it would not be such easy. Several days ago, his battle qi couldn't melt metal as it didn't have the function of high-temperature destruction. Today, Zhang Tie had grasped this trick for real.
Undoubtedly, fiery lotus roots helped Zhang Tie to accomplish a round of evolution of his protective battle qi and his aggressive battle qi. After that, flame and high-temperature destruction were not exclusive to others.
There were some vents of eruption in different sizes and temperatures within Edward's workshop. At this moment, the vents were still erupting high-temperature flames. After coming to one side of a vent, Zhang Tie felt as comfortable as the warm wind. By contrast, he felt pretty hot before.
Watching the 1.7 m high red flame, Zhang Tie became hesitant for a second before putting his two feet on two sides of the vent above the flame.
Under the high temperature, Zhang Tie's boa silk robe and shoes turned into ash in a split second. However, Zhang Tie was safe and sound above the flame, while being naked…
If outsiders saw this scene, they must have taken Zhang Tie as a fire god as it was too amazing.
Zhang Tie stood in the flame for five minutes without releasing his protective battle qi. When his skin started to turn red like taking a bath, Zhang Tie walked out of it.
After moving his hand, Zhang Tie took a robe out of his portable space-teleportation item and put it on.
Although he wondered the power of the Real Sun Flame of Taiyi Old Man, Zhang Tie had strong confidence because of the power granted by fiery lotus roots. As long as he didn't turn into ash in a split second under the so-called Real Sun Flame, he would be able to deal with the sage-level knight. No matter what, Zhang Tie had the greatest trump card——Castle of Black Iron.
Heller's control of Castle of Black Iron was also unimaginable. Almost everything lifeless in this space was under his control.
"If I catch fire and enter Castle of Black Iron, could you die out the d*mn Real Sun Flame for me or lower the temperature in the freezer so that the flame would die out itself?" Zhang Tie asked Heller "shamelessly"…