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Chapter 110: Shifting the Blame

Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll

Without looking, the black robed man landed suddenly. The spot he landed on was behind the three brothers of the Yang family and in front of the guard guarding NanGong Le. He looked at the people in front of him coldly, without a trace of emotion seeping out, as though he was looking at livestock ready to be slaughtered!

A guard then shouted in desperation, "Young master Yang, please save my young master! The NanGong family will remember your kindness forever!"

After seeing how the black robed man was like a killing god and how he was able to fly through the air, Yang Wei had already been frightened to the point he wet his pants. How would he still have the heart to bother about NanGong Le? Without his own life, what good would eternal gratitude do? Without turning behind, he let go of both his younger brothers and escaped like a rabbit who saw a predator. The few guards of the Yang family then pretended that they did not hear the pleas of the NanGong Family guards, escorting their three young masters to escape!

"What a joke, that black robed man is obviously here to kill NanGong le and we already had many of our men die for nothing. Now that we are able to keep our lives, why would we go and seek our death? Even the guards who died previously were all pulled down by your NanGong family! More than a hundred men were still unable to defeat him. Wouldn't it be useless for us to stay behind? Who knows what kind of enmity you have with this death god? You actually attracted your enemy all the way here!"

The remaining guards of the NanGong Family then surrounded the unconscious NanGong Le, staring at the black dressed man like a bunch of sheep waiting to be slaughtered!

The black robed man then stared at those from the Yang family with a playful smile. Then, he turned around and pointed his sword to the ground. Fresh blood began to drip down from the tip of the sword with raindrop like sounds. However, it felt like the drumbeat of the death god beating in each of their heads!

"Wonderful! Today is such a great day! Hahaha…" That black robed man let out a carefree laughter. Raising his sword, he looked at the bloodstains on the sword and said regretfully, "I heard that a real weapon would not see blood after killing someone. It seems that this sword is far from being comparable to godly weapons! What do you guys think?"

A guard was pressured by the aura he was emanating and could not help but reply blankly, "What we think?"

The black robed man then sighed, "If I used this sword to decapitate all of you and the sword is still able to remain shiny, wouldn't that be a beautiful thing?" It was as though he was mumbling but yet seemed like he was questioning the people in front of him. His words were filled with regret, as though he was regretful that he did not have such a godly weapon.

"Why? Why do you want to kill us? Who are you?" A guard mustered his courage and asked.

"This question of yours is really stupid! But since you guys are not going to survive, it wouldn't matter if I let you know. Haha, a dead man will not be able to leak the secret! I shall let you guys die in peace!" The black robed man was extremely patient. The people in front of him were no different from ants to him, easily destroyed with a wave of his hands. The words he said was akin to a predator toying with his prey!

In the hearts of the guards, they could feel the endless killing intent from the black robed man and could not help but feel despair. But in such a circumstance where they felt that their deaths was certain, they all became more bold instead.

A guard then puffed up his chest and said, "Sir, you are stronger than us and we do not feel wronged to die in your hands. I just hope that you will let us die a knowing death. Why do you want to kill us? After you explain that, us brothers can die peacefully. Of course, if you are not willing or don't dare to say it, that's also up to you."

The black robed man then burst out into laughter, "I'm not willing to say? I don't dare to say? Haha, what a joke. Do you guys think you will be able to survive? Even if I were to say the truth, would you guys be able to spread it?"

"Since you are not afraid of us spreading it, why must you reject the final wish of a dying man?"

"Hahaha…" The black robed man laughed for a long while, "I did not intend to say it initially, but I just cannot hold back the temptation! I can't believe that there is actually such a stupid family like the NanGong Family in the world! You guys really make me feel extremely surprised! A bunch of idiots, how did you guys become one of the eight great families? It is really puzzling to me how the NanGong family is not destroyed yet!" The black robed man ridiculed.

The guards all felt their anger boiling, "Sir, it doesn't matter if you don't want to say it. Why must you humiliate us? Does Sir feel a sense of accomplishment to humiliate an opponent far beneath your level?"

The black robed man smiled, "Don't need to agitate me, I had already planned to say it. Don't agitate me to the point I don't feel like saying it. The biggest mistake of your NanGong family was to make a marriage proposal to my Yang family! Hehe, that NanGong TianLong is too naive!"

"You are from the Yang family?!" The guards exclaimed as they came to a realization about some matters which seemed strange. No wonder he did not kill the young masters from the Yang family. No wonder he allowed the three young masters to escape. No wonder why the Yang family would not save their young master Le! So he was from the Yang family! This matter was just a scheme of the Yang family! But why would the Yang family want to do that?

"Confused? Haha, your family head, NanGong TianLong, would definitely know the reason. You guys eyed on the Ling family and wanted to eat them up in secret. However, you also thought about having an alliance with my Yang family so the aftermath of the affair would be settled more easily. Haha, a good plan. Hehe, how can things go your way all the time. Our Yang family also has the same idea. If that's the case, how can we allow you to marry our young miss? You still want to let us to clean up after you? What do you think your NanGong family is? A bunch of fools who want to play others as monkeys? What a joke!"

The guards then stared at each other as fury filled their hearts! Yang family! What a Yang family! So sinister!

The black robed man then looked at them leisurely, "Now that everything is explained, you guys can just end your own lives. I only need NanGong Le's head."

Anger was already plastered all over their faces, "While we are not your opponents, we are not willing to wait helplessly for death! We are even more unwilling to end our own lives. It's best we trouble you! Please!"

The black robed man laughed, "Good! If that's the case, have a good trip on the Yellow Springs Road! Go and accompany your foolish young master!"

The guards then lifted up their weapons and charged over with a battle cry. Like a gust of wind, the sword of the black dressed man penetrated the chest of the first man. After pulling it out and taking another step, his sword brandished again and another guard's chest was penetrated…

The black dressed man then flicked his wrists and the sword exited from the chest of the last guard. With a tinge of melancholy, he mumbled, "I will never leave any survivors! The orders from the top cannot be disobeyed and may all of you have a good trip!" The body of the last guard stumbled on the ground without motion.

With a single slash and jab, NanGong Le's head was already embedded in the sword of the black dressed man. With a laugh, his body floated in the air and he disappeared into the night skies.

The black dressed man seemed to be extremely careless, not bothering to check if there were any survivors. Or perhaps, he was just overly confident in himself.

A long while later, two soft groans sounded together. In the pool of blood, two guards who were filled with blood all over them gradually opened their eyes… While the sword of the black dressed man pierced through their chest, it did not penetrate their hearts! The both of them also managed to survive.

A commotion could be heard from afar as a bunch of troops held onto fire torches and approached the place quickly — they were the reinforcements of the Yang family.

The guards, who had regained their consciousness, were filled with hatred as they thought, "What a coincidence, just when everyone had died, you guys arrive. Do you guys really take us for fools?" In hatred, their previously clear mind became muddled…

Chapter 111: Mission Accomplished

Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll

Ling Tian sat crossed-legged on the bed, entering into meditation as he cultivated.

The Divine Shocking Dragon Formula had a total of twelve layers. From the sixth layer on, stepping into the next level was as difficult as ascending to the heavens! Ling Tian understood the principle of 'more haste, less speed'. If he wanted to forcefully advance, not only would his cultivation not take a step forward, it would create a large burden, or even damage, for his body! Only by maintaining a calm and carefree attitude would his cultivation improve. No matter how small the improvement was, it was still an improvement.

After Yu BingYan came, she had destroyed Ling Tian's optimal mental state. The earlier Yu BingYan's Divine Black Negative Meridians was treated, the higher the probability of success. While Ling Tian was able to wait, Yu BingYan could not. Even if he is able to refine the Great Cyclic Pill, it was only a method to stall for time.

Tonight, Yu BingYan did not return to the Wei family but stayed in the Ling family instead, moving in with her guards. This made the originally spacious courtyard become a little squeezy. At the same time, Ling Tian's actions also became more restricted. Because the Wei family was worried about Yu BingYan, they sent Wei XuanXuan to invite her back. However, with the reason of Ling Tian being injured, Yu BingYan insisted on staying there.

Helpless, Wei XuanXuan could only agree to pick Yu BingYan up at noon the next day.

The sky was already dark.

A soft snapping sound could be heard on the roof.

Ling Tian was awoken from his meditative state, opening his eyes slowly. His eyes fixed onto the person on the roof as his divine sense spread out. If this person had any malicious intentions, Ling Tian would kill the person with all he had!

"Young noble, it is me." Feeling Ling Tian's sharp killing intent, the person on the roof quickly spoke: he was Ling Jian.

From the opened window, Ling Jian drifted in, "Young noble, what's the matter? Why do I feel two unfamiliar experts in the house apart from young noble? Furthermore, they are both extremely alert. What is going on? Afraid that I will reveal myself, I jumped straight onto young noble's roof from the outside."

Ling Tian praised, "Ling Jian, you are indeed more mature in recent times. You are now able to make flexible decisions when you realize that something is wrong. Haha, if it were a few years back, you would have probably walked in foolishly from the front door, right?"

Ling Jian rubbed his heads embarrassedly. His chilly face was like an immature child in front of Ling Tian, "Young noble praised me too much. The situation today was just too odd; this is the first time our house is on such high alert! If not for this subordinate knowing young noble's ability, I would have definitely thought that something happened within the family."

"The little princess of the Yu family is in our house." Ling Tian said calmly.

"Oh, no wonder." Ling Jian's eyes was suddenly burning with passion, "Are those two experts the guards of the little princess? Young noble, I…"

Ling Tian interrupted him, "No way! You cannot touch them now. They are both not your opponents. Once drawn, your swordplay cannot be retracted, resolute with killing intent. It is the sharpest and most powerful swordplay in the world today. While they are not your opponents, you will have to fight them with all of your might if they join hands to fight you. In the exchange between experts, life and death happens in an instant and the both of them will definitely die under your hands. However, the little princess of the Yu family is an extremely important affair and nothing must happen. The moment something goes wrong, we will be on the defensive end."

Ling Jian went silent for a moment before saying, "I will wait! There will definitely be such a day!"

Ling Tian giggled, "Ling Jian, when this day really comes, you will realize that you are no longer interested in the both of them."

Ling Jian's eyes lit up, "Young noble, are we going to have special training again?"

Ling Tian laughed, "That's not the case. It is just that I thought of another situation from your killing intent just now. Ling Jian, do you know that you no longer require any special training anymore? Special training can only improve the endurance, reflexes and agility of a person. It is already useless to you. The thing which you have to increase now is your cultivation."

Ling Jian seemed a little disappointed as he heard that, frustrated over the fact that special training will no longer be of use to him. Ling Jian knew just how cruel Ling Tian's special training was. It is able to make an expert like himself live under the pressure of death every moment, afraid to even relax for a moment. While such a feeling was torture to an ordinary person, it was a rare experience for someone like Ling Jian who lived on the borders of life and death every day!

"Young noble, you said that you thought of another situation from my killing intent? What kind of situation did you think about?" Ling Jian asked.

Ling Tian's eyes flashed, "The situation when you fight the both of them!"

Ling Jian was stunned for a moment, "Didn't young noble say that I will be able to win the both of them, even if they joined hands?"

"While you are able to win the both of them, do you know what kind of a price you will pay?" Ling Tian asked.

"To serve the young noble, death is nothing. Ling Jian's life already belongs to the young noble!" Ling Jian replied without thinking.

Ling Tian shook his head, "You are wrong. The both of them are top notch experts. With your ability, you will be able to win the both of them. However, you will have to pay a huge price which may be…" As Ling Tian said that, he was stunned for a moment. You have to know; Ling Tian was betrayed by his own family in his past life and humiliated by his blood brothers. He no longer had the feeling of brotherhood in his heart any longer. While Ling Jian was loyal to him, it was due to the favor which he owed Ling Tian and the effects of brainwashing. However, he had actually mention those words of concern without thinking. Did he really treat Ling Jian as a true brother and not a chess piece which could be sacrificed at any time?

The both of them did not speak for a long time.

"Is the matter settled?" Ling Tian was the first to regain his calmness and asked. While this was a question, it seemed more like a confirmation. Ling Tian would never doubt Ling Jian's ability and Ling Jian had never disappointed Ling Tian. Furthermore, sending Ling Jian to deal with NanGong Le was akin to using a cannon to kill a chicken. It would be even more surprising if Ling Jian did not succeed.

Ling Jian chuckled before replying, "NanGong Le's head had been thrown into the river by me. Young noble, I am not sure about something and I hope you can enlighten me."

Ling Tian opened his eyes and looked at Ling Jian, signalling for Ling Jian to continue.

"The strength of the NanGong family seemed a little too weak. None of the NanGong family's guards were able to even block my sword. Don't young noble think that there is something wrong?" Ling Jian asked with doubt plastered all over his face.

"The NanGong family is not the Yu family or 'Water of Heavenly Wind' after all. It is understandable for them to be slightly weaker. Not every family is able to have a large number of experts. However, the NanGong family definitely has experts; this fact is undeniable! As for why the guards of NanGong Le is so weak, this goes to show that a silkpants like him is not important in the family." Ling Tian said in a deep tone.

"Oh," Ling Jian nodded his head, "young noble, since the matter is settled, I will return to the Ling Family Courtyard."

Ling Tian smiled and said with a gentle tone, "There's no rush, ah Jian, apart from when we were young and a few other night conversations, we rarely have any chance to interact. Especially after you exterminated the Blood Rose Hall and moved to the Ling Family Courtyard, you have been on the move for long periods of time, without a shelter over your head as you toiled away for long hours. It has been tough on you. Tonight, let us brothers have a gathering. You can also tell me about all the things which have happened in the past few years."

Ling Jian's eyes reddened as he felt the deep sense of concern from Ling Tian, "Young noble is more knowledgeable than anyone in the world, with wisdom far exceeding his peers. Furthermore, Ling Jian owes the young noble a great favor and even death would repay only a mere fragment of it. How would I dare to be brothers with the young noble. I… am alright; no matter what I have to do for the young noble, I am willing to do so! I will always be young noble's sword!"

Chapter 112: Toasting a Cup to the Noble

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: celllll

Ling Tian let out a warm smile, "Ah Jian, since the worldwide dispute has already begun, the undercurrents will gradually start to appear, until they have covered every single country, causing chaos to the entire continent! In the future, the enemies we will be facing will only get stronger. As my most capable assistant, and also the person I trust the most, if you don't treat me as a brother, then who should I place my trust in? Since I have chosen you to take charge, it means that you are an extension of me. As such, in the future, our meetings will be few and between. It will be like this time, where you've been out for at least four months. I'll get that lass Chen'er to prepare some dishes. Tonight, we'll have a good drink together!"

"Young Noble…" Ling Jian felt warmth from deep within his heart, he felt his nose becoming stuffy, and could only resort to turning his head away, coughing a few times before he managed to suppress the hot tears that were about to spill.

Calling Ling Chen over, Ling Tian gave a few instructions. A short while later, she carried a large tray in, with six different types of dishes on it, all elaborately made. After which, she brought in two vats of wine. After glancing at Ling Tian, she retreated out quietly.

Ling Tian lifted up his cup, which was full to the brim, "Ah Jian, let me offer you a toast!"

"Young Noble, there's something that I still do not understand." While refilling Ling Tian's cup, Ling Jian spoke. After a few cups, a slight flush was beginning to appear on Ling Jian's pale face.

"Haha, Ah Jian, your face is all red. Not bad, you look quite good with it, hahahaha…" After that sentence, Ling Tian laughed a bit before continuing, "What is it you do not understand? And you even hid it from me for a few years without ask? Hmm?"

Ling Jian laughed at his reply. "Young Noble, what did you see in me when you accepted me back then? I've always found this matter weird. I had already escaped to outside the city, but you still continued searching for me."

Ling Tian's eyes drooped as in his vision flashed once again to that helpless little child who faced him at that time, not knowing where to run, with eyes filled with hatred, despair as well as stubbornness. Comparing to the man in front of him, he could not help but let out a long sigh.

"That time, when you were escaping, you bumped into me inside the capital, haha…" Staring blankly into space, Ling Tian recounted dreamily. "At that time, you were frantic. In your eyes, I could see despair, helplessness, distress, and many more negative emotions. Although you only glanced at me, I could see the endless hatred in your eyes. Hehheh, at that point, I remembered you deeply and thus wanted to help you. That's all to it."

Ling Tian's voice was light, yet the tone was heavy — it was like a mountain pressing down! As Ling Tian spoke, Ling Tian's focused state made him feel that the child Ling Tian was recounting was not just about him, Ling Jian, but also about Ling Tian himself! This was a sort of hatred that had already been carved deep into one's bones. It was a type of hatred that cannot be forgotten, even in death! 'How can this be possible? Why would the Young Noble have such an experience?' Ling Jian thought. However, while one could fake his tone, it was impossible to fake his innermost feelings!

Ling Tian was sitting opposite Ling Jian. But at that instant, Ling Jian felt like the Young Noble was standing alone on a snow-capped summit, filled with snow and ice that never melted. Loneliness, desolateness, solitude, as well as a huge sense of powerlessness emanated from him. This sort of cold and bleak feeling of powerlessness had even overtaken what he felt in those early years. Why? Why would Young Noble feel this way?

The Young Noble has it tough!

Unbidden to him, a thought suddenly surfaced in Ling Jian's mind.

With his intelligence, talent, martial arts and knowledge all far surpassing a normal person, where did this bitterness come from? From the country? Family? Self? Ling Jian could not understand, and may never will.

Ling Jian's face, which typically resembled a block of wood, suddenly revealed some emotions, his eyes dimly sparkling with unshed tears. He silently lifted up his cup in a toast, downing it in one go! Under the influence of his emotions, he applied too much force, and the wine cup shattered in his hands with a crisp sound.

In the shadows outside the house, Ling Chen had long changed into camouflaged night clothes, her svelte body melding with the darkness, with the spring breeze caressing her…

Men also needed to clear their frustrations at times. A good friend, as well as a vat of good wine, that was one of the best way to let loose some steam.

Ling Chen was well aware that men, under such situations, were the easiest to get drunk, because they did not have any guards up. As such, she did not choose to stay inside the room, but opted to guard outside — in the inky darkness, and chilly spring winds. Tonight, Ling Chen silently sacrificed her sleep to provide protection for the two men who were akin to brothers.

Let them drink to their hearts' content!

Ling Jian and Ling Chen never knew that the outstanding Ling Tian, almost omnipotent like a god, actually had such an unsavoury past. The main reason as to why he helped them was primarily because he saw vestiges of the helpless him in them! Even if he stayed in the downtown, he would still be ostracised by everyone. His heart would be akin to a thousand-year glacier that resisted melting, standing alone and tall, without any warmth to speak of.

By saving Ling Jian, as well as accepting Ling Chen, it was a subconscious way for him to save his own past self, when he was in the depths of despair. He subconsciously treated them as his past self, helping them as a form of redemption to himself. However, with Ling Chen's tender warmth as well as Ling Jian's tenacious devotion and the care that they both showed him, this allowed Ling Tian's frozen and locked heart to slowly begin to melt, revealing a tiny crack.

The Yang Family.

NanGong Yu stared mutely at the headless corpse of her brother, her body trembling, then collapsing onto the ground like cotton…...

"Little Miss! Lady NanGong!..." The crowd exclaimed in shock.

Yang KongQun stood by the side with an ashen face. His usually unflustered face was filled with ruthlessness this time. There was actually someone who killed the Young Master of the NanGong family, here to propose a marriage, under the watch of the Yang Family! This was no doubt a clear and sound smack to Yang KongQun's face, and it was an utter humiliation!

How would the NanGong Family think of this? Would they still work together? Their son was actually killed in a place where my influence was the largest. How can they still talk about cooperation? As for the marriage… the prospective groom was already dead, what marriage?

"Mobilize the Heavenly Blade Troops! By tomorrow, I want to know who is responsible for this!" After a brief moment of agitation, Yang KongQun reacted. The most important thing currently was for him to unveil the killer, so as to give an answer to the NanGong family. If someone else's child had died in his territory but he was unable to even find the murderer, then his Yang Family's face could be thrown back to his grandmother's house!

Furthermore, Yang KongQun also had misgivings. NanGong Le went out with his three grandsons to play, yet his grandsons were without a scratch while NanGong Le ended up deader than dead, the spectacle horrible to behold. If he was NanGong TianLong, what would he think? The moment Yang KongQun received the report, he immediately realized that this was part of a bigger conspiracy! Furthermore, this scheme was aimed at driving a wedge between the Yangs and the NanGongs, resulting in the collapse of their relationships!

The problem was that, while he was aware of the plan, Yang KongQun was helpless about it! There were no traces left behind to use as evidence. Even the head of the other party's child was not found! He could not just walk up to NanGong TianLong and say, "Your son has been murdered. Don't be angry or enraged, this is a ploy against my Yang Family!" Yang KongQun knew that if NanGong TianLong heard that, NanGong TianLong would definitely flip the table over and start a war! Willy and cunning as NanGong TianLong might be, NanGong TianLong was still a man and not some heartless saint. If Yang KongQun's son was the victim, he would definitely go berserk and fall mad. Putting himself in NanGong TianLong's shoes, the outcome was obvious.

Chapter 113: The Yang Family Moves Out

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: celllll

"Increase the number of guards and carefully scrutinize the Ling, Wang and the Imperial Family's every move. I want detailed reports of all of the three families; regardless of how big or small the matter, I want it to be reported! Yang Lei, bring a few elites to the capital and investigate the people who entered the Sky Bearing Empire in the recent half-month — especially those who came in from the south, pay careful attention to them! Yang Yun, quickly inform the NanGong family — report this matter to them clearly without missing a single detail out!"

Even when faced with such an abrupt disadvantage, in this instant, Yang KongQun showed how he was an outstanding talent of his generation, quickly calming himself down. The matter had already happened and people were already dead; thinking about the consequences of this matter is no longer important already. They could only face it calmly, no matter the result.

Yang KongQun was calm and unflustered, giving out orders like the river's water, flowing orderly without any chaos. The originally harried and chaotic Yang Family calmed down upon hearing his authoritative voice and saluted him after receiving their orders, rushing out to complete the tasks.

Yang KongQun placed his hands behind his back as he gazed at the night sky — he could already foresee how the entire capital would be stirred up like a bowl of porridge because of his orders. This would cause a scenario where people jump at the slightest breeze or the cry of a crane, imagining every grass and tree as a soldier [1]. After so many years, the actual might of the Yang family's elites was now being brought to bear. While he knew that this move of his would draw more suspicion from the Imperial Family, he was already at his wit's end.

The deployment of his elite troops was not to pursue the killer. The probability of actually being able to capture that cold-blooded killer right now was infinitely close to zero. The deployment was a sort of stance, a display to the NanGong family! It was a show put up for everyone under the heavens! Since your son has been murdered in my territory, no doubt you would be sad, but I'll be angrier! I want to use the greatest strength at my disposal to solve this case in the fastest and fiercest way, without any neglect!

Furthermore, this also served as a sign to the NanGong family: Your son is already dead and it was not done by us! Since an ally of our Yang Family has met with an accident in our area, our family would definitely bring justice. Regardless of the consequences, our Yang Family would pour all our effort into this case. This is the attitude we have towards this cooperation!

A pity, one careless move was all that was needed to throw the entire game away!

The only thing that was out of Yang KongQun's calculations, and still remained unknown to him, was the fact that Ling Tian had long predicted his response. What sort of strength would Yang KongQun display, this was what Ling Tian was actually looking for, and also one of his main objective this time round.

An "Enn~" sound was heard, as NanGong Yu was roused awake, her face full of visible tear tracks. Yang KongQun heaved a long sigh, and walked towards her slowly, his white beard swaying in the wind as he spoke, "Niece NanGong, what's happened cannot be changed, please restrain your grief for now. Should we help your esteemed older brother perform his last rites?" He had thought for a long while but was unable to come out with anything comforting to tell her. Facing this situation, addressing a close relative of the deceased, no amount of words would have any power. Helpless, the only thing he could say and do was to help the headless corpse conduct its last rites. They could not bury him yet, as NanGong Le would undoubtedly be buried only at his ancestral family ground.

With the assistance of a servant maid, NanGong Yu — with a face drained of all color and blood — stood up slowly and said, "Thank you Family Head Yang for your concern. If I do not take revenge for this, I swear that I am not fit to be a person!" She then turned to address the guards beside her, "Those who accompanied my Second Brother, are there any left alive?" Though her voice sounded weak and frail, it was bone-chillingly cold, carrying hints of killing intent.

"There are two of them, but they were seriously injured and are still unconscious. Family Head Yang has sent for people to attend to them. But due to the nature of the injuries, things do not look optimistic." One of the guards bowed as he reported.

"Hurry and bring me over to take a look!" NanGong Yu then bowed weakly to Yang KongQun, "This niece will take her leave." Obviously, she was not willing to allow him to follow her, which obviously showed her suspicions.

Yang KongQun merely inclined his head slightly in response. Watching the vanishing back view of NanGong Yu, his gaze was complex. Though the murder took place under his protection, the Yang Family would definitely not be absolved of blame. With the current state of things, one could only face it with a calm mind. He thought, 'I've already sent the Yangs to investigate and arrest the killer. Though there might not be immediate results, I've already done all I could. If you NanGongs are unhappy or suspicious, to the point that you want to sever all ties with me, my Yang Family is actually not afraid of your NanGong family!'

"How is it? Are they awake yet?" Although she had already heard the gist of what happened from the surviving Yang family's guards, NanGong Yu still trusted her own subordinates more! How would she know if the Yang family's guards were just making excuses?

"Not yet, the two of them have similar injuries to most of the dead. Both of them were pierced through the chest by a sword stab. The killer was unbelievably ruthless and I've seldom seen one like that. If it wasn't for the fact that both of them were lucky, and the stab missed their heart by half an inch, they would have long been sent to the Underworld! Even as it is, the wound inflicted is still too serious. Hence I have no guarantee of saving them!" A physician stood there with his hands still dripping fresh blood as he respectfully replied.

"Alright, please excuse us for now." After the crowd retreated, there was only the entourage from the NanGong family left.

"With the strength of just one man, and using the time needed to make a cup of tea to take care of the hundred-odd guards, he was actually completely uninjured! Hahaha…" NanGong Yu laughed out venomously as she continued, "Four people on the journey and the three Young Nobles from the Yang Family are not even missing a strand of hair. But, my second brother somehow lost his head along the way! This is laughable, really amusing!" Her cold laughter echoed.

"Miss, what are your orders?" A guard beside her asked.

"Take out my life-saving Ginseng King and cut out a piece each for both of them!" NanGong Yu's voice was as cold as an arctic tundra.

"To show compassion for us guards, we are already grateful beyond belief. But, that sort of rare spiritual medicine like the Ginseng King is priceless beyond compare. The two of them are too severely wounded; even with the medicine, it would only be in vain and this would waste the precious Ginseng King…" Another guard, that was standing by the side, said.

"The Ginseng King is a rare spiritual medicine that can prolong even the last breath of a dying man. Only then can we find out what happened from the mouths of the two. Follow my orders!" NanGong Yu urged.

"Yes, this servant will administer it right away!" Her right-hand man immediately withdrew an old jade box, taking out a piece of snow white ginseng. This was the very ginseng which NanGong TianLong had bestowed ti NanGong Yu. This ginseng, in fact, really had the ability to reverse a dying soul.

That guard took out a knife made of jade and carefully sliced two pieces off, putting one each into the mouth of the dying guards. He then stepped back to await the results.

All was silent, as they waited for the rain to fall!

It seemed like an instant, yet an eternity, as a low groan suddenly pierced into the ears of the crowd. On the couch, one of the seriously injured guards seemed to have cracked open a sliver of his eyelids. The moment he saw NanGong Yu beside him, the dying embers in his lights suddenly brightened up fiercely!

NanGong Yu felt a tremor in her heart as she stooped down, "Li Gang, can you hear me? I have something to ask!"

The sound of blood gurgling came from the throat of that Li Gang, his breathing coming out in wheezes like broken billows. Every time he breathed in, it took quite a bit of strength. However, his eyes stared at NanGong Yu firmly, the panic, anxiety, grief, and indignation coming out in torrents; it seemed as though he wanted to say something, but he could not speak out. This caused his body to tremble even more violently.

Light flashed through NanGong Yu's eyes and she followed her ear to his mouth while saying, "Li Gang, what is it that you want to say? Rest assured, there is only our family in this room, you may speak with ease."

Li Gang's mouth opened and closed, but no sound came out from it. Finally, with a 'gulu' sound, a mouth of fresh blood flowed out together with some blood clots from his mouth. His voice, weak and soft beyond belief, sounded, "...Miss…"

NanGong Yu's expression tightened, "I'm listening."

Li Gang's voice sounded like a candle in the wind, on the verge of being snuffed out. But that weak voice, when transmitted into NanGong Yu's ears, was just like a thunderstorm on a sunny day!

"...the killer… is, …is the Yang Family… people from the Yang Family. This is because of… the plan… that the Master has… for the Ling Family… Miss… you… you…." The voice became softer and softer, and with a final gurgle from his throat, Li Gang took his last breath, his eyes still wide open in anger and frustration as he passed away!

Though the Ginseng King was a miraculous medicine, allowing the dying guard to have another few seconds in life, it was not a Soul-Reviving Immortal Pellet after all and Li Gang still passed away in the end.

However, the words he spoke before his death had a content that could turn the sky and earth upside down!

NanGong Yu stood up slowly with both fists clenched, as though she could not control her rage and hatred any longer!

It was unknown why, but the originally crazed NanGong Yu suddenly regained her calm all of a sudden! In that instant, the close to erupting her suddenly cooled back down — the chill she emanated comparable to freezing temperatures. The crowd all felt anxious.

The pretty face of NanGong Yu looked as though it was sculpted from ice, the killing intent in her eyes seeming to congeal into reality.

Beside her, the other fatally wounded guard seemed to still be trapped in unconsciousness. He started to hyperventilate, his body twitching in response. It seemed like he was inhaling lesser and exhaling more.

NanGong Yu hesitated for a brief moment; then suddenly, her expression turned cold as she turned her body and stretched out her right hand. With a small exertion of force and a 'kacha' sound, the guard's neck was snapped by her. He died before he could even utter a single word.

Looking at the bewildered expressions of the others, NanGong Yu drew out a snow white silk scarf from her bosom and wiped her hands leisurely as she spoke, "If the Yang Family knew that we have already discovered their ploy, I'm afraid we will all end up in unmarked tombstones in the Sky Bearing Empire. This person has been fatally injured and does not have much time left. We cannot afford to take this risk.

Her jade hands flicked and that snow white scarf floated down, gently covering the eyes of the guard who had died unjustly.

[1] - To panic at the slightest move, and to treat everyone like an enemy.

Chapter 114: Probing Intelligence

Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll

The night was silent, with gentle winds and a dim moonlight.

All of a sudden, chaos burst forth in all directions.

The sound of galloping horses approached nearer and nearer. They were like the waves of an ocean, coming wave after wave never endingly!

At the same time, the sound of scolding and shrieks sounded from afar.

Ling Tian held onto his wine glass as he listened with a smile, "The Yang family really went all out this time. It seems that the old fox, Yang KongQun, is really anxious this time! The more he acts as such, the more it seems like he has a guilty conscience! Interesting, interesting!"

On the opposite of Ling Tian, Ling Jian's face was flushed red but his eyes were still sharp and calm!

"Young noble, what should we do next?"

Ling Jian knew that his young noble would not let him kill that trash for nothing. If there wasn't any follow up to this plan, it wouldn't be a plan by his young noble.

Ling Jian was extremely familiar with Ling Tian's habits. Ling Tian will never take action just for a single goal. For things which are simple and straightforward, Ling Tian would not think about the idea himself! He would only hand such a matter down to his subordinates. Ling Tian's plans would always be out of one's expectations, but still within his own control. Every single meticulous arrangement by Ling Tian would always make Ling Jian shocked with admiration. Ling Jian felt that if he did not guess wrongly, killing NanGong Le was just the start of Ling Tian's plan!

In Ling Tian's courtyard, a gust of wind blew. Ling Tian and Ling Jian both felt that the two experts in the courtyard were growing restless.

Yu BingYan's guards finally could not sit still.

The unintentional sword move by Ling Chen previously had already made the both of them on high alert. Now that it was deep in the night with such a large commotion happening in the Sky Bearing Empire, it was impossible for the both of them to not worry — regardless of who the commotion was targeted at.

In the shadows outside the house, both the black dressed men were arguing, "XueFei, guard the little princess here. I will go and take a look." This voice belonged to XueLeng.

"It is best for you to stay here while I go. My footwork is better than yours and it will be easier for me to move about." This voice belonged to XueFei.

"Bastard! You have to listen to me and stand guard here."

"Why do I have to listen to you? We are both twins of the same age. On what grounds are you acting like the boss of me? Listen to me this time."

"Bastard! I was the one who came out first!"

"Cheh, we both look the same. In what way are you older than me?! Perhaps, there was a mistake that was made back then. I feel like I am much older than you! Do you have the disposition of an elder child?"

"Then… we shall use the old way!"

"Yes! The old way!"

Who knows how they came to a conclusion, but XueLeng ended up winning and smiled with delight. His body then shot into the air as he disappeared in the night sky after twisting strangely.

XueFei shook his head in frustration as he concealed himself back into the darkness. Before he concealed himself, he looked towards the room of that young master Ling and made a spitting sound.

In the room, Ling Tian and Ling Jian looked towards each other and saw the laughter on the other party's face.

While they were far away and spoke softly, Ling Tian and Ling Jian both had deep inner strength. Especially Ling Tian, whose inner Qi was even more powerful than both the Xue brothers. As such, they heard every single word clearly.

"While both of them seem to be as cold as ice, I never imagined that they had such a fun side as well. Interesting. Ah Jian, it seems that we have to provoke them into bickering once in awhile. It is more interesting than watching a play." Ling Tian giggled.

"Ha!" Ling Jian almost choked on his wine. He also heard the conversation between the both of them but did not feel much. However, Ling Tian's words made him have an urge to burst out into laughter.

As it grew even more chaotic, the both of them waited for awhile more before Ling Tian stood up, "It's about time. By now, the elites of the Yang family should have all been mobilized. Ling Jian, let us go and see the strength which Yang KongQun had been concealing!"

Ling Jian laughed and finished his glass of wine before standing up.

The window then opened silently.

At the same time, both of their figures disappeared into the darkness, as though they had melted into the darkness.

A wave of fragrance floated into the room together with a graceful figure. Ling Chen walked calmly to the side of the bed and hugged the clothes which Ling Tian had just changed out of, smiling sweetly. She then flicked her wrists and extinguished the oil lamp.

The Ling mansion was then filled with dense darkness.

Sprinting in the night accompanied by the gentle breeze, Ling Jian felt a sense of comfort which he had not felt for a long time!

He can finally work together with his young noble again!

Ling Jian felt as though he had returned to the time he first saw his young noble and felt his heart grow calm all of a sudden. He suddenly felt that he was no longer the person who had no one to rely on and had no home to return to. In the past decade, the little things which were experienced by the both of them flashed passed his mind as he felt a sense of warmth. His cold and callous self was actually able to feel such warmth still, and it was extremely comfortable.

Ling Tian did not know, and maybe Ling Jian himself did not know either. Ever since the Blood Rose Hall had fell under Ling Jian's sword, Ling Jian's sole goal in life was to serve Ling Tian! Help Ling Tian to kill! Protect Ling Tian with his own life! This had became Ling Jian's only wish in the world!

In Ling Jian's heart, Ling Tian's status was something which no one was able to replace. Ling Tian is his own brother or even a god in his heart!

He looked towards Ling Tian who was sprinting together with him; that neither fast nor slow actions which were completely effortless. Ling Tian would meticulously maintain their distance but yet not speeding up to the maximum to embarrass him. Ling Jian felt, once again, the huge gap between him and his young noble. He could not help but swear in his heart to improve himself. Only then will he be able to do more for the young noble in future!

XueLeng's silhouette appeared in front of them.

The both of them looked at each other with a smile. They had originally followed XueLeng here; now that they had found him, he shall become the bellwether.

On the dark streets, troops dressed in black weaved around the streets. They would enter into the inns to check or interrogate the residences, filling the whole city with a large commotion.

From time to time, there would be black figures jumping onto the roofs, looking around the surroundings. This also made Ling Tian, Ling Jian and XueLeng — who was in the front — to be even more careful.

The large line-up, which the Yang family sent out, was something that even Ling Tian felt extremely surprised at.

The orderly sounds of galloping horses sounded as a wave of awe struck them. As Ling Tian listened carefully, he realized that while the troops were many (exactly 500), the galloping sounds were extremely orderly. It was as though every single horse was galloping in synchronized steps. To train the cavalry to such an extent could no longer be described by having 'good training'. It can already be said to be a miracle!

"Ling Jian, take note of this cavalry which is arriving. They are most probably the strongest force which Yang KongQun had been hiding: Heavenly Blade Troops. This is also the news which we had never been able to scout out. Take note of all of their strengths. They will be the biggest enemy of our Ling Family Courtyard in future." Ling Tian said softly.

Ling Jian looked towards the strict and orderly troops on the streets and said calmly, "This troop can be called the elites amongst the elites. If we were to take out 500 men from our Ling Family Courtyard to fight them, both parties would definitely suffer heavy casualties! In fact, we may even suffer heavier casualties!"

Ling Tian also observed the troops carefully; the men's expressions, the complexion of the horses, the synchronization between man and horse, not letting out a single detail. After hearing what Ling Jian said, he shook his head, "Your analysis is logical, but is only limited to if they do battle on the ground. If they were to battle on horses, 500 of these men will be able to fight a thousand men from our Ling Family Courtyard! Furthermore, Yang KongQun has 3000 of such troops!"

"3000?!" Ling Jian's face changed.

"If these men were to fight the men from our Ling Family Courtyard one to one, they would lose for sure! But if we are talking about them collectively, our Ling Family Courtyard is still far from being comparable to them. In a battlefield, the most important thing is cooperation. In order to train troops like these, it is impossible to do so without a good eight to ten years! Thus, this is probably Yang KongQun's trump card!"

Ling Tian continued to observe the troops as he said, "Look at their cooperation between men and horse, men and men, horse and horse. Ling Jian, that is the scariest part! There is only a single way to deal with such troops: Divide and conquer. If we were to fight them head on, we would definitely pay a huge price!"

Chapter 115: Probing As Such

Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll

At this moment, the Heavenly Blade Troops were already at the end of the street. With a sudden command, all 500 of them stopped in unison without any delay! Even the horses did not resist in the slightest or let out a neigh of unwillingness! These troops were like potent killing machines on the battlefield!

The 500 of them got off their horse together, landing with a unified 'thud'. From afar, it seemed as though the leader of the troops was handing out instructions. The next moment, the few hundred people were reduced to almost nothing, sprinting in different directions and leaving one section behind to watch the horses.

Ling Tian revealed a cunning smile as he said, "Let me test their combat prowess."

Ling Jian began to itch with excitement, "Young noble, let me go!"

Ling Tian quickly held Ling Jian's excited body back and said quietly, "This time, there is no need for you to go. You have just killed NanGong Le; your body shape and strength is already revealed. It wouldn't be good for you to take action again. They will be able to figure out easily that you were the preparator from your swordplay and the injuries on the corpses. If that's the case, then things wouldn't be fun anymore. We need to have something unexpected for more fun. This time, let your young noble show you a fantastic show. Then, I will bewilder that old fogey YangKong Qun to make him more confused. Only then will it be fun." As he said that, he chuckled, looking in a direction.

As Ling Jian followed Ling Tian's vision, he almost burst out into laughter. In that direction was a carefully concealed figure in the darkness, XueLeng! At this moment, XueLeng seemed to be inching about in the darkness, as though he had the intention to leave.

Along the way here, XueLeng had been extremely careful as he eavesdropped on the conversations around him. Only after listening to a few different conversations did he understand what was going on.

It turns out, the young noble of the NanGong family, NanGong Le, was assassinated by a mysterious expert on the streets. Yang KongQun flew into a rage and sent out all of his forces to apprehend the culprit!

After knowing that this matter was completely unrelated to the Yu Family he was serving and their mortal nemesis, Water of Heavenly Wind, he naturally could not be bothered about the matter any longer. At the same time, he also became relaxed as he searched for an opportunity to return to the Ling mansion. However, being in the center of the investigation radius, he must exercise extreme caution. If he were to cause this incident to be related to his little princess, he would never be able to redeem himself, even with death.

Just when he was thinking about how he should leave, a section of orderly troops walked towards him slowly. While XueLeng was on top of a roof, he could also feel the dense killing intent emanating from the troops! They were obviously well-seasoned troops who had no qualms about killing! XueLeng's heart tightened as he thought, "The Yang family actually has elite troops like these!" If there were only a dozen of them here, he would not place them in his sights at all. But, there were probably tens of them present currently. If XueLeng's location were to be revealed, they were more than capable of trapping him into a bitter battle! Thinking about this, XueLeng hurriedly shrunk his body deeper into the darkness.

"Pa! Pa! Pa!" Three bricks exploded by XueLeng's side! The crisp sound spread out in the darkness as XueLeng felt his soul jump out from his body!

Which idiot threw these bricks to my side?! XueLeng almost wanted to scream.

But now, he no longer had the time to grumble. Now that he was found out, things were extremely grave! From afar, the black dressed men swiftly ascended the roof and sprinted over.

"He's here!" A loud shout sounded from below! With the sound of a few 'swish', the black dressed men were all on the roof. Their blades reflected the moonlight, covering XueLeng with the reflection as they slashed down towards him.

XueLeng no longer had the time to be frustrated as his figure drifted into the sky. His snow like sword was unsheathed as he brandished it in the air. As the sounds of metal clashing rang in the air, XueLeng had already parried the incoming weapons as he began to retreat.

The sound of a blade slicing through the air sounded from behind him, approaching him ferociously with great force. XueLeng did not have the chance to turn back as he slashed out his sword in reflex, receiving the blade with a burst of spark. At the same time, XueLeng sighed in his heart and escaped towards the street.

Although he knew that his opponent's intention was to force him off the roof to surround him, he did not have a choice! He really lost the whole game with a single error!

Now, XueLeng can already be certain that the person who threw the brick was definitely the true culprit, or an accomplice at the very least!

Before his body landed, more than ten blades were already slashing towards him. While XueLeng was still in mid air, he unleashed a move called, 'Eight Direction Night Fight'. A layer of sword shadows could be seen around him, blocking all the blades as he landed on the ground.

The ten-plus black dressed men surrounded him tightly as experts occupied the high ground, sealing all routes of escape.

After a round of exchange, XueLeng already knew that the people on the roof weren't weaklings. While one or two of them were not his opponents, he would be in trouble if all of them were to attack together. As for the ten plus men below, they were only elites who were just a little stronger than the ordinary army. While they were not martial arts experts, XueLeng could tell that they were a trained suicide squad who did not fear death from their actions and eyes. With the experts on the roofs and suicide squad below, escaping would not be an easy task.

The most troublesome part was the fact that his opponent's experts were also rushing over at this moment! If he were to be surrounded in all directions, he would definitely die here tonight even if he had a heavenly ability!

Thinking about this, an unyielding spirit burned in his eyes. If that's the case, then let's end this quickly!

Following the movement of XueLeng's body, his sword also stabbed out like a poisonous dragon! This move was not fanciful in anyway and was a killing move! Before the black dressed soldier had a chance to react, the sword had already pierced through his chest. The eyes of the black dressed soldier burned in anger as he advanced even further instead of retreating, charging at XueLeng with all of his strength. As XueLeng pulled out his sword and stabbed the throat of another enemy, this black dressed soldier, with a bloody hole in his chest, had already pounced onto him. He tried to hug XueLeng with his arms, as he groaned in agony with blood flowing out from all his organs.

This was the difference between a suicide squad and the regular army. Even if the troops of a suicide squad were going to face death, they would face death with a smile. Even if they were going to die, they would definitely create trouble for their enemy to help their comrades kill the enemy! Even if they were to die, they would definitely drag someone along with them!

XueLeng's countenance was unchanged and calm as he dodged with a simple step and tripped the burly man charging at him. At the same time, XueLeng had already unleashed three attacks, amputating two enemies and piercing the forehead of another! The sharpness of his swordplay could be easily witnessed.

As the commotion of footsteps sounded from afar, more and more experts who flowed over constantly. As the experts on the roof saw that things were not going well, they let out a loud whistle before jumping down and joining the fray.

As these few people jumped down, XueLeng immediately felt the increase in pressure. Originally, he escaped as he fought and had already retreated a few meters. However, he was no longer able to escape a single step the moment these few men jumped down.

Chapter 116: Escape

Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll

Not too far away on a tree densely filled with leaves, Ling Tian looked at the battle below with interest. Occasionally, he would look towards the people who were rushing over from afar, observing their numbers, skills and etc.

Ling Jian's eyes were filled with a crazed glow as he looked at the fierce battle below, hating the fact that he was not the one being surrounded to unleash another massacre!

"It's about time. If all of them were to really rush over, XueLeng will be dead for sure. We have seen most of the experts from the Yang family already and they are only worth so little! To think that old fellow still hid them like treasure for so many years! Ling Jian, go and fetch him out. You must achieve it in a single strike and retreat immediately." Ling Tian commanded calmly.

Ling Jian acknowledged in excitement as his face turned red from exhilaration.

Ling Jian disappeared with a 'swoosh' as he appeared almost hundred feet away in a flash. Before the troops surrounding XueLeng could do anything, he had already appeared at the backlines of the intense battle. His body made a few strange turns, and with the flash of sword lights, there were a few black dressed men who had died under his sword.

This was Ling Jian's real capabilities! As an assassin, this was his true skill! Killing with a single strike.

As an exceptional assassin, even if he had full confidence, he would never fight an enemy head on! This was something which Ling Tian taught him the most frequently.

Now, Ling Jian knew that things were urgent and he did not have much time left. Thus, he unleashed his swordplay and movement techniques to the maximum, his body moving swiftly as the enemies died under his sword!

Sword light could be seen flashing around XueLeng as he was trapped in the center of the circle. There were more than ten black dressed experts surrounding him with a frantic wave of attacks. Outside of this circle, Ling Jian was like a formless ghost, drifting around without rhythm as his sword light flashed out without warning!

Reinforcements came at the most desperate moment! XueLeng, who was already in desperation, had been awarded with an opportunity to survive. He could not help but be energized as he slashed out a total of 19 densely packed attacks. At that moment, the attacks of the black dressed men were slowed down for an instant! A chance!!

Ling Jian pushed his movement technique to the extreme as he dashed into the center of the circle. His sword was like the wind, brandishing it with every step he took. Everyone thought that he wanted to borrow the force from XueLeng's attack to break out of the encirclement. However, none of them realized that his true purpose was the three people behind XueLeng. Being caught off guard, their throats were penetrated as blood spewed out from it like a fountain. At the same time, a hole was made in the encirclement! Before the three corpses even landed on the floor, Ling Jian and XueLeng had charged out of the encirclement and flew onto the roof!

At this moment, the experts from the Yang family were all within a hundred feet away from here! The both of them did not dare delay as Ling Jian flew up from the roof towards the tree that Ling Tian was hiding in. XueLeng followed closely behind him and the both of them landed on the tree like two gigantic birds.

The place where they previously on already had a couple of black dressed men on it.

Without delay, Ling Jian and XueLeng sprung off from the tree as their figures flew up into the sky again.

The experts from the Yang family gave a roar of rage as they dashed over to give chase. They followed behind the both of them closely and refused to give up!

Right before the black dressed men were about to use the tree as a springboard, 10,000 hair like silver needles shot out from the tree, like a peacock spreading its tail! The needles blocked all routes of the black dressed men!

The bodies of the black dressed men were in mid-air, as the force from their previous jump was about to be expended. Looking at the tree in front of them, they began to relax slightly but the situation changed drastically right in front of them! A wave of fatal hidden weapons appeared in front of them! The timing was just too accurate and cunning! All of the experts began to curse in their hearts; from the sharp sound of these needles penetrating through the air, this person was definitely much more powerful than the two who had just ran away! They had never expected that after the both of them had escaped, there was an even more powerful expert behind bringing up the rear!

"Ah! Aiyah!" Being caught off guard, the experts of the Yang family suffered from the attack of the silver needles. They landed on the face, bodies or limbs of the black dressed men. For a few unlucky ones, the needles even penetrated their eyes. In that instant, all the experts from the Yang family fell from the skies like dumplings.

The two old men, who were at the very front, waved their sleeves as they circulated their inner Qi to block half of the silver needles. But without a platform to spring themselves forward, they could only float down with a sigh. As they took a close look, both their faces changed greatly! The silver needles were flashing on the sleeves of their robes. In the dim moonlight, it was as though the silver needles were mocking the two old men. With their cultivation of a few decades imbued within their sleeves, their sleeves were no weaker than leather! But even if that was the case, it was still penetrated by the weak and thin needles! The both of them could not help but suck in a breath of cold air!

There was actually such a martial art in the world! There was actually such an expert in the world!

Who is this person?!

From the tree, a figure rose into the sky like an eagle. As his body shook in the sky, he disappeared into the night sky like a shooting star! The next instant, he was nowhere to be seen!

As the troops stared at him leave, they did not dare to stop or pursue him!

The cold winds blew lightly in the desolate night. The floor was littered with corpses as blood filled the streets. There were even a few black dressed men covering their eyes as they screamed out with agony and desperation! In between their fingers, blood flowed out from the gaps as it dripped on the floor…

XueLeng finally managed to escape death. While he was already escaping, his heart was still pounding in his chest! Facing the person in front of him, he was filled with a complicated emotion. If not for this person, he would not have been discovered. It was because of the three bricks from this fellow, dragging him into this whole mess.

But, it was also this fellow who saved himself in times of danger! With regards to why this fellow would do such a thing, XueLeng was completely confused!

He was completely unable to explain the matter with common sense. Such an action can be said to be almost crazy! But no matter how frustrated XueLeng felt, it was still important for XueLeng to give thanks out of courtesy.

"Friend, thank you for saving…"

Before XueLeng could complete his sentence, the black dressed figure in front of him sped up and widened the distance between them. Originally, the both of them were less than 10 feet apart. But the moment this black dressed figure sped up, the distance between them increased to over 70 feet. Furthermore, the gap was still increasing further!

XueLeng knew that the other party was uninterested in talking to him. Such an action had already displayed his attitude. With a sigh in his heart, XueLeng slowed down and began to conceal himself as he made his way back to the Ling mansion stealthily. If he were to be exposed again, he would cause grave trouble. Not only would he implicate the little princess, he would also pull the Ling family into this mess.

A soft but clear voice then sounded from afar into his ears, "The expert of the Yu family is indeed extraordinary. We will meet again if fate permits!"

Before the sentence was complete, that black figure had already disappeared into the horizon and not a trace of his presence could be seen.

XueLeng laughed bitterly as he thought, "You had created so much trouble for me. The next time I see you, I really don't know how I should be facing you. Should I pull out my sword or face you with gratitude for saving me?" Then, XueLeng turned and disappeared into the darkness as well.

Ling Tian then returned to his courtyard joyfully. The matters today had allowed him to make an accurate estimate of the Yang family's power! It would definitely be a great help to his actions in the future! He will also be able to formulate a more focused plan to allow his chances of success to increase!

As Ling Tian entered the room, Ling Chen, who was in the room, felt his return. She then lit the lamp up silently and looked to Ling Tian with a smile. As she saw the look of excitement on Ling Tian's face, she knew that his trip did not go to waste. She then could not help but feel excited as well.

Chapter 117: Northern Wei's Crown Prince

Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll

Ling Chen's hair looked a little messy, eyes a little dreamy and face slightly red.

Ling Tian fell into a daze as he stared at her — this lady who waited for him to come back quietly. All of a sudden, he felt extremely moved and a sense of affection overwhelmed him. He could not help but take a step forward and pull Ling Chen into his embrace. Before Ling Chen had a chance to say anything, she already felt Ling Tian lowering his head and kissing her on the lips!

Ling Chen's body went frozen as her heart grew flustered. Following which, a sense of warmth and sweetness filled her heart. She knew that Ling Tian could not restrain himself in excitement and also felt the joy in Ling Tian's heart! She could not help but relax her body as her slender arms wrapped around Ling Tian's waist, hugging this man who she was deeply in love with. Let me share his happiness at this moment...

With a creaking sound, the window opened quietly again as Ling Jian's neck stretched into the room. The moment he saw such a scene, he quickly retracted his head and said flusteredly, "I didn't see anything, I didn't see anything at all!"

Ling Chen was completely embarrassed as she pushed Ling Tian to the side. She panted softly as her face turned red, almost wanting to dig a hole to bury herself. Her eyes were filled with embarrassment and frustration but also joy and other mixed emotions, all at the same time.

Ling Tian never imagined Ling Jian to come back at such a critical moment. He could not help but shake his head with a bitter laughter, "Ling Jian, you had ruined my joy, come in and accept your punishment. Look at how you are like now, head in the house but body outside. Isn't this bothering about your head but not your bum? Chen'er, what do you think?"

Ling Chen managed to barely suppress her feeling of embarrassment as she looked towards the window. She then could not help but burst out into giggles. But after a while, she felt that she should not have been laughing and so she stomped her foot angrily. She then turned around and ran away with her face all red…

Ling Jian then entered the room and laughed, "Young noble, this is the first time I saw Chen'er act like a little girl. Young noble's means are really powerful." Ling Jian grew up with Chen'er since they were young. While they were not blood siblings, they were much closer than ordinary siblings. He had long known about how Ling Chen felt about Ling Tian. Seeing that Ling Chen's wish finally came true today and had someone to rely on in the future, together with the fact that the person was his most respected young noble, Ling Jian naturally felt happy for Ling Chen in his heart!

Ling Tian then grunted, "While she looks cute now, when she calms down tomorrow, you will find that she is a hundred times cuter!"

Ling Jian then snapped into realization as he pleaded, "Young noble, the sun is about to rise. I think that I should make my way back quickly. If Chen'er that lass is going to see me in the morning, I will be in trouble. Young noble save me!" This cold blooded killer would only display such a human-like side when he was beside Ling Tian.

Ling Tian then chuckled, "That's your problem. Besides, if you don't let her vent her anger, she will vent it on me, Ah Jian, for your young noble, just sacrifice yourself for once."

Ling Jian then groaned in agony as he escaped hastily…

Northern Wei, imperial palace.

The crown prince, Wei ChengPing, turned around, "What did you say? The little princess of the Yu family is in the Sky Bearing Empire? Is this news accurate?!"

"Yes! Crown prince your highness! This is a piece of news which I only managed to get after great effort. The little princess of the Yu family, Yu BingYan, is indeed in the Sky Bearing Empire!" A middle aged guard bowed in response.

"Ah ah ah, Yu BingYan, Sky Bearing… Hehe… Not bad, not bad. But what is she doing in the Sky Bearing Empire?"

"I heard that she is in the Ling family now and is extremely close to the young noble, Ling Tian."

"Ling Tian?! General Ling Xiao's silkpants son?"

"That's right! He is the one."

"Haha, that silkpants is infamous all across the world for being extremely mischievous and incorrigible. He is nothing to be feared. He probably has nothing more than a suave face and isn't worth much. If I am really going to be calculative with him, that would be thinking too highly of him." Wei ChengPing smiled, "Please invite Mister Meng over."

"Yes, crown prince your highness." The guard responded.

Mister Meng, or Meng LiGe, was Wei ChengPing's number one strategist. He was extremely shrewd, careful and full of ideas. He was Wei ChengPing's capable assistant and most trusted aide!

A while later, Meng LiGe rushed over hastily. He was wearing a long scholarly robe with his black beard swaying gently in the wind. But, he was only a 40 plus year old middle aged scholar. He then cupped his fists in respect, "I wonder what urgent matters the crown prince has?"

"Ah ah, Mister Meng need not be so polite. I indeed require Mister's abilities for a matter today, to help me think of a plan for the Sky Bearing Empire." Wei ChengPing knew that this scholar in front of him was extremely wise and was a top notch character in the world today. If he does not make his request in person, Mister Meng may not accede to his request. Thus, he did not dare to be the slightest bit rude.

Meng LiGe then sat down calmly as he looked towards Wei ChengPing with a smile, waving his feather fan calmly like a well refined poet. If Ling Tian saw his current appearance, he would definitely exclaim, "Sir, are you the godly Mister Zhuge? If not, why would you have a feather fan?!" [1]

Wei ChengPing then smiled, "I just received news that the little princess of the Yu family is touring the Sky Bearing Empire, having a close relationship with the silkpants Ling Tian. Mister Meng is extremely clear about how I feel towards the little princess, Yu BingYan. Thus, I have found Mister to discuss a plan."

Meng LiGe laughed, "I see," he then frowned, "when the crown prince made a marriage proposal the last time, you were rejected by the Yu family already, right? The little princess of the Yu family is not the only beauty in our Northern Wei. The crown prince has a status high above everyone else in the Northern Wei, who would you not be able to marry? Why do you have to be so stubborn about the little princess of the Yu family? After all, the little princess is…"

Meng LiGe looked towards Wei ChengPing with a smile which did not seem like a smile. He naturally knew the real reason for Wei ChengPing to pester Yu BingYan. It was just that he had to hint to Wei ChengPing subtly — since you want me to help you, it is best that you are honest with me. There are some things which others will be able to tell even if you do not say. If that's the case, things would lose its meaning.

Wei ChengPing's face turned slightly red, "That's right, Mister's wisdom far outshines others and is extremely knowledgeable. How can my thoughts be hidden from Mister's sharp eyes?"

After pausing for a short while, Wei ChengPing sighed, "The world today is about to be embroiled in chaos soon. As one of the seven empires on the Heavenly Star Continent, we will definitely be dragged into this wave of chaos. At that time, it will be unknown as to who will emerge the victor. From the way every power has their own strengths currently, no one will be able to proclaim themselves the victor for sure!"

Meng LiGe then straightened his back and asked, "So, the crown prince wants to pull the Yu family over?"

[1]: Mister Zhuge is a famous character, Zhuge Liang, from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Chapter 118: Martial Order Medallion

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: celllll

Wei ChengPing snorted as he revealed an expression of dissatisfaction, "The strength of the Yu Family is profoundly deep. If I could draw upon this strength, it would be a boon to me. With the strength my Northern Wei's imperial family as well as the Yu Family's strength, so long as we work earnestly, even conquering the entire continent is nothing at all! However, the Yu Family has all along dissociated themselves with the affairs of the Imperial Court, sitting high up loftily. Yu ManLou still refuses to see us Imperial Family as superior, even though I've went to pay him a visit so many times, he has never once seen me! How hateful, how frustrating! But thinking from another perspective, this makes absolute sense, so I can't do anything about it!"

Meng LiGe guffawed in response, "If Your Highness can think of it in this way, that is considered having foresight. The Yu family had always held the position of absolute power in Heavenly Star Continent but has never taken part in any disputes. Neither do they have any close relations towards the other Great Families, always shrouding themselves in secrecy and facing any mortal problems indifferently. If you want to them participate in the tides of war this time, difficult! That's all I can say."

Wei ChengPing forced out a bitter smile at this, "That's why I placed my designs on that Yu BingYan. Heh heh, if I really become the Yu Family's son-in-law, then let's see if that jerk Yu ManLou would sit on the sidelines this time!"

Meng LiGe laughed out loud but did not utter any words. Instead, he expressed his disapproval in his heart, 'For this sort of millennium-long aristocratic family, they naturally had their own set of rules. For them, a girl in the household is merely a political tool to form relations through marriage. Who would actually throw in the family's resources just for a little girl? You are simply trivializing the whole matter!'

Wei ChengPing paced around the palace hall as he raised his head, "Mister might not be aware, in Yu BingYan's generation, she is the only female direct descendant. In addition," Wei ChengPing lowered his voice to emphasize his point, "According to the latest news I've received, Yu BingYan has been afflicted by the Heavenly Negative Locked Meridians since young and that fellow Yu ManLou pampers her like no other. If she wants the stars, he would not settle for just a moon. Hehehe…"

"Oh, so that's the case! If it's so, then to be wed with her would be the same as roping in the entire Yu Family!" Meng LiGe furrowed his brows as he spoke. Though in theory, this might be so; the probability in reality would be quite low. However, seeing Wei ChengPing's excited expression, he still swallowed the harsh words he was about to say.

"The other time, I was helping my Royal Father with some affairs of the nation in the Imperial Study and came across a treasure in his imperial jade box by chance. This treasure would be able to treat Yu BingYan's condition as well as solve that problem which has been giving Yu ManLou a headache for the past ten years. If at that time, I take Yu BingYan as my first wife, Mister Meng, what do you think Yu ManLou will say to that?" Wei ChengPing sounded complacent, as though the entire world was in his grasp.

I'm guessing Yu ManLou still wouldn't agree to the matter of taking part in the chaotic dispute. Meng LiGe thought to himself. 'If Yu ManLou were to find out that you are in possession of a spiritual treasure which could actually treat Yu BingYan and you force his hand, he would probably raze the palace to the ground in order to lay his hands on it, rather than to give in to your demands. To think that you still look so satisfied with yourself, showing off over here.'

These words naturally could not be spoken. As such, he merely said what Wei ChengPing wanted to hear, "Mmm, if that's the case, I believe that you'll have an added chance of success."

As he spoke, Meng LiGe sighed darkly to himself. When he first laid eyes on crown prince ChengPing, he felt that this guy did not put on any airs of a nobility and was willing to treat those with talents respectfully. Originally, he had thought that the crown prince would be one to succeed greatly. But after socialising with him, he began to feel more and more as though this person would not amount to much! It was as though he was someone 'destined' for great things, only a what-if, and this might not actually come into fruition.

"This item is called the 'Martial Order Medallion'," Wei ChengPing took out a medallion from his bosom, which seemed to flicker between gold and jade, tossing it carelessly in his hands. He continued, "Placed together with this Martial Order Medallion is a booklet embossed in gold. In it describes a mysterious sect, as well as a mystical form of communication! As in turns out, there is the existence of such a group of people, who do not pursue material wealth, nor beauties. They only relentlessly pursue their own special field, be in medicine, divination, astrology or military skills, to the point of losing themselves. As for their influence, it could be said that they are the number one hidden sect under heaven!"

"The number one hidden sect?! This Meng had not heard of such news before, please elaborate further, crown prince!" Hearing this startling news, Meng LiGe could not help but show more interest in such a topic.

"It has been passed down since the olden days, that this sect was named 'Beyond Heaven', with enigmatic origins and unfathomable strength. Because it was considered taboo for any of them to hold positions of power, none of them have had the desire to progress in their careers. However, their strength is really on par with the legendary arhats!" Wei ChengPing indulged him by revealing more.

"On par with the legendary arhats? Is Crown Prince overestimating their abilities? If this sect actually possessed such strength, how could they have existed til now? The various countries would have long ago banded together to destroy them!" Meng LiGe asked in doubt.

"Mister Meng would not understand this. Though their strength was inhumane, they have an even more inhumane method to pass on their inheritance. Every successor of the sect must not only possess an immense amount of fate with the teacher, but also immense talent. The most unreasonable thing is that after entering the sect, they would have to cut all ties with the secular world, leaving behind any — and all — attachments they have for material needs!" Wei ChengPing dropped the bombshell.

"Ahh?! Isn't that worse than a monk?" Meng LiGe answered in shock.

"That's not completely the case, those in the sect only need to avoid all conflicts in the world. After they have completely mastered their respective arts, they are allowed to roam free and unfettered, only having to answer to the summons of the sect. Other than that, they can do whatever they want!" Wei ChengPing reassured him.

"Whatever they want? R*pe, pillage, arson and murder are also accepted?" Meng LiGe said in shock.

"The people in the sect usually avoid engaging in immoral activities and disdain to do such things. However, if they really wish to do so, then the various countries in the continent can only close one eye to their wrongdoings! They would definitely not dare to get themselves involved." Wei ChengPing replied helplessly.

"Why is that so?" Meng LiGe pressed on.

"This is because of the 'Martial Order Medallion'! This Martial Order Medallion is somewhat like an imperial emblem, and also a tradition of the Beyond Heaven sect. They would never take part in disputes, or attempt to be tyrants, always living beyond the secular world. But once a country is successful in establishing itself, on the first anniversary of its founding, Beyond Heaven would gift the founder a Martial Order Medallion. This medallion can be used by the monarch or his successors, to request for assistance from the Beyond Heaven sect. 'Gifting this medallion to the monarch, one medallion for one life', anybody's life is accepted!' However, every medallion can only be used once and would be taken back after that, leaving the monarch to his own devices."

"One medallion in exchange for a life, anybody's life is accepted! Such an overbearing attitude!" Meng LiGe could not help but laugh out, feeling that this matter was too nonsensical."

"This is no exaggeration; in the hundreds of years, the martial order medallion has appeared seven times. Because of that, it has changed the destiny of seven people!" Wei ChengPing spoke grimly.

"I would like to hear the details." Meng LiGe replied.

"One hundred and twenty years ago, a terrifying devil appeared in the West Han, named 'Blood Washed Heaven' Ren PingSheng. This blood devil would go wild with happiness whenever he drank blood and killed people as though felling wheat and had murdered over a thousand peasants. Even though the various countries had sent out their experts to encircle and annihilate him, it was fruitless. Left without an option, the Western Han's King tentatively tried to use the Martial Order Medallion. In just three days, Ren PingSheng suddenly lost his life under a nameless expert. That nameless expert came under the capacity of the current generation of the Beyond Heaven sect. But after which, vanished without a trace," Wei ChengPing spoke.

"Even if Beyond Heavens have a high set of martial skills, this at most makes them the pinnacle of killers. This doesn't mean that they can do as they will!" Meng LiGe remarked.

"Ninety years ago, the Southern Zheng's Emperor, Hao TianDi, was assassinated. He was attacked by unbelievably poisonous tools, and even with his martial strength and exquisite internal force, he was unable to drive the poison out. Even the imperial doctors were left helpless. However, when the monarch took out his Martial Order Medallion, a messenger from Beyond Heavens appeared once again and used unique medical skills, never seen before in this life, to save Hao TianDi and allowing him to return from the dead. In these hundreds of years, every time the Martial Order Medallion appears, it would change a person's destiny without fail!" Wei ChengPing solemnly said.

"So that's the case. A medallion for a life, one can choose to kill or save!" Meng LiGe said in shock.

"That's precisely the case. If I use the Martial Order Medallion in my hands and invite the Beyond Heaven's saint doctor, I believe I can save Yu BingYan! The Yu family might be supremely powerful, but they are after all not regents and hence will not possess the Martial Order Medallion. However, this medallion has two limitations. First, it is prohibited to use the medallion to assassinate the monarch of another country. Second, you cannot provoke anyone from Beyond Heaven. This includes attempting to rope them over, and neither can you plot against them. Or else, the medallion will be confiscated!"