157 -164
Chapter 157: The Surviving ShangGuan Members
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: celllll , DavidT
Xiao FengYang was thoroughly dumbfounded! To think that the black-robed female actually had such a card up her sleeve! His heart chilled as he threatened, "If you dare to even touch a hair on Xue'er, my Xiao Family will hunt down and exterminate your ten generations — even if we have to go into heaven and hell!"
"Huehuehue… what a temper you have, second master, this slut is almost peeing her pants," the female's voice was soft and full of charm, yet her words cut into Xiao FengYang's heart like a sharp knife, "The Xiao Family is the number one financial magnate under the heavens, of course this slut cannot afford to provoke you people. If the Xiao Family claims they can dismember my body and kill all ten generations of my family, they definitely have their means. It's just that… by the time you people take action, the little princess would have earned quite a bit for us. Heh heh, but don't worry, we won't touch this bit of silver at all and leave it all for your Xiao Family. After all, it is your little princess' hard earned money. Hehe, second master, when the time comes for you to receive the silver, how glorious it must be!"
Xiao FengYang's heart was filled with regret! After such a long and weary journey over, coupled with the fact that Sky Bearing met with a downpour the likes of which had not been seen for a century, no matter who he was, he would naturally have a lowered vigilance. Moreover, being situated in the top family of Sky Bearing Empire, the Ling residence, he assumed that the security would definitely be adequate and left Xiao YanXue together with only two aides to continue discussing matters. To think that the enemy would actually exploit this momentary lapse, and brave the rain to carry out her schemes!
If the enemy really managed to capture Xiao YanXue who had been left behind, then the consequences would be unimaginable! If anything untoward happened to Xiao YanXue, then even if she were to be rescued, they would still have to carry this regret for the rest of their life!
"Who exactly are you people?" Since matters have already reached this point, Xiao FengYang could only forcibly calm himself down. Having a paranoid mind would only mess things up. Having a clear mind to find a solution would be the best option! "What conspiracy are you people up to? A righteous person does not beat about the bush; just state your true intentions!" Xiao FengYang spoke, while pondering the origins of the person in front of him.
"There's no conspiracy actually, it's just that I don't want such a rare beauty like the little princess to only be able to serve one man her whole life. We'll let Little Peony be happy and cheerful! I'll leave first then, second master. There's no need to send me off, because you guys can never catch me! Hehehe…." A soul shaking sweet laugh sounded, but the hatred within was clear for everyone to hear. Obviously, this person had a bone deep hate for the Xiao Family! The black robed female spun around, about to leave. Those words of hers were the truth; while her martial arts could not compare to any of the trio pursuing her, her movement technique was miles apart from them!
"Aha! I remember now, you must be from the ShangGuan family!" Xiao FengYang suddenly let out a cold laugh. A thought had passed through his mind just now, which let him to this conclusion. This sentence caused the black robed female to shudder and come to a stop, just as she was about to launch herself off. With a grim smile, Xiao FengYang signalled discreetly with his sleeves, sending a signal to the guards beside him.
"So, Madam was actually utilising the famed Mythical Fairy Steps in the legends, this Xiao is really blind to not have spotted it. Madam, for the past thirty years, our Xiao Family had long been aware that there were descendants of the ShangGuan Family. But to let you people have a way out, we had never taken any action. However, this Xiao can tell you honestly that, if anything untoward happens to Xue'er, we'll drag out anybody with the name of ShangGuan and execute them, be it young or old! Madam should be able to understand that it isn't too difficult for my Xiao Family to wipe the ShangGuan Family out completely!"
Xiao FengYang's voice was stable and calm, appearing as though he was not hassled over the fact that Xiao YanXue had been captured. Within the calm of his voice was a hint of self-confidence. If a bystander were to hear of it, they would feel as though the Xiao Family really had the capability!
"Hahaha…" The black robed woman suddenly laughed out, after being silent for so long, "Even if our roots are destroyed, so what? At that time, the ShangGuan Family was one of the eight great families, our prestige and glory beyond compare! If not for your Xiao Family playing tricks in the shadows and turning back on their word, how could the ShangGuan Family be reduced to this state? Only leaving behind a group of orphans and widows to be bullied and scorned by others! As to the power of the Xiao family, this slut undoubtedly believes in it! However, I originally lived on in this world for the sake of revenge. It would be fitting for me to die for revenge! I'll leave the decision to second master!" As she finished, her body began to float up again.
Xiao FengYang hollered, "Take her down!"
Two shadows simultaneously appeared, not beyond two feet from the black robed woman, brandishing their palms. A strong wind blew past, pressuring the black robed woman and making it difficult for her to breathe.
Previously, Xiao FengYang took the chance to continuously engage the female and waited till she had vented her frustrations before suddenly identifying her, leading to a flaw appearing in her mental state! This resulted in a lapse in her vigilance. Furthermore, reopening her old wounds made her extremely agitated, which gave Xiao FengYang's aides the chance to secretly flank her and close the distance between them!
This time, his mobilization was abrupt and caught the woman off guard. As per Ling Tian's judgements, though the black robed female's movement techniques were superb, eccentric and unpredictable, her internal energy as well as endurance were incomparable to those three experts. Under this abrupt ambush, she immediately fell into a disadvantage! Now, she could only rely on her nimble and small body to constantly dodge. Ling Tian thought to himself, "I knew that this Xiao FengYang was a wily old fox, with many schemes up his sleeve. I better be warier when facing him, otherwise I might just end up falling into his traps in the future!"
Hidden in the shadows and spectating the battle, Ling Tian was torn between wanting to laugh as well as wanting to throw a fit. He secretly cursed, "The woman had an aura of astuteness, but she's in actual fact a stupid swine! She could have left so long ago, but chose to stay and strut around, all to win a mere argument!
Women would forever be women! The problem with them was this sort of stupidity that would hit them without any warning!
If you really had an assistant that captured Xiao YanXue, it wouldn't be too late for you to argue with him after having her in your hands! Wouldn't you have much more capital to do so? You originally had an advantage, able to advance or retreat as and when you pleased, but look at you now! Two redundant sentences and you are in danger of leaving your life here!
It doesn't matter to me if you want to die. But if you die here, how is this young noble going to be able to track you down to your nest?!"
As for the truth to whether Xiao YanXue had been abducted, Ling Tian was never worried about that. The Ling residence still had a top-notch expert like Ling Chen watching over it currently. Even in the worst-case scenario, she would definitely be able to hold them off for a moment and let out a scream to alert the Xiao Family's guards!
The two experts from the Xiao family flashed around, sealing off all the black robed female's possible routes of retreat! Meanwhile, Xiao FengYang had already entered the encirclement, glaring like a tiger watching its prey, ready to act at any given moment! Whether the black robed female was speaking the truth or not, it was not something for him to worry about currently! If she was speaking the truth, capturing her was the only way to save YanXue!
Thus, now would not be a suitable time to head back and check on YanXue, but to get hold of that black robed female! Whatever problems that surfaced would be dealt with later! From her tone of voice, it seemed like she was the mastermind behind this whole plan. If he, Xiao FengYang, could capture her, then they could possibly cause their enemies to halt due to fear and have a bargaining chip on their hand!
The black robed woman was at a complete disadvantage, where it was difficult to even support herself. In terms of strength, the two opponents in front of her were similar, or even half a notch higher than her. With the both of them attacking her together, it was already a miracle that she could actually survive that long! This was completely relying on her unpredictable as well as eccentric movements. Furthermore, Xiao FengYang watching by the side, like a tiger waiting for its snack and ready to attack at any time, added on to the pressure she was feeling!
The two experts had already cut off almost all her routes of retreat, and Xiao FengYang stood at the spot which blocked off her last route of escape!
There was no road to heaven, nor door into earth!
Now what?!
The black robed female felt her internal energy depleting slowly over the relentless attacks of the duo, much like the wind and rain surrounding them. From her senses, she could feel that she was becoming weaker by the second, her body gradually becoming more sluggish. At the same time, the attacks of the duo got fiercer, as though sensing her end approaching.
"Peng peng!" Being unable to retreat, the black robed female gathered what was left of her strength and exchanged a blow respectively with each of the two experts, somersaulting in mid-air and retreating to another rooftop a few metres away, stumbling as she landed. Under the black veil, a trail of blood could be seen as her body swayed unsteadily.
Upon receiving her strike, the two experts of the Xiao Family also retreated a few steps, their faces paling from the impact.
A bolt of lightning flashed through the sky, the bolts which resembled silver snakes illuminating the Xiao trio's face with a whiteness akin to snow!
Xiao FengYang let out a roar as his body shot up into the sky. Brandishing his palm like a sword, he chopped down together with the sound of the thunder booming! This was a strike comprised of all his strength! Before his palms struck out fully, the howling winds produced by his palm caused all the surrounding rain droplets to deviate from their paths, shooting towards the female like a fan spreading out!
Gazing with despair at the palm strike of Xiao FengYang, the female realized that she had ran out of luck tonight. With a thought, she steeled her resolve as she shouted, "Xiao FengYang! This old woman would rather die than let you save Xiao YanXue! Let's go to hell together!"
She mustered whatever dregs of strength she had, and pounced towards him like an insane tiger, directly pitting herself in front of Xiao FengYang's full powered strike! For her who had long over drafted her strength, this was as good as suicide! With a flip of her sleeve, she produced a gleaming short sword, which she viciously stabbed towards the abdomen of Xiao FengYang! Her body was full of openings, as she chose the path of mutual destruction!
Chapter 158: The Truth is Out!
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
Originally, Xiao FengYang intended to capture her alive with the technique he was hiding with his left hand when she tries to avoid his palm strike! However, he never imagined that she did not avoid or dodge the palm strike at all, receiving it head on. The sword on his left and palm on his right were both gleaming aggressively. If he were to receive her with the skills he intended, that black dressed lady would definitely be destroyed with a single blow! It would be nothing more than a dream for the black dressed lady to drag Xiao FengYang down together with her into death. By being on the verge of death, what threat would she possess! However, if the matter about Xiao YanXue was real, Xiao FengYang would lose his only lead! Furthermore, if he were to kill this black dressed lady, he may even infuriate the other party and harm Xue'er in the process. But if he chose to avoid the attack, that black dressed lady would have a chance to make a breakthrough and escape from him!
The look in Xiao FengYang's eyes changed; since he had the upper hand in his battle, and this black dressed lady would find it difficult to escape because of her internal injury, there was no need for him to be overly hasty. As such, he retracted his strength slightly and adjusted his steps, making the preparation to give chase to the black dressed lady when she passes by him! At this moment, the black dressed lady had already exhausted most of her strength and was inflicted with serious injuries as well. Xiao FengYang was certain that she wouldn't be able to escape from him for sure!
In the dark, Ling Tian had already understood everything that was going on. He could not help but sigh in his heart as a silver needle appeared in his hands with a light snap of his fingers! No matter what, he could not allow this black dressed lady to die in the hands of Xiao FengYang! For such an organization to be hidden within the Sky Bearing City, how could Ling Tian be at ease if he doesn't get to the bottom of their identities!
Originally, Ling Tian wanted to reap off the benefits of others and thought that he would be able to obtain a piece of news by just being drenched in the rain. He never imagined that he had to make a personal appearance!
In an instant, the both of them began to draw nearer to each other. Xiao FengYang's right hand grabbed out at the wrist of the black dressed lady while his left palm smashed towards the wrist of the lady which was holding the blade. Seeing that Xiao FengYang did not intend to fight her head on, it was right to the liking of the black dressed lady. With a sudden shake of her left hand, a short sword appeared and stabbed towards Xiao FengYang's abdomen. Her body then slid by the side of Xiao FengYang's body like an agile fish in the water. Even though she was in mid-air, she was still able to change her direction. The beauty of her movement techniques could be seen at this moment.
However, all of these were also within Xiao FengYang's expectations. Stretching out his left hand, the short sword was already grabbed by him. He then turned around swiftly, ready to take off without the slightest bit of delay, as his right hand stretched out towards the black dressed lady's back! His strength had not been exhausted yet and his actions were swift and mighty. However, the black dressed lady was already at her wits end. In that moment, it was already certain that the black dressed lady would not be able to escape from Xiao FengYang.
Right at this moment, Ling Tian's silver needle arrived!
This was the first time Ling Tian used his hidden weapon to face an enemy! Xiao FengYang should feel honored about this!
Xiao FengYang, who was about to spring into action, suddenly felt the 'Huantiao Point' on his right leg go numb. All of a sudden, he could no longer exert any strength with his right leg. With the sudden displacement of his centre of gravity, he lost his balance and slipped off the roof of the building!
The two other Xiao family experts had already stopped their actions, as they watched Xiao FengYang take action to capture the enemy who was already on the verge of exhaustion. They stood there quietly, waiting for their second master to capture this black dressed lady and accomplish the mission! However, how would they be able to expect the sudden change in situation and Xiao FengYang slipping off the roof?
The both of them were startled as they dashed forward to support Xiao FengYang's falling body. The roof of the building was not flat; if Xiao FengYang were to fall off while being caught off guard, he would definitely be injured regardless of how profound his inner Qi was!
The black dressed lady was just taking her chances and already had the heart to seek her death. However, she never expected that she would be able to charge out successfully! Furthermore, her opponent actually slipped off the roof unexpectedly! She could not help but exclaim about her good luck as she sprinted off at the fastest possible speed!
Xiao FengYang almost wanted to puke blood on the spot! Seeing how the black dressed lady was like a bolt of lightning, he knew that it was already too late for him to give chase. Thus, he roared, "Who is the little rat, hiding in the dark to injure me! If you have the capabilities, come out and exchange a few moves with this Xiao! For you to use such despicable means, aren't you afraid of being the laughingstock of the world?"
The two other experts of the Xiao family were startled, "No wonder, second master slipped off because of a sneak attack! To think that there is still someone else, apart from us, present! To think that we weren't able to detect him at all! Just how powerful is he?!" The both of them could not help but look around them, only to realize that they could not even find a single person in the dark! Needless to say, Ling Tian was already chasing after the black dressed lady and did not hear what Xiao FengYang had said. But, even if he had heard it, he would have probably ignored it!
Bullsh*t, talking about the rule of the pugilistic world with me! This is complete nonsense! If there are rules in the pugilistic world, can it still be called the pugilistic world? There is only one rule in the pugilistic world — break all the rules!
Xiao FengYang folded up his pants and looked over; the three of them could not help but take in a breath of cold air! A shiny silver needle, thin like the hair of a cow, was half punctured into Xiao FengYang's thigh.
In such darkness, with such heavy rain, with the distance of at least fifty feet, the other party was still able to send this feather like needle through such distance, penetrating Xiao FengYang's leg which was protected by his Inner Qi! The most frightening thing was the fact that it landed accurately on his acupoint!
Just what kind of an eyesight was this! Just what kind of a cultivation was this!
In that moment, the three of them stared at each other without saying a thing!
A long while later, Xiao FengYang let out a long sigh! Tonight, they had lost completely! If the person in hiding wanted to reap their lives, he would be able to do so without much difficulty! If this needle did not land on his right thigh but a fatal part of his body like his throat, then… Xiao FengYang did not dare imagine the consequences! He felt as though his whole body was drenched in cold sweat, chilling him all the way to his heart! Thinking about it this way, he didn't feel that the sneak attack was hateful any longer. Instead, he felt a sense of relief.
The three of them looked at each other and thought about Xiao YanXue at the same time. They then let out a cry together, "Not good!" Then, they sprinted towards the Ling mansion like their lives depended on it! Xiao FengYang doted on Xiao YanXue a lot, as his originally uncomfortable leg suddenly seemed to be as healthy as a racehorse, even exceeding its usual performance!
Ling Tian followed behind the black dressed lady calmly and grew more and more shocked! This lady was just far too careful! Knowing that she had already shaken off the trio from the Xiao Family, she still led Ling Tian around the Sky Bearing City for a long while despite her injuries!
Actually, this was also nothing surprising. For Xiao FengYang to make a mistake when he had overwhelming advantage, it was impossible for the black dressed lady to not feel suspicious. Furthermore, Xiao FengYang was known for his shrewdness and intelligence. Thus, this mistake of Xiao FengYang may have been intentional to lure out her hiding place. As such, the black dressed lady had no choice but to be careful!
Ling Tian felt the cold rainwater splashing on his body, as his whole body could no longer feel warmth any longer! Looking at the stubborn black dressed lady who was still leading him in circles despite her injuries, Ling Tian could not help but feel a ball of anger rise from within his stomach. He hated the fact that he could not catch her and give her a good spanking on the butt! What a hateful lady!
While the black dressed lady was certain that she had already thrown the Xiao family trio off, her sixth sense as a lady kept prompting her that danger was still present. Thus, she chose to go around in circles despite her heavy injuries! After a full two hours, no matter what she did — looking from a high point, suddenly hiding in a concealed corner, suddenly changing her direction in mid-air — she just could not find anyone following behind her! She could not help but mumble to herself, "Am I really worrying for nothing? Am I being too careful?"
While the worry in her heart was still present, she was unable to find anything out of the ordinary despite her many attempts. Thus, she could not help but let her guard down. Furthermore, her heavy injuries did not allow her to go around in circles any longer. If not, she would probably continue going around in circles!
For a seemingly foolish lady, her sixth sense was frighteningly accurate!
Looking at the black dressed lady travel towards the east, a dark figure suddenly appeared from in a dark shadow, hidden by the rain. Ling Tian then laughed to himself, "While your movement techniques are exceptional and your vigilance sufficient, your experience with counter tracking is just far too little! At the very most, you are only at the elementary school level!" He then darted towards the black dressed lady like a black shadow!
Slowly, Ling Tian gradually realized that his surroundings were becoming more and more familiar. Then, he saw the black dressed lady enter a familiar courtyard and Ling Tian could not help but laugh bitterly.
This was a place where Ling Tian was extremely familiar with, and also a place where all the silkpants of the capital would usually gather!
In the past few years, Ling Tian would have spent at least a few months' worth of time in this courtyard! In here, the amount of trouble he caused and fights he fought were countless!
This was where the rich spent their wealth and relax their senses. It was not only an important place for the dukes and officials to host their events, it was also heaven for the gamblers!
Smoky Thea Tower!
Chapter 159: In the Smoky Thea Tower
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
Ling Tian let out a chain of profanities in his heart! Ever since he came to this world, he had been apprehensive about many things and laid down many plans. However, he never imagined that there would be a mysterious power hiding right under his nose! Furthermore, he didn't even catch a trace of it!
At this moment, Ling Tian felt a great sense of frustration and anger in his heart! It was as though he had just been played a fool by others, with a ball of anger rising in his heart. He then made a decision in his heart, "I must definitely teach Ling San, Ling Liu and the rest a good lesson! For such a matter to occur, this is dereliction of their duties!"
With a swoosh, Ling Tian followed closely behind the black dressed lady who had just entered the tower! After perking his ears for a good long while, he finally heard the sound of a muffled groan. With a sneer, Ling Tian stealthily approached the sound.
From the thick paper window, a vague human figure could be seen from the outside. With a frown, Ling Tian picked up a piece of cloth and infused his inner Qi into the cloth, causing the cloth the harden. Then, Ling Tian gently used this cloth to wipe the surface of the paper window. The next moment, the paper window seemed to have gotten a layer thinner. With a smile on his lips, Ling Tian then repeated that action again…
A short while later, only a transparent layer was left on the paper window and everything in the room could be seen clearly.
The black dressed lady laid down on a couch with a few middle-aged ladies busily attending to her wounds. The black dressed lady then said weakly, "There is no need for you guys to spend so much effort. All of my injuries are internal injuries and ordinary medicine will be of little use. Quickly send the three elders; my injuries can only be taken care of by them."
A middle-aged lady acknowledged the order and left the room.
As though she was forcing herself to be awake, the black dressed lady asked, "Is Xiao'wu and the rest back?"
A middle-aged lady then lowered her head, "They are not back yet." From Ling Tian's perspective, he could see the worried look on the face of this middle-aged lady.
"What?" The black dressed lady was startled and she got off the bed, "They aren't back yet? How is that possible? The experts of the Xiao Family were already lured out by me. There are so many of them and they even used sedatives. It is said that Xiao YanXue's martial arts isn't extremely high! Why aren't they back yet? Did something go wrong?" Her voice was filled with doubt and worry.
Footsteps could be heard and three people walked in together. Hearing how the footsteps were extremely light, almost to the point it was inaudible, Ling Tian was certain that they were experts with profound Inner Qi. Thus, he had to control his breathing to ensure that it was longer and lighter.
"XiYan, how are you? Are your injuries heavy?" An old voice, filled with concern, sounded. Following which, three white haired old man barged in hastily.
From this single phrase, Ling Tian was already certain about the identity of this black dressed lady — Tower Head of the Smoky Thea Tower, Gu XiYan! He could not help but shake his head with a bitter laughter. Thinking about that seductive looking Tower Head with a myriad of disposition, Ling Tian couldn't even dream that she would be the black dressed lady!
"I'm fine. I just suffered from some internal injured but I won't die from them." Gu XiYan coughed lightly, "Uncle, Xiao'wu and the rest aren't back yet. I am worried about them; can you please go and fetch them? My injuries aren't a cause for concern."
"Xiao'wu and the rest aren't back yet?" That old man let out a sigh of shock, "Just what did all of you do today? It can't be the plan which the three of us old man had rejected right?"
Ge XiYan was filled with a face of guilt and she nodded her head.
"You… how muddled!" That old man stood up from anger, "The Ling residence is a place where hidden experts are all around and the hundred-odd people from the Xiao Family aren't pushovers either. For you guys to make such a rash move, you may destroy the plan which we had been preparing for so many years! You… haiz, XiYan, you aren't young anymore, why can't you maintain your cool?! Let me ask you, so what if you catch the little princess of the Xiao Family? What can you do to her? Don't think that the Xiao Family will negotiate with you because of her! A mere Xiao YanXue is something that the Xiao family can still afford to sacrifice!"
"I… I am just indignant! The Xiao Family is the culprit for the destruction of our ShangGuan Family and we never had the chance to deal with them. This time, the Xiao family came to the Sky Bearing City and the heavens blessed us with a rare thunderstorm. The time is right and the situation is favorable! Even if we aren't able to bring the Xiao Family to the negotiating table, if we were to train that Xiao YanXue to be the number one banner of our brothel, we can also humiliate the Xiao Family to make them lower their heads in shame for the rest of their life! Only then can my anger be vented!"
"Nonsense!" That old man could no longer control his anger, "You can destroy Xiao YanXue, but have you thought about the consequences? It is easy to destroy Xiao YanXue, but the consequence isn't something which we can handle! At that time, our whole ShangGuan Family will definitely be buried with Xiao YanXue as the price! The flame of our ShangGuan Family will also be extinguished forever! Have you thought about that? The Xiao Family will just lose a Xiao YanXue but our ShangGuan Family will be completely destroyed! Haiz…"
Gu XiYan coughed lightly and said with a self-depreciating tone, "Our ShangGuan Family have been leading an ignoble live for so many years and we are already at a state worse than death. As the might of our enemy grows stronger and stronger, the hope for our revenge becomes slimmer and slimmer. Just what is the point for us to lead such a life? As long as we can shame the Xiao family, so what if our ShangGuan Family has to be destroyed? To conceal our identities in order to seek a living, I am tired of such a life!"
While the three old men were angered, they knew that Gu XiYan's words were the truth. They could not help but feel depressed! Who would have thought that their ShangGuan Family, which used to shake the world, would be reduced to such a state?
That old man let out a long sigh; the sigh was filled with desolation and despair of a hero past his prime. After a short while of silence, he stood up and said, "I will go and receive Xiao'wu. Second brother, third brother, the both of you should help treat XiYan's injuries. We must make sure that she gets better before dawn! At the very least, we have to ensure that she is able to move around normally so that we will not reveal any flaws!" The other two old man acknowledged in unison.
Just when this old man was about to walk out, a commotion could be heard from the outside and a middle-aged lady rushed in.
"Madam, Xiao'wu and the rest are back. The little princess of the Xiao family is also successfully abducted!" While this should have been a shocking and exciting piece of news, this middle-aged lady seemed to be filled with grief.
"Xiao'wu and the rest are back? What happened?" Gu XiYan could feel that something was wrong, "Quickly send them in."
Ling Tian, who was outside the window, was also startled! With Ling Chen guarding the Ling family, how were they able to abduct Xiao YanXue? He could not help but feel worried in his heart, "Did Ling Chen suffer injuries from being careless? Did they send top-notch experts over? But, even the cultivation of the three old men were only similar to Ling Chen's and without any advantages at all. With me personally guiding Ling Chen, even if she is unable to win against these three old men, she would not lose for sure! Don't tell me… they have someone more powerful in the younger generation?" Thinking about this, Ling Tian could not help but grow anxious in his heart! He wished that he could sprint back home right now.
Hurried footsteps sounded and three burly men, filled with blood, walked in. As they walked in, the water from the rain flowed down together with the blood on their bodies. By the time it flowed onto the floor, it was already dark red in color! The person in the center was holding onto a huge gunny sack, with a slim figure tied up within it.
"Big sister!" Seeing Gu XiYan, the three of them cried out together. Even though they were fully grown men, the rims of their eyes turned red.
"Why are there only the three of you? Where are the rest?" Looking at how the three of them were filled with injuries, Gu XiYan immediately knew that something went very wrong. Her voice also began to tremble, "Where are they? Mmm?! Speak!!" At the very end, she was already beginning to scream.
"Big… sister, the other 17 brothers… may probably… may probably…" After muttering out two 'may probably' in succession, he seemed to be at a loss for words and did not carry on. At the same time, his eyes were also filled with tears.
Ignoring the elder beside her who was trying to comfort her, Gu XiYan stood up with a despondent gaze and muttered, "Why did they happen? Why did this happen?" Tears then began to roll down her cheek.
"What exactly happened?" The elder asked with a frosty expression, "If you guys did not succeed, it is still explainable for you guys to suffer such heavy casualties. But since all of you had obviously succeeded, why did you guys still suffer such heavy casualties? Was your opponent an expert?"
While the words of this elder were a little puzzling, they were logical. If they did not succeed, it would mean that they must have been exposed and thus suffering heavy casualties in battle. But since they had succeeded, this matter seemed strange! The only way for them to catch someone out from a place so heavily guarded would be for them to complete the whole mission in stealth. How would there be casualties then? If they were to really alert the enemy, it would be an extremely difficult task to escape with the hostage. This matter was obviously fishy.
That burly man called Xiao'wu then said, "Originally, things went extremely well. When big sister lured those three old men away, we were able to sneak ourselves in. That lass was inexperienced and caught off guard, easily taken care of by us. After we abducted her, we wanted to leave immediately. However, a black dressed lady suddenly blocked us when we were about to leave the Ling mansion. This lady's martial arts was exceptional; in a single exchange, third brother and fourth brother had already perished under her sword. All of the brothers also had their eyes turn red from anger and charged forward."
As he explained up till here, he sneaked a glance at Gu XiYan and the three elders with a cowardly expression. Seeing that the four of them were listening solemnly without the intention to blame him, he continued, "But in the next move, we found out that her martial arts was even above big sister's! When we found out that something was amiss and wanted to escape, it was already too late! The martial arts of this lady was just too frightening! Her skill with the sword was extremely mystical, blocking all of us with the strength of a single person. However, while her martial arts was extremely high, she looked like someone who had just entered the pugilistic world. She seemed to be unwilling to kill us, thus allowing us to last a little longer against her!"
As Xiao'wu finished his explanation, the faces of Gu XiYan and the three elders changed drastically! The Ling Family actually had such an expert?! Did the three elders even have such a cultivation?!
Chapter 160: Unrivalled Martial Arts
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: celllll , DavidT
"Grasping the weakness of the girl, we had to sacrifice a few of our brothers to tie her down while the rest go on to take the lass away. However, at this time, the Ling residence's guards noticed our presence, and started to give chase. Only after the rest of our brothers pitted their lives to halt them did the three of us manage to escape the battle!" The youth had already lowered his head, guilt written all over his face.
"This doesn't make sense!" As the saying went, 'an old ginger is spicier compared to the young ginger', the elders immediately found a flaw in the entire story, "If the lady was as strong as what you described, then how could you people even slip past her, after all the Ling residence's guards spotted you guys? Where did she go after the guards came out?"
Xiao'wu furrowed his brows and thought for a long while, before he replied with some uncertainty, "From the looks of it, after the guards spotted us, the female expert never appeared again. The three of us were also exceedingly careful, following the set route and taking a large detour before slipping back here. We did not find out that we were being followed." Xiao'wu was no fool, and immediately guessed what the elders were worried about.
Hearing this, the group of people furrowed their brows once again, exchanging glances. They simultaneously came to the same conclusion, "Don't tell me… the female was not part of the Xiao family nor the Ling family?" This was the only plausible reason! If it was not for the fact that she belonged to neither party, and only met them by chance, she would have definitely attempted to save Xiao YanXue!
At this point, the four of them heaved a sigh of relief. Thinking about how they had lost 17 good fighters in a single mission, the four of them could not help but feel heavy and hurt at the loss.
Gu XiYan looked at the gunny sack held by Xiao'wu, and her gaze sharpened, "Let her out. I want to see how the little princess of the Xiao family looks like."
With a grunt of acknowledgement, Xiao'wu opened the gunny sack, exposing the graceful and svelte body of a woman. Clothed in back, along with a face of peerless beauty, that was precisely Xiao YanXue! She resembled a bewitching begonia at this moment, her face filled with a charming flush. Her eyes were tightly shut, and her long lashes enchanted everyone present!
Examining this city-toppling beauty who men would go crazy for, the violence and hatred in Gu XiYan's eyes grew all the more intense!
"Go! Bring her over to Mama Yang, and let her get a good lesson! Just for this little slut, I actually lost seventeen of my brother-in-arms. If I don't let the Xiao Family be completely humiliated, how can I answer to them? How can I answer to the various members of the ShangGuan Family, who have been plotted to death by the Xiao family!" A ferocious look appeared on Gu XiYan's face. Riled up by her emotions, her chest heaved up and down violently, and a hint of blood appeared on the corners of her mouth, where she had forcefully bit down.
"Yes! Elder sister!" A cruel smile appeared on the face of the bloke named Xiao'wu, a sort of crazed lust surfacing at his eyes. At this point, the death of his seventeen brothers — who had sacrificed their lives to save him — had long been thrown to the back of his mind!
No doubt, this was the nature of men!
Seeing his face, Gu XiYan seemed to have her reservations. In the end, she did not say anything, and only weakly dismissed him with a wave.
Xiao'wu bent his waist, grabbing onto Xiao YanXue's dainty waist and prepared to carry her down; looks of envy appeared on the faces of the other two men standing guard.
At this point, the window of the tower suddenly exploded into smithereens, and a black shadow — that seemed to have come from the ninth level of hell — appeared, carrying with him a wave of killing intent as he walked over leisurely. Even when stepping into an expert's territory, the assailant's attitude was just as though he was taking a stroll in his own backyard, his entire presence exuding an elegant and relaxed aura of cruelty.
The movements of the black robed shadow seemed leisurely, but was immeasurably quick. Before anyone could react, he had already reached the side of the unconscious Xiao YanXue.
Everyone gaped at the scene! The three elders had the fastest reaction, and shouted threateningly as they threw themselves forward. Six palms from the trio were pushed out, aiming for the black shadow. All three of them had the same thought: this man cannot leave alive, or the ten-odd years of conserving the ShangGuan Family's strength will go down the drain! In that moment, they unleashed their full strength!
The black robed figure merely spun on the spot, returning all their attacks with his own palms!
"Peng peng peng peng peng peng!" Six loud sounds were heard, as though six claps of thunder sounded in succession!
In this short instant, the black robed man actually exchanged two palm strikes from each of the elders! The resulting gale was so strong that the people in the surroundings could not remain stably standing! With her injury, Gu XiYan was even blown back onto her bed!
It was only after the gale subsided that the crowd noticed, in shock, that the three elders had all retreated; their faces pale like colour of milk, with similar expressions of shock. With a heave of their chests, the trio each spat out a mouth of blood!
Looking at the black robed person, they realized that he only took a step back in response. With the heavy impact, his feet broke the floorboards beneath with a 'kacha' sound, sending a wave through the pavilion! To think that he was actually able to divert the strength of the palm strikes through the soles of his feet; this was as good as the three elders attempting to attack the small pavilion!
Xiao'wu and the rest were actually waiting for the time where the elders struck, to take advantage of the situation. As such, they had also thrown themselves forward with knives raised. However, to think that the black robed man had not bothered with them at all. With the gale created from the palm strikes, he easily sent them flying backwards!
Suddenly, the three elders flicked their sleeves, and sent countless silvery bolts towards the assailant. At the same time, a few of the middle-aged women standing by the side raised their hands, and a pinkish fog started to pervade the entire room.
With a cold smile, the black robed man's hands gestured in the empty air, and the tens of silver needles actually fell into his palms — like how rivers always led to the sea. Immediately flicking his sleeves, powerful internal strength was released, gathering the pink fog into a small ball. Casually sending it out of the window, the pink fog dissipated completely in the rain without a trace of it left!
In this short instance, the martial arts displayed by the black robed man had completely killed any intentions the crowd had of resistance! To engage in a frontal clash with the three elders who had decades of cultivation, to discern hidden weapons by sound alone and capture all of them, and to manipulate his internal strength to completely remove all traces of poison fog, throwing it out like one would throw a rubber ball!
This sort of strength, not to mention seeing it before, they had never heard of such a thing! The crowd could not help but cast worrying glances at him, all of them feeling a chill in their scalps!
This black robed man was precisely Ling Tian who had followed Gu XiYan back!
With two 'ka' sounds, Ling Tian extricated his feet like it was a normal occurrence. Stretching his neck, he lightly snubbed his nose. From his eyes, one could see an expression of delight at this Bruce Lee-esque way of showing off, very dashing, very….
"May I know the name of this honoured Sire? What purpose would you have, to come here deep in the night?" Having experienced Ling Tian's unrivalled martial arts, the elders were, after all, no newbies and immediately realised that it was pointless trying to resist him! The three of them already ended up with injuries from their previous exchange. Even if they were to combine forces, they might not even be his match! Thus, they could only resort to polite tones to reason out with the man, albeit with much dread.
Ling Tian snorted once, before coldly replying, "ShangGuan Family. Hehehe. What a good Smoky Thea Tower! What a good Gu XiYan! Good! Good! Good!" He expressed his approval thrice, but it seemed so full of sarcasm and ridicule! Furthermore, there seemed to be some anger hidden inside, as though saying, 'To hide under my eyelids for a good decade or so, what a good capability!'
Gu XiYan ignored the severe wounds on her body to seat upright on her bed as she replied indignantly, "What's with that response, honoured sir? The ShangGuan Family had long turned into dust, and only the few of us, miserable stragglers, are left. We're merely dragging out an ignoble existence, so how can we easily reveal ourselves? Honoured sir, you might be matchless in your martial skill, but you do not even possess a shred of reason. If you insist on using your skills to bully us, while we may not be your opponent, we will definitely fight you to the bitter end!"
Ling Tian did not grant her any attention, instead callously spitting, "Reason?! The feud between the ShangGuan and Xiao Families is not an unknown matter; a feud must be settled, a debt must be paid! This is the way of heavens and none can refute! If you decide on an open fight, with providence deciding your fate, that would be acceptable. To think that the great ShangGuan Family would actually stoop so low as to kidnap a little girl. This, I can't sit aside to watch!"
Gu XiYan replied sternly, "Life-Death battle? Head on collision? How can we even stand a chance against them! For enemies like them, any path that would grant us our revenge will be the right path, regardless the means necessary! Sir is an outsider, so why must you butt your nose into other people's problems?" Gu XiYan seemed to possess a staunch character. Even when faced with a peerless expert, and knowing that she was not his match, she still chose to confront his words. First, she tried to use reason. Then, she talked about compelling them to their deaths, all to gain Ling Tian's sympathy! However, that glint in her eyes betrayed her true intentions.
"Peerless experts were usually people with status in the real world, so how could they stoop so low as to argue with a woman of low status?" this was what Gu XiYan thought. So long as she could ensnare him in her conversation, she could at least secure the lives of the people around her. Even if he were to walk away without doing anything, given his position as a peerless expert, he would definitely stay silent about them, which could give them a way to continue living! Thus, Gu XiYan was sure that, so long as the man even bothered to reply her, she could send him packing out of this place! When it came to debates, Gu XiYan was confident that there was no one her match in Sky Bearing!
Chapter 161: A Small Punishment
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
While Gu XiYan had a look of righteousness, looking as though she would fight to the death, she was no more than an unreasonable woman making a scene in Ling Tian's eyes!
Ling Tian looked at her calmly with mockery in his eyes, "Gu XiYan, your lousy schemes are useless against me. Do you really think that I won't kill a lady? Especially a lady like you?"
Gu XiYan felt her heart turn cold as the thousands of words she prepared in her heart became useless! She could not help but shout, "Then why don't you kill me? Come kill me! If you kill me, the others can witness how a top-notch martial arts expert kills a vulnerable lady! Come kill me! Kill me!" As she said that, she inched towards Ling Tian.
Ling Tian chuckled and said calmly, "Gu XiYan, do you believe that if you say another word today, this daddy here will strip you naked and throw you onto the streets. Then, I will summon a hundred men to take turns to rape you and hang you on the city gates! By the side of your body, I will then hang a flag writing 'Successor of the ShangGuan Family: Gu XiYan'! I will let the fame of your already forgotten ShangGuan Family spread across the continent again! The fame of your ShangGuan Family will be restored to its former glory! It would also be fulfilling your greatest wish!"
In his calm tone, an unquestionable aura emanated from Ling Tian. In that instant, everyone present could not help but have a chill run down their spine! They all could not help but think to themselves, "This man will definitely accomplish what he says! He, he is the reincarnation of a devil!"
As Gu XiYan faced Ling Tian's cold eyes, she felt as though there wasn't a trace of emotion which could be seen within it. It was as though it was a lake of still water staring at her silently. She could not help but shudder from the fear. As her lips twitched, she just did not dare to say another word!
The First Elder then walked forward, "Sir, for your martial arts to be at such a profound level, I believe that you must definitely be someone of high stature. How can you treat a lady as such? You will definitely become the greatest joke of the world!"
Ling Tian interrupted him, "Don't talk to me about the rules of the pugilistic world! To talk about these rules with you guys, it is no more than bullsh*t! Darn old man, go to one side! Gu XiYan, wasn't your tongue very sharp? Come! Just say another word! Just say another word for me! You can experiment for yourself to see if I would dare to do that! Do you really think I wouldn't dare!"
Gu XiYan retreated in fear and accidentally knocked over a vase by her side. Her expression was flustered but she shut her lips tightly, afraid that a shriek by her would frustrate this demon in front of her!
Ling Tian sneered and turned around to look at Xiao'wu, "The three of you made a mistake today. I will give you guys a small punishment, lest your Smokey Thea Tower forget about this lesson!"
The Xiao'wu trio looked at Ling Tian with begging expressions, as their legs began to tremble with fear. While they were still holding on to their sabres, they no longer had the strength to even lift it up. This person was someone who even the three elders were not able to face. Just how would we be able to win against him?
The First Elder then said, "Sir, I hope that you will show some mercy. The three of them did not offend Miss Xiao at all. May you…"
"Shut up!" Ling Tian hollered and turned around, staring at the First Elder with a piercing glare, "Do you have an opinion?!"
Facing those black pupils filled with killing intent, the First Elder felt his heart turn cold, and he could not help but tremble. His face turned pale as he stammered for a long while before answering, "No… none… at all…"
The other two elders turned around and faced the wall, afraid of making a single move. They were afraid that a slight cough from them now would bring troubles upon themselves. All of a sudden, it was as though they found the wall to be extremely beautiful, studying it with all of their attention…
After staying in the pugilistic world for such a long time, they became more and more timid. The older they grew, the more afraid of death they became! This could completely describe how the three elders were acting! Knowing that they were not a match for their opponent, they immediately became soft. Seeing that their enemy was about to deal with their own men, they did not even dare to plead on their behalves because of a single glare by Ling Tian!
At this moment, Ling Tian could not help but feel a sense of sorrow for them! After hiding for so many years, and living such a meaningless life, all of their ambitions and valor were completely lost! These three people were no longer living for revenge, but just to ensure that they could lead a longer life! These three elders, who were of a higher position then Gu XiYan, were even less courageous than a lady like Gu XiYan!
While Gu XiYan was vicious and despicable, her unscrupulous means were understandable and she was, at the very least, someone with guts! As for these three elders, while they had some strength, they were no more than living zombies!
When the First Elder said that Ling Tian was angered because of Xiao YanXue, his guess was completely wrong. The reason why Ling Tian wanted to punish the Xiao'wu trio was completely unrelated to Xiao YanXue! Their first crime was because they dared to barge into his Ling residence. Their second crime was because they disturbed Ling Chen! Their third crime was because Ling Chen had to be drenched in the rain because of them, despite of it being her inconvenient time of the month! These were the three crimes which they had committed! They must definitely be punished for those three crimes!
While these may not be much in the eyes of others, this was something unforgivable in Ling Tian's eyes!
With a cold laughter, his leg shot out and smashed into the left side of the burly man's crotch. With the sound of an egg breaking, that burly man opened his mouth with agony on his face, but he just could not even let out a cry of pain. His eyes turned white as his body collapsed on the floor, fainting on the spot!
None of them would have imagined that Ling Tian's small punishment would be to cripple the most important part of a man! They could not help but let out a cry of shock. As Xiao'wu and the remaining burly man saw the plight of their brother, they could not help but think about fighting for their lives as Ling Tian looked into their directions!
As a man, if they were to suffer from such an injury, what meaning would there be for them to remain alive? They could not help but let out a battle cry, brandishing their sabres at Ling Tian! The both of them grit their teeth with a face full of hatred.
"I never imagined that the ShangGuan Family would still have two men! A pity they won't be in the future!" Ling Tian said with sarcasm. At the same time, he showed no mercy to the 'only two men' of the ShanGuan Family! As the two men brandished their sabres, it formed an impenetrable looking wall of blade lights. But with a single kick by Ling Tian, he easily broke through the wall and aimed his kick accurately at the crotch of another burly man!
The force of this kick was obviously much stronger than before. This burly man was sent flying from this kick, as blood sprayed out from the holes on his head and a cry of agony sounded. Before his body even landed on the ground, he had already taken his last breath in mid-air!
Of the three burly men, only the one called Xiao'wu was left. With a face full of fear and despair, he let out a roar, and tossed his sabre at Ling Tian before turning to run. Ling Tian's body floated up and dodged the sabre easily. Like an eagle catching its prey, his right hand had already pressed onto Xiao'wu's crown. As his fingers tightened and his wrist twisted, Xiao'wu's head had been torn off neatly!
Despite losing his head, Xiao'wu still ran for another seven to eight steps before falling on the steps of the tower as a pillar of blood spewed out from his severed neck.
With such a cruel display in front of their eyes, everyone felt their souls leaving their body, without a single trace of courage left in them! The two middle-aged ladies let out a shriek before fainting on the spot. The three elders and Gu XiYan also felt their eyelids twitch and their heartbeat race! They almost thought that they were in a nightmare!
There was actually such a cruel method to kill someone!
Ling Tian then looked at the rest coldly; with a flick of his feet, Xiao YanXue's body was already in his bosom. He supported her body with one hand and threw Xiao'wu's head up with another. The round head then shot up towards the sky like a rocket, with the sounds of swooshing winds accompanying it. With a loud crash, a hole was made on the roof of the tower and the head flew up into the sky! Then, rain began to leak from the hole of the roof.
"If all of you don't want the ShangGuan family to be exterminated, the whole Smoky Thea Tower would have to listen to my command for the next two months! If not…" Before he left, he simply left behind a command with an unquestionable tone, before leaving the room from the window with Xiao YanXue's body. The next moment, he had already disappeared from all of their sights, without a trace to be seen!
Gu XiYan and the three elders from the ShangGuan Family looked at each other. Up until now, they were still wondering if everything that just happened was a dream! Were they in a nightmare, or was all of that reality?!
That previous scene was just too unbelievable! There was actually someone like that in the world! There was actually such a cruel method to kill someone in the world! There was actually such a powerful set of martial arts in the world!
"Dong!" A round item then fell from the whole which was previously made by Ling Tian, falling onto the floor with a dull thud!
As the four of them looked over, they saw that it was the head which Ling Tian threw up previously! With a round pair of angered eyes and blood still spewing out from the neck, the head rolled on the floor like a soccer ball!
"Wah…" Gu XiYan, who was trying her best to hold her disgust in, could not take it any longer. She began to vomit on the spot, vomiting unceasingly like the waves of an ocean.
Chapter 162: Saving YanXue
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
Ling Tian drifted out from the window, his body looking as though it was as light as a feather. At the same time, it seemed as though Xiao YanXue's weight had no effect on Ling Tian at all. Witnessing the exquisiteness of his movement techniques, everyone was dumbfounded. You have to know; the ShangGuan Family was famous for their movement techniques, on par with the BeiMing Family as the top of the continent. Gu XiYan had always been proud of her movement techniques. But seeing Ling Tian's movement technique today, she finally understood the meaning of 'there is always someone higher'.
However, this did not mean that Ling Tian's movement technique was better than the inherited technique of the ShangGuan Family. The inherited technique of the ShangGuan Family, the Mythical Fairy Steps, was considered to be the best movement technique in the world today. While Ling Tian's 'Nine Heavens Dragon Cruising Steps' was also the most powerful movement technique in his previous world, it wasn't necessarily better than the Mythical Fairy Steps. The only reason why the ShangGuan Family would be dumbfounded was because they were unable to bring out the full might of the Mythical Fairy Steps, but Ling Tian had. Together with Ling Tian's profound and thick Inner Qi, it was only natural for the ShangGuan Family to be shocked!
After finally successfully shocking an unknown power, Ling Tian's frustrations had finally been vented. Being in a good mood, even the thunderstorm felt like it was a gentle rain. As compared to finding out about the Smokey Thea Tower and ShangGuan Family, being in the rain for the whole night was something completely insignificant!
Ling Tian was not worried about the ShangGuan Family disobeying him. In fact, if they even dared to pay lip service to him, catastrophe would definitely befall upon them! First, he knew the secret of the ShangGuan Family hiding in the Sky Bearing City. As long as he spreads this piece of news out, the ShangGuan Family would definitely be wiped out without him taking action at all.
Second, Ling Tian had already displayed his own strength. To the ShangGuan Family, this was something extremely shocking! It would also make them feel extremely helpless! The present ShangGuan Family was no longer like before and they would definitely not dare to provoke an expert like Ling Tian! This was the main reason why Ling Tian made such a forceful appearance in front of them. Together with the way he killed the three burly man, it was a way for him to demonstrate his prowess! If not for the fact that killing those three old and cowardly elders would cause irreparable damage to Gu XiYan's organization, Ling Tian would have killed the three of them instead!
Third, the strength of the ShangGuan Family had already declined to the lowest possible point, and this can be observed from the number of experts they possessed. Although they did a good job of concealing themselves, and even hiding from Ling Tian's information net, the moment their identities were revealed, all of their efforts over the past few years would go down the drain! Now, the ShangGuan Family was only equivalent to a gang in the pugilistic world. As compared to the Eight Great Families in the continent, they were worlds apart! As for seeking revenge with the Xiao Family and the other great families, that was no more than a dream! However, Ling Tian's appearance gave them a chance to turn this dream into reality! After all, Ling Tian's strength was there for them to witness! At the very least, he can be considered a life-saving herb for them!
As such, regardless of their perspective, their best choice would be to work with Ling Tian! Thus, Ling Tian was certain that they would definitely agree!
Ling Tian, who was in the sky, revealed a smile. As he turned into a street, he suddenly concealed himself.
A short while later, a nimble figure landed on the roof without any sound being made, and her movement technique was even better than Gu XiYan's! In her beautiful eyes, there was a trace of doubt, as though she was surprised as to why Ling Tian disappeared.
All of a sudden, Ling Tian appeared behind her without a trace. This nimble figure was also a top-notch expert, detecting him immediately. "Pa!" With a crisp 'pa' sound, Ling Tian had slapped her butt. With the already tight-fitting clothes being drenched, Ling Tian felt as though this slap of his landed on the lady's naked skin!
The young lady let out a lovable gasp and without looking, she dived into Ling Tian's embrace. At the same time, she stomped her foot in habit, forgetting that she was on the roof of someone's house. The next instant, the sound of a few tiles breaking could be heard. It was just too embarrassing for an expert of movement techniques to crack the tiles on the roof. The young lady then could not help but be startled as she dived into Ling Tian's embrace without making another movement.
Taking off her mask gently, a country toppling beauty appeared before him. Apart from Ling Chen, who else can she be?
Ling Tian had originally found it to be strange — with Ling Chen standing guard at home, how could those fellows abduct Xiao YanXue so easily. Even if Ling Chen wasn't willing to kill, they should not have been able to succeed. In the end, it was just this lass going easy on them!
Perhaps, the three of them were only able to return to the Smokey Thea Tower because of Ling Chen drawing away the guards! However, just what was her motive of doing so?
Gently patting Ling Chen on the back, Ling Tian did not ask her anything. He only gave a very simple instruction, "Wait for me at home." While the rain was not as heavy as before, Ling Tian was still afraid that Ling Chen's body would not be able to take it — especially since it was during that special time of the month. While Ling Tian did not have a girlfriend in his past life, even if he did not eat pork he would know how a pig looks like, he still had common knowledge about the fact that a lady should not catch a cold during that special time of the month. Even if Ling Chen's martial arts was a head above the rest, she was still a lady; furthermore, she was his own lady.
After nodding her head twice in Ling Tian's embrace, Ling Chen lifted her head up and looked at Ling Tian. Then, she stretched her neck and kissed Ling Tian on the cheeks. By the time Ling Tian felt the ecstasy from that warm lips touching his face, Ling Chen had already taken off into the night sky and disappeared in the rain.
Xiao YanXue only felt as though she had woken up from a long dream, being filled with a sense of incredulity. She only remembered that she was at the guest courtyard of the Ling residence, waiting for Xiao FengYang and her other two elders to return from catching the thief. All of a sudden, she detected a strange fragrance. Then, she saw a few burly men, with masks covering their faces, barge into the room. Before she even had a chance to panic, she had already fainted on the spot and did not know what happened after that.
When she opened her eyes, she realized that she was in a deserted alley, under a tattered roof. The rain was still dripping down, splashing down onto her body and making her feel a sense of cold. She then thought about how she had been knocked unconscious, and could not help but have a change of expression as fear could be seen in her eyes, "It seems that I have been unconscious for some time already. Furthermore, I was brought to such a place unknowingly. Don't tell me I…"
In anxiousness, her face turned white as she instinctively used her hands to check her body. At the same time, she also used her eyes to scan all over her body. Only after a long while did she let out a sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, I am still me. I have not…" Xiao YanXue did not dare to continue down that line of thought. If something like that were to happen to her, she won't be able to wash of such a humiliation, even if she were to die on the spot!
"Are you at ease already?" A calm voice sounded from behind her, seeming to carry a tinge of ridicule within it. But in the ears of Xiao YanXue, it had the effect of thunder! Turning her body around swiftly, she used her hands to cover her chest as she realized that she could move her body normally without any restriction on her Inner Qi.
A slim black dressed man was leaning on the wall, with a pair of calm eyes looking past Xiao YanXue's body, and looking towards the rain outside instead. Towards such a scene which would move the hearts of many men, he was able to ignore it completely.
As Xiao YanXue thought about it for a moment, she immediately understood that this person must have saved her. Being a member of the Xiao Family, she immediately regained her cool and said with a respectful bow, "Thank you…" As she said that, she did not know how to continue. Just who should she thank? As she looked at the face covered by the mask, she was only able to determine that the other party was a male. She couldn't even tell if he was young or old. Just how should she address him?
As though he was smiling, that black dressed man said indifferently, "There is no need to thank me. I just happened to be there and saved you out of convenience. It is just like a person walking on the streets, if he were to see a puppy or kitten being injured, he would definitely take pity on it and save it. It is only natural for me to do so and there is no need for thanks."
While his words were casual, Xiao YanXue was incensed. Dammit! To think that you would compare me, the princess of the Xiao Family, to a little kitten or puppy! Her face could not help but turn green, before turning white, then turning red. In that moment, she was unable to say a thing.
The black dressed man then turned his head and smiled, "Alright, stop playing those face changing games. I saved you just now, and scolded you now. We no longer owe each other anything, and there is no longer a need for you to place this matter in your heart. We are only strangers passing by each other without a chance to meet again. Take care. The people looking for you are probably about to flip the whole city over already! Haha!"
From afar, the Ling residence was filled with commotion as voices of people shouting and horses neighing could be heard. The guest of the Ling Family, the little princess of the Xiao Family, was actually abducted on the first night they arrived in the Sky Bearing City, in their very own heavily guarded Ling residence! Duke Ling was enraged as he ordered to find the little princess of the Xiao Family at all costs, even if they had to overturn all the bricks in the Sky Bearing City! The moment the order was given, the whole Sky Bearing City broke out into a huge commotion!
After the Yang Family searched through the whole Sky Bearing City in the night, the Ling Family, which was also the pillar of the nation, did not want to lose out to them and had their own search of the city! Furthermore, the actions of the Ling and Yang Family were only separated by a few days. In the eyes of many people, this coincidence resulted in many different plausible stories being concocted!
Is this the omen that something was about to happen?!
All of a sudden, everyone in the Sky Bearing City felt a sense of danger. Some who thought that they were extremely wise even thought that something was going wrong. They actually packed up all of their belongings, so that they would be able to escape at a moment's notice.
However, they cannot be blamed for being so careful either. All along, the Ling and Yang Family were already like a mirror of each other. As long as something happens in the Yang Family, it must have been because of the Ling Family. If something happens in the Ling Family, it must be because of the Yang Family! In the Sky Bearing City, this logic was something which was seen as the truth!
For these two families to break out into such a huge commotion in just a short few days, everyone could not help but think that both the families were ready to drop all pretense, and break out into war! If that was the case, it would be inevitable for chaos to sweep through the city, and those little businesses and families would definitely be destroyed from the aftermath.
Chapter 163: Ling Tian's Heart
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
The sound of the searching troops gradually approached the area.
Xiao YanXue's face could not help but turn red as she thought to herself, "This person can also be considered strange: an unruly person not wanting any repayments for his kindness. In order to make me forget about repaying his kindness, he decided to ridicule me. It appears that I must have misunderstood him previously." She could not help but say with gratitude, "I wonder how I can address this brother? Can you let me know your name? Brother protected YanXue's chastity and this huge kindness you have bestowed upon me is like giving me new life. YanXue is extremely grateful and our Xiao Family also thanks you for your kindness. How can such kindness be repaid with a simple word of thanks?"
The black dressed man shrugged his shoulders and replied in an unfettered manner, "It really isn't much. We will never meet again. Farewell." Without waiting for a reply from Xiao YanXue, the black dressed man drifted up into the air and landed on top of a roof. Then, he let out a loud shout, "The little princess of the Xiao Family is here!" Inner Qi was imbued within his words, his crisp voice travelling far and wide. Following which, the commotion from afar began to travel towards them.
Xiao YanXue knew that he was about to leave and could not help but shout out, "Wait a moment brother, can you leave your name behind?"
As though he did not hear her, or disdained to reply, his body disappeared with a flash, displaying his extraordinary movement techniques!
In anxiousness, Xiao YanXue jumped up the roof and scanned the surroundings. However, the surroundings were completely silent and empty, without a single trace of the black dressed man. In that moment, she could not help but feel dejected in her heart.
Following the rustling of footsteps, Xiao FengYang landed by Xiao YanXue's side as experts began to rush towards them. As he studied Xiao YanXue's expression, he asked carefully, "Xue'er, are you alright?" His words were filled with concern. While Xiao FengYang was Xiao YanXue's granduncle, he doted on Xiao YanXue as though she was his own grandchild. As long as she wanted the stars, he would never give her the moon. While they were only separated for a short moment, his innards were truly twisted up from anxiousness. At the same time, he was also fuming from the fact that the ShangGuan Family dared to lay their hands on Xiao YanXue.
Xiao YanXue shook her head, naturally understanding what her granduncle was asking, "I am alright." At the same time, she could not help but look around, hoping to see the unbridled silhouette of that black dressed man.
Seeing that Xiao YanXue was alright, Xiao FengYang could finally be at ease. If anything were to happen to Xiao YanXue, he — as the elder who brought her out — would have definitely lost all his face. Not to mention how his family would react, he would never be able to forgive himself!
After hearing Xiao YanXue's description of the whole affair, especially as he heard about the mysterious expert, Xiao FengYang was also completely bewildered. However, Xiao YanXue did not have a single memory about their enemies. When Xiao FengYang saw Xiao YanXue, his original intention to wipe out the ShangGuan Family was completely forgotten.
The large group of them then escorted Xiao YanXue back to the Ling residence, and it was already past midnight. As Duke Ling and Old Madam Ling heard about the news, they came out personally to receive her. Ling Xiao and Chu Ting'er were also present, expressing their heartfelt concern to Xiao YanXue. Knowing that she was alright, all of them felt as though a large burden was lifted from their shoulders. Chu Ting'er then hugged Xiao YanXue in her embrace, consoling her from the fright of the whole incident.
Xiao YanXue thanked the members of the Ling family repeatedly as she looked around, only to realize that not a trace of Ling Tian could be seen. She could not help but be frustrated in her heart as she thought, "This silkpants is really a silkpants. Even with such a large affair happening in his own house, he can still sleep so soundly. He is indeed trash!" However, Xiao YanXue was still extremely thankful towards the concern shown to her by the others of the Ling Family.
At this moment, Ling Tian had already returned to his own courtyard, and changed into a dry set of clothes. Only then did he call Ling Chen over, staring at her without a single word.
Seeing the serious look on Ling Tian's face, Ling Chen could not help but blink her eyes and lower her head. While she knew what Ling Tian wanted to ask, she did not know where to start her explanation.
Ling Tian then pointed to the chair beside the bed and said gently, "Take a seat and explain what is going on."
Ling Chen responded with a 'Mmm' and sat down with her head still lowered. She then said softly, "After young noble followed that person out, this servant realized that someone else snuck into the courtyard that the Xiao Family was staying at. Thus, I went to take a look and saw that they had knocked the little miss of the Xiao Family out with sedatives. This servant wanted to save her, but suddenly remembered something Old Madam Ling said," as she explained up until here, she raised her gaze and looked at Ling Tian.
Ling Tian then continued her explanation, "You thought about grandmother telling me that I must marry Xiao YanXue? That's why you let those black dressed men off? You knew that I was following the black dressed figure and wanted to give me a chance to save Xiao YanXue? You want to let me be the hero who saves the beauty? You want me to make use of this opportunity to achieve Xiao YanXue's heart?" Ling Tian's voice was extremely calm, but every single word of his was filled with a tinge of self-mockery.
"Yes!" Ling Chen lowered her gaze again. Ling Tian had already listed out her thoughts. While she felt joyful about how Ling Tian was able to read all of her thoughts, she also felt a sense of sourness in her heart. As a lady, she was trying to create a chance for her own man to have another lady as outstanding as her; this was an extremely depressing affair! Even if Ling Chen was completely lost in love with Ling Tian, even if Ling Chen knew that she would never be Ling Tian's wife, it was impossible for her to be unaffected by the matter!
"Then, you were afraid that I would not meet them, or that they belonged to two different groups. So, you followed behind them to save Xiao YanXue if something went wrong?"
"En."
Ling Tian let out a long sigh and stood up, hugging Ling Chen into his embrace. Ling Chen then leaned on his chest obediently, with a sense of satisfaction in her heart.
"Chen'er, you still don't understand me!" Ling Tian sighed, "In this world, how many ladies would be worth my care and concern? How many ladies would be worth my time to pursuit her with all I've got? Ah ah… if it is BingYan, she is still barely acceptable. While BingYan has a thousand-year-old family behind her, the Yu Family obviously doesn't have such ambitions. Furthermore, BingYan gives me a very special feeling, as though she was my little sister. Perhaps, this is related to the things she had experienced since young, making me want to protect her with all I've got. However, if you were to talk about marriage, she may not necessarily be the one! I can only say that Yu BingYan is indeed important to me without doubt."
"Then, what about the little princess of the Xiao Family? Miss Xiao is extremely pretty and not a single princess or little miss can be compared to her. I believe that even the true appearance of Miss Yu would only be comparable to her. Is young noble not moved at all?" Ling Chen asked softly.
"Pretty? So what? There are far too many pretty girls in this world. Can your young noble have them all? Do I have that sort of ability to claim them all for myself?" Ling Tian smiled, "If you think that I will be interested in a lady because of her looks, then Chen'er, you are really looking down too much on your young noble. I am not interested in collecting flower vases at home. "
Ling Tian then paused for a moment before continuing, "Xiao YanXue was originally a pre-planned marriage by my grandfather. Back then, I personally destroyed this marriage because of the ambitions of the Xiao Family, and their ability to carry out their ambitions. I must admit — if the Xiao and Ling Family unites, we will definitely be able to overtake the Sky Bearing Empire in a single night and destroy the Yang Family. With the backing of the Xiao Family and the geography of the Sky Bearing Empire, being able to launch out attacks in all directions, we do indeed have the chance of uniting the continent. Hehe."
Ling Chen became depressed, "Young noble, isn't this something which you want to do? With such benefits and convenience, why did you…"
Ling Tian then let out a 'hmph' and said, "If everything which I just talked about came true, the Xiao Family will definitely be at the helm, and our Ling Family will only be a subordinate family to them. If that's the case, what's the meaning behind that? All of our hard work would then be for the Xiao Family to rule the continent. What will we gain from that? Perhaps, we may even end up as cannon-fodders and be sacrificed in the process! This is a completely stupid move! How can I, Ling Tian, do something like this?! Besides, how can I live under the roof of others?
While Xiao YanXue is indeed a beauty, you must not forget that she is still the little princess of the Xiao Family! This status of hers is more than enough for me to distance myself from her! Furthermore, she isn't a simple person either. If she wants to gain my approval, she will have to give up her precious identity in the Xiao Family. Besides that, the Xiao Family must also be my subordinate. If not, I will not dare to keep her by my side. However, it is almost impossible for these two things to happen. Hehe." Ling Tian explained.
"So that's the case. Young noble, Chen'er is wrong and seeks forgiveness." Ling Chen said softly with her head buried in Ling Tian's embrace.
Ling Tian let out two 'hmphs' and kissed her, "I have my own plans about my own marriage. Chen'er, it will only cause you grievance to participate in such a matter. You can just leave everything to me."
"Mmm!" Ling Chen could not help but feel her head turn red as her nose itched. With her head buried in Ling Tian's embrace, she replied with a soft 'Mmm'.
Just when the Sky Bearing City was becoming lively, the Yu Family was completely silent.
In the Moon Climbing Star Picking Tower, Yu ManLou was seated in front of the window leisurely, appreciating the beautiful scenery in front of him. Although he had been seeing this scenery for a full ten years, he wasn't tired of it at all, with interest filling his eyes. Listening to the sound of raindrops falling from the outside, his face remained expressionless.
Chapter 164: Third Master of the Yu Family
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
Footsteps could be heard coming from the stairs, and two anxious looking people approached Yu ManLou. They were Yu ManLou's two brothers: second brother Yu ManTang, and third brother Yu ManTian.
"Big brother, is there really no need for us to send anyone to the Sky Bearing City? This is a one in a lifetime opportunity!" The youngest of the three, Yu ManTian, was 30-plus years old man, with a face full of facial hair and straightforward looking appearance. He was the most impatient of the three and said hastily, "According the Xue Leng's news, even those from 'Beyond Heaven' have arrived at the Sky Bearing City. Furthermore, all the different powers are treating the Sky Bearing City as a big chance and have sent their men there. If we do not make a choice, it will be too late. Big brother."
"Beyond Heaven?!" Hearing this name, a chill gaze flashed past Yu ManLou's eyes, "So what? Just because Beyond Heaven is there, our Yu Family has to be there as well?"
Idiot! Yu ManTang glared at Yu ManTian. You are really an idiot! Knowing that Beyond Heaven has always been a thorn in big brother's heart, you still had to pick such an unsuitable time to mention it! Even if big brother had the intention to send someone to the Sky Bearing City to appease us, it would probably be ruined by this single phrase of yours!
"Big brother," Yu ManTang said carefully, "it is extremely peaceful here and there isn't any news from Heavenly Wind. Furthermore, we have to guard against the news which we received from the palace a few days ago. The crown prince failed in his marriage proposal but still sent a large number of troops to the Sky Bearing City. I am afraid that he will harm BingYan. Why not you send us two brothers to infiltrate into the Sky Bearing City secretly with minimal followers?"
"Crown prince ChengPing?" Yu ManLou sneered, "He is just a dancing clown and there is no need to fear him! If we treat him as a crown prince, he would be the crown prince. If we don't treat him as a crown prince, he would be nothing! He thinks that a rotten Martial Order Medallion will be able to protect him? That's nothing more than a dream! While other families may fear Beyond Heaven, our Yu Family has no need to fear any other power in the world!"
"Besides," Yu ManLou's voice gradually became calm as the anger from hearing the words 'Beyond Heaven' disappeared, "the Sky Bearing City is filled with dangers and storms. I am still unable to understand the full situation, and it will be a huge risk to join in the fray rashly. I am even thinking if I should pull BingYan and the rest back to the Yu Family, and the both of you actually want to jump into the fray. Are all of you idiots?"
"Big brother, the matters in the Sky Bearing City is only a coincidence!" Yu ManTian said with indignance, "For someone in the NanGong Family to die in such a sensitive period, it is definitely a coincidence. The powers from all over are going there to muddy the waters so they can get a share of the benefits. Just like what big brother said, the strength of our Yu Family is without any rival. As long as we appear, who would dare fight with us? We will definitely be the biggest winner! Big brother, how can you not consider the matter at all?"
"Coincidence? The Yu Family will be the biggest winner if we join in the fray? Preposterous!" Yu ManLou pointed his finger at his third brother with anger and disappointment, "You, you, you… just when are you going to change this rash personality of yours? Whose territory is the Sky Bearing City? Don't tell me you don't know something so simple?"
"Whose territory? Isn't it that Yang KongQun's territory? What's the big deal about that? When this little brother here went to the Sky Bearing City back then, he even showed me magnificent hospitality. All these years, this little brother has been wanting to expand into the Sky Bearing Empire, but big brother has always been apprehensive about the matter. Is it really so important for us to keep the name of being a Great Family who does not have any ties to the empires? If we are able to enter the Sky Bearing Empire, the might of our Yu Family will definitely go up another level. At that time, what can that Beyond Heaven do…" Yu ManTian was full of conceit, rambling on about his opinions. However, he didn't manage to finish what he had to say.
"Shut up! You idiot!" The usually calm and poise Yu ManLou was enraged to the point the veins by his temple bulged. With regards to this insensitive and rash brother of his, Yu ManLou was completely speechless! "Did the both of you see the documents which I gave you a few days ago?"
"I've seen it. Big brother, you mean…" Yu ManTang frowned. It was precisely because he had seen that document that he was so worried about his daughter in the Sky Bearing City.
"Which document? Errrrr… I've seen it. Big brother, you are talking about the one regarding the Xiao Family, right?" Seeing Yu ManLou blowing his top, Yu ManTian tried his best to appease his rage, letting out a feigned sigh, "I really never expected that the strength of the Xiao Family would grow so quickly. The world is really like a chess game, difficult to predict what would happen next…"
By the side, Yu ManTang's face was completely ashen! He looked towards Yu ManTian with a face full of pity as he could not help but sigh in his heart, "Third brother, forgive your second brother for being unable to help you. You have really smashed into the hornet's nest this time! Haiz, even if you don't know what is going on, you should not spout nonsense. Now…"
"&)$@*$!@)" Yu ManLou's eyes were already as wide as saucers. The usually composed and well-tempered Yu ManLou would always be driven mad by this dear brother of his! After a long while, he roared, "Bastard!! Who asked you to see that?! If not for the fact that the three of us are the only ones of our generation, I would really want to take out the family laws to teach you a good lesson!"
This roar was comparable to the 'Lion Roar' of the Shaolin Temple from Ling Tian's previous life! The whole mansion of the Yu Family shook from the roar!
While Yu ManTian was extremely unbridled, he had a lot of respect for his big brother. He also knew that his big brother was at least a hundred times better than him. Thus, he conceded in both his mouth and heart immediately! Without asking for the reason, he lowered his head to seek forgiveness. In actual fact, he was completely ignorant as to where he went wrong!
Looking at this third brother of his which gave him so much headache, Yu ManLou let out a weak sigh and waved his hands for the both of them to be seated. He then glared at Yu ManTian, "You better sit down there quietly without saying a single word. If not, you can scram!"
Yu ManTian replied with an 'err' as he was depressed in his heart. At the same time, he thought to himself, "Despite the momentum of my cultivation, I read the news which you sent to me without delay. I really did read everything that you sent me…" All of a sudden, his body shook and thought about how someone did indeed send him some document to read when he was cultivating. However, he was in meditation and so he commanded for it to be placed by the side. In the end, he was too engrossed in his cultivation and had completely forgotten about the matter. Could it be that document? Thinking about that, he did not dare to say a single word, sitting by the side like an obedient kitten.
Yu ManLou then looked towards Yu ManTang and said, "Second brother, you know about the matter. What opinions do you have with regards to the Sky Bearing City?"
Yu ManTang thought about the matter carefully before replying, "NanGong Le's death is definitely not a mere coincidence. I believe that someone must have intentionally instigated the whole affair to reap benefits from the whole matter. However, the person, or power, who instigated this affair is still unknown. But despite that, this is definitely a huge chance to the various powers! This is without doubt!"
Yu ManLou let out a sigh and looked at both his brothers. One was rash and addicted to martial arts. The other one was sharp when it came to small matters but muddled when it came to large affairs. He then said with a serious tone, "All of you! Haiz!" Turning around to look outside the window, he said with a mellow tone, "This is definitely a good opportunity. It is definitely a huge opportunity! You guys are not the only ones to think about this. All the other powers would have definitely thought about this as well. Thus, they are all running to the Sky Bearing City like flies seeing candy! However, have you even wondered if there is someone controlling this whole affair from the background? If there is really someone controlling the whole affair, who would this person be? What is his motive? Why would he be so kind-hearted to create such an opportunity for all the various powers? What exactly are his intentions? Have you guys ever thought about these things?"
Yu ManTang blinked for a moment before replying, "Big brother, I know that you are suspecting that silkpants. However, this little brother thinks that this matter may not be controlled by him. How will he be able to control such a huge affair with his capabilities. Perhaps it may just be a mere coincidence."
"I've said it before, you are not allowed to call him silkpants!" Yu ManLou flared, "If he is a silkpants, what can you two be considered to be? It is extremely foolish for you to underestimate an enemy like that!"
"Err, big brother, second brother, who are you guys talking about?" Yu ManTian could not help but ask.
"Ling Tian, grandson of Ling Zhan, son of Ling Xiao." Yu ManTang replied softly. Yu ManTian was speechless for a short while before replying, "Big brother, both you and second brother have your talents. I only like martial arts and my brain isn't very clear. However, what is there to discuss about that little fellow?"
Yu ManLou was speechless again!"
"There is definitely something which we are still unable to understand. Even if we can't understand it, I can feel that this so-called chance may be a huge trap!" Yu ManLou frowned, "Furthermore, I suspect that this trap is laid specially for our Yu Family!"
"Hahaha, big brother, in the world today, who is capable of plotting against our Yu Family? Even those fellows from Beyond Heaven may not be able to do so. Furthermore, even if someone dares to plan against us, can they possibly succeed? At the very most, this little brother here will take a few white jades over to destroy the Ling Family!" Yu ManTian shouted out.
"You?" Yu ManLou glanced at his own third brother, "Even if you bring all of your purple jade and white jade men under you, I won't be surprised if all of you won't be able to leave the Sky Bearing City!"