173 - 180

Chapter 173: Life and Death

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock

Mutual appreciation? In fact, it was a one-sided appreciation from Yu ManTian!

"Young man, as long as you will promise me that you will stop killing and leave your assassin's organization, I will spare your life. How about that?" Yu ManTian said with regret, "If you are afraid that this organization will seek trouble with you after leaving, I will help you! In this world, there isn't anything that I, Third Master Yu, can't do! I do not need you to serve me, and you will still be a free man. You just need to agree to my condition." After the fierce battle, Yu ManTian truly treasured this talent in front of him. Looking at this stubborn teen, it was as though Yu ManTian could see the stubbornness he had when he was younger.

"Idiot!" With heavy panting, Ling Jian's eyes never revealed a trace of hesitation!

"I really don't want to kill you. Perhaps, you can give me a reason to not kill you?" When he said that, a rare look of seriousness appeared on Yu ManTian's bearded face. It was obvious that everything he said was from the bottom of his heart. "For example, was that fatty your enemy? Give me a reason, any reason! I am willing to believe you. I can definitely believe you!"

Ling Jian's lips twitched as a trace of ridicule could be seen in his eyes. With arrogance, he said, "No reason at all! I will kill whoever I want to! I do not need anyone's pity! Who do you think you are? Do you think I am fighting you because of that fatty? I only want you dead. I still want you dead!"

You! Yu ManTian almost fainted from anger! Dammit, this daddy here really doesn't want to kill you. I have already said that I will definitely believe you regardless of the reason! Can't you just say that the fatty was your enemy? I already reminded you that I just need an excuse to retreat. I just need a reason not to kill you! Even if you were to turn and run away, I would definitely not give chase to you. But you are still standing rooted to the ground without taking a single step! Not to mention your feet, even your gaze shows no signs of backing off! You are still looking at me like I am your mortal enemy! Yu ManTian was sure that if he were to give this black dressed man in front of him a chance, this black dressed man would definitely stab him in the throat without any hesitation. Did I dig up your family's grave? Why are you staring at me with such hatred? Yu ManTian was completely depressed in his heart!

"What a stone!"

Yu ManTian scolded with a roar, "Do you just have to kill? With your abilities, you would not starve to death no matter what you do. Don't force me to kill you. I really don't want to kill you!"

The extremely careless Third Master Yu never noticed that Ling Jian had already locked his sights on him.

"Hahaha!" Ling Jian laughed out loud as a trace of blood flowed down the corner of his lips, "Soft-hearted! On just this point alone, you do not deserve to be a martial artist! Idiot!"

Ever since the both of them had met, this was the first time Ling Jian had said so much!

Ling Jian smiled and stepped forward towards the sword point that he was looking at. His movements were resolute and his eyes burning.

Yu ManTian subconsciously took a step back as perspiration flowed down his face, "Let me say this again, don't force me! I don't want to kill a martial arts talent!"

"Don't you know that this world is one where the strong prey on the weak? Where the strong would rule the world?" Ling Jian continued walking forward. In this moment of life and death, the emotions which Ling Jian had been hiding in his heart burst forth. "Did you know that I was originally a beggar at the mercy of the world? It was because of my hard work and sacrifice that I became stronger than others. So, I can be the calm judge of someone else's life. Because they did not work hard and did not make any sacrifices, they deserve to die! For a weakling to die in the hands of someone strong, that is an iron-clad rule which will never change! You are asking me why? HAHAHA… what a joke! Who do you think you are? Idiot!"

Ling Jian burst out into another wave of laughter as a crazed look could be seen in his eyes, "Because I am stronger than them! This is the reason. If I can become even stronger, I can kill everyone in the world. They are only a bunch of ants! Since living is nothing more than torture to them, why not send them into reincarnation sooner? Are you satisfied now? Hahaha, is this reason enough? Let me tell you, if you don't kill me today, I will definitely continue killing tomorrow! Let me go? Pity me? What a joke! You idiot!"

Ling Jian then snorted disdainfully, "Who do you think you are? You are only a hypocritic gentleman from an aristocratic family wearing a jacket of rotten righteousness! You want to pity me? Do you have the right? Idiot!"

Ling Jian never imagined that he would say so many words in a single day. Was it because he felt fear in his heart in the face of death? Ling Jian couldn't help but think to himself with self-mockery.

Ling Jian had never believed these people who came from the large aristocratic families. In his heart, the rules were simple. The victor would be alive while death awaited the one who was defeated. There were no other choices! He would rather be sliced up into pieces than to be under the threat of a sword and plead for his life!

Even if there was a special reason, Ling Jian would never say it in such a scenario. Ling Jian's arrogance could be said to be even higher than Ling Tian's!

Yu ManTian let out a loud roar with his eyes as wide as saucers and his facial hair standing up straight! The muscles on his face also began to contort as he let out a violent roar from anger, "Since you are longing for death, this daddy here will fulfill your wish!"

With a flick of his wrist, his sword struck out like a vicious dragon. The target was Ling Jian's throat!

Ling Jian was suffering from serious internal injuries and didn't have the strength to retaliate at all. He looked at the sword calmly without a trace of emotion on his face.

The tip of the sword had penetrated the skin! Blood had begun to flow out!

"DING!!!" Like a shooting star, a bright flash of light shot over at an unbelievable speed, striking Yu ManTian's sword!

Yu ManTian's body shook! That bright light was imbued with the purest XianTian Inner Qi. It had pushed aside Yu ManTian's full force strike from the mere force of the attack! Just when the tip of the sword had pierced through the skin, it was deflected to the side. While blood was spewing out from Ling Jian's throat, it was only a shallow wound. The scene looked extremely bloody but Ling Jian's life was not in danger.

Yu ManTian's sword let out a buzz, as it was still vibrating from the force of the strike! This sword, the Distress of Autumn, was the proud possession of Yu ManTian. It was one of the most famous weapons in the Heavenly Star Continent. If not, the force from that blow would have definitely destroyed the sword!

After receiving such a forceful blow, Yu ManTian only managed to stabilize his body after taking seven or eight steps back! He was shocked in his heart. There is actually such an expert in this place! Who is he?

His inner strength is more than a level higher than this black dressed man! It is probably comparable to my own inner strength! Don't tell me the old is here after beating up the young? Is this person the backing of the black dressed man?

Ling Jian's originally calm face revealed a look of gratitude, and a fire seemed to have ignited in his eyes. It was as though a person who was about to die from thirst in the desert had found a clear spring in front of him. An agitated cry from the depths of his heart sounded, "Young noble!"

Yu ManTian looked over and saw a tall young man dressed in white with a white cloth covering his face. The white dressed man stood 50 feet away on top of a peach tree with his hands empty as though he didn't have a weapon on him. He was looking emotionlessly at Yu ManTian, as though he was staring at a lifeless corpse!

There was a short blade lying on the ground at the place where the white light had smashed against his sword. It reflected the bright sunlight, letting out a resplendent glow.

Ling Jian's originally straight back began to sway. Even in the face of death, Ling Jian had stood up as straight as a spear, without the slightest bit of movement or fear. But when this white dressed man appeared, a huge burden seemed to have been lifted off Ling Jian's heart, and his body began to relax. It was as though Ling Jian didn't need to bother about anything in the world with this white dressed man present.

Ling Jian then gradually sat down on the ground, his face void of the excitement from being alive, but filled with the reverence of a young child staring at an emperor.

The white dressed man was Ling Tian! When he was rushing towards the bridge, he heard a loud roar from the peach forest and sprinted all the way here, saving Ling Jian from that fatal strike! He couldn't help but feel lucky in his heart. If he had come a step later, the consequences would have been dire. Everything would have changed as well!

"Who are you?" Looking at that icy glare from the white dressed man, Yu ManTian knew that things wouldn't end so easily today. At the same time, he also let out a huge sigh in his heart. From the expression of these two fellows, it looked like they were carved from the same mold. The same distant look in their eyes, the same arrogance in their gaze, and the same indifference with regards to the lives of those in the world!

Another strange expert! However, this strange expert seems to be even stronger than the previous one! That black dressed brat is already a top-notch assassin in the world today. However, this white dressed young man is not just a level higher than him!

If that black dressed man was the king of assassins, then this white dressed man would be the emperor of the kings, a true reaper of death!

From that battle with the black dressed brat, I have spent over 70% of all my strength. To face this expert who is even scarier than that black dressed man, it is going to be extremely dangerous!

At this moment, Ling Tian was completely enraged!

The moment he saw the miserable condition that Ling Jian was in, a brutal and vicious feeling rose in his heart. Thinking about how that burly man was about to pierce Ling Jian's throat, a boundless killing intent shot into the sky!

Chapter 174: Taking Action in Rage

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock

Ling Tian's body moved as he covered the fifty feet in an instant. His palm had already struck out with an earth-shattering momentum! Clean and swift without a moment of hesitation and without a single sign!

By the time Yu ManTian felt that young man move, the palm of the young man was already above his forehead. It was as though the young man had already been there from the start!

With a loud roar, his Distress of Autumn slashed upwards with the arc of a rainbow.

Ling Tian's white clothes were fluttering as he made an agile flip in mid-air and appeared in another direction. Without the slightest bit of reduction in force, his palm smashed down once more!

Yu ManTian let out a weird cry as the sword in his right hand pierced forward. At the same time, he gathered his remaining Inner Qi on his left palm and launched another attack! All these were done without the slightest bit of delay, fully displaying his demeanor of an expert.

A bright smile was on Ling Tian's face as the Inner Qi on his left palm turned gentle, directing Yu ManTian's sword to the side with a simple flick of his left hand. His right hand continued on without the slightest bit of delay, with the strength of the blow increasing even more!

"Hong!" Both their palms collided! A gust of wind was sent out in all directions!

Yu ManTian's body flew up from the ground, flying back a total of thirty feet and stopping only when he had crashed into a peach tree! He was shocked as he thought, What dense inner strength! Yu ManTian's inner strength was already extremely dense and Ling Tian was a notch stronger than him. While he was exhausted from the fight with Ling Jian, Ling Tian's single palm strike was insufficient to inflict serious injuries on him.

While Yu ManTian was still in a daze from the shock brought from Ling Tian's martial arts, he felt a gust of wind approaching him as Ling Tian's palm descended again with a mighty aura!

From the start to the end, Ling Tian had been spiraling around in the air without touching the ground! What kind of martial arts is this? Yu ManTian thought.

Yu ManTian felt his soul was about to leave him as he gathered some Inner Qi to receive the palm strike with both his hands. At this moment, he didn't have enough time to retaliate with his sword and could only abandon it!

With another bang, Yu ManTian's burly body rolled away like a ball! He didn't want to be reduced to such an embarrassing state but Ling Tian's palm strike was far too tyrannical. The strength of the blow sent Yu ManTian rolling for quite a distance without stopping!

Only after forty feet did Yu ManTian use his palms to prop himself up. His face was completely red as he spit out a mouthful of blood! This was because Yu ManTian had a profound inner strength with a body fitter than most others. If it was anyone else, that person would have definitely died on the spot!

After unleashing three attacks, Ling Tian's Inner Qi was also almost spent. He was not a celestial after all and it was impossible for him to float in mid-air forever. Ling Tian's body shifted as his toes lightly landed on the branch of a peach tree. His white robes fluttered in the wind as his tall body was like a dragon descending from the skies, a phoenix rising to the heavens! A dense killing intent emanated from his eyes as he circulated his Inner Qi and struck out without any mercy at Yu ManTian for the fourth time!

You dare to harm my brother? Regardless of who you are, there is only a single path. That is, DEATH!

Go and die!

As this palm struck down, Yu ManTian had no way to avoid it at all! His strength had already been exhausted completely from the previous three exchanges. With a long sigh, he closed his eyes and awaited his death! At the same time, he was depressed as he thought, In all my life, I, Yu ManTian, prided myself on my martial arts. But, I actually met two powerful opponents in a single day! The height of that white dressed man's martial arts is something that I have never seen before in my life!

At the same time, Yu ManTian felt a trace of regret in his heart. Such an expert, how great would it be to face him with my full strength! What a pity!

He did indeed live up to his name of being a martial arts fanatic! Even when his life was reaching its end, he was still thinking about exchanging pointers with someone else! He also didn't disgrace the title of being a martial artist!

A cruel smile could be seen on Ling Tian's lips as his palm struck down without mercy!

Yu ManTian was about to die!

"Young noble, please spare him!" From afar, Ling Jian's anxious voice sounded.

Ling Tian frowned for an instant and his palm turned to the side, brushing past Yu ManTian and smashing into a nearby peach tree. With a 'kacha' sound, the peach tree was split into two with the upper half of it being sent flying seventy feet away!

Borrowing the force of the rebound, Ling Tian's body, which had been charging forward, suddenly stopped in mid-air and began moving backward.

Yu ManTian could only feel his clothes fluttering as he awaited his death. All of a sudden, he heard a voice and his body became relaxed, with that frightening pressure disappearing into thin air! He couldn't help but open his eyes and take a doubtful look.

When he had just opened his eyes, he witnessed Ling Tian stopping in mid-air and retreating with his mystical movement techniques. Witnessing such a scene, Yu ManTian's eyeballs almost popped out from the shock! This mystical movement technique was even more shocking than him changing directions in mid-air. If an ordinary expert were to use such a movement technique, which went against common sense, the meridians in his body would definitely go crazy and he would experience cultivation deviation. However, this white dressed man was able to do it as though it was an extremely simple thing! Not only that, he had actually retreated without even looking back, landing right beside Ling Jian without any error in his position.

Just this movement technique alone was enough to make Yu ManTian accept his loss! Just how did he cultivate such a movement technique?

"How are your injuries?" Looking at Ling Jian's pale face, Ling Tian asked with concern.

"They aren't serious, I won't die from them. They are all superficial wounds, and I will recover in two to three days!" Ling Jian tried to stand up. Ling Tian was standing up, but he was still seated, making Ling Jian feel extremely weird. Even though he was seriously injured, this was still unacceptable!

Ling Tian stretched out a hand and pressed on Ling Jian's shoulders, signaling him to stay still. Then, Ling Jian felt a wave of pure Inner Qi entering his body from an acupoint on his shoulders. This warm energy made a full circulation around all of his meridians, making Ling Jian feel a warmth of comfort! Under the aid of the pure Inner Qi, Ling Jian's injuries were recovering quickly.

After Ling Tian circulated his Inner Qi for a total of nine cycles, he withdrew his Inner Qi. Ling Jian's injuries were no longer a concern and he would be able to deal with them himself. Only then did Ling Tian let out a sigh of relief.

"Why did you stop me from killing him?" Ling Tian asked with dissatisfaction, while he used his chin to point to the cross-legged Yu ManTian.

As Ling Tian said that, even Yu ManTian couldn't help but widen his ears with curiosity. Why did this black dressed man want to save me despite me trying to kill him previously?

"This person isn't too bad. Young noble, he is just a little too old-fashioned! He could have killed me much earlier but did not do so because he treasured my talent. The reason why he took action in the end was because I forced him, so I am indebted to him." Ling Jian opened his eyes and looked at Ling Tian with sincerity. While Ling Jian was proud and didn't lose often, he would never deny a loss. Despite not being willing to give in, he felt that receiving favor from someone else was a different matter! Even if a normal person felt that it was the same thing, things were different when it came to Ling Jian!

"Dammit! So you aren't an idiot! You actually knew that this daddy here couldn't bear to kill you! Then why are you still like a brick? This daddy here is just and honorable for treasuring a talent, in what way am I old-fashioned?" Yu ManTian scolded out, not bothering to thank Ling Jian for saving his life. Instead, he was complaining about being scolded as old-fashioned! Dammit, this daddy here can't stand those old-fashioned old fogeys the most and you actually dared to say that I am old-fashioned!

"Oh, so it is mutual appreciation. If that's the case, you can settle this score yourself in future!" Ling Tian said with a meaningful smile, revealing the thoughts in Ling Jian's heart!

Being seen through by Ling Tian, Ling Jian's face turned red and he lowered his voice, speaking at a volume where only Ling Tian could hear, "This person called himself Third Master. This subordinate thinks that he is from the Yu Family. In fact, his status shouldn't be too low and he may even be the third brother of Yu ManLou, Yu ManTian. While young noble isn't afraid of him, his presence may bring some troubles."

Ling Tian's eyes narrowed as he let out a hearty laugh while patting Ling Jian on the shoulders, "Not bad, Ling Jian, you are getting smarter!"

However, this pat was right on Ling Jian's wounds, making him let out a muffled groan. Ling Jian's cold face suddenly turned extremely bitter.

"Is it painful?" While Ling Tian's smile was warm and filled with concern, Ling Jian felt himself shiver from seeing such an expression. Every time Ling Tian showed such an expression, his 'good days' would be coming!

Indeed, Ling Tian's face then changed, "Remember this painful lesson! How many times must I repeat myself before you will change this wretched habit of yours? If you only know how to advance but don't know how to retreat, you will suffer losses for sure! Have you learned your lesson yet? If you really wanted to go, could this burly and clumsy bear ever catch up to your movement technique? Damn b*st*rd! Will you only be happy after playing your life away? Don't forget that your life belongs to this young noble. Have you even asked this young noble before playing with your life? Idiot!"

Ling Tian was indeed fuming; Ling Tian had nagged Ling Jian about this bad habit of his many times already. He would always promise Ling Tian obediently but forget about it when his hot blood boiled! This injury would probably help to change this straightforward and unbending attitude of his!

Ling Jian lowered his head and accepted his scolding without a single word. He didn't say that he couldn't retreat because of Yu ManTian's insult towards his young noble! However, he felt a deep sense of warmth in his heart. The rain had just passed, and the road was all muddy. Despite that, his young noble was able to detect his danger from a slight time difference and came to save him personally! Looking at Ling Tian's fatigued eyes, Ling Jian knew that his young noble must have sprinted here at top speed all the way with his superior movement techniques and dense inner strength. If not, how would it be possible for him to travel a few hundred miles in such a short amount of time? No matter how powerful his young noble was, it was definitely an exhausting thing for him to travel such a far distance in such a short time!

Chapter 175: Entering Sky Bearing

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock

Ling Jian's eyes began to tear up subconsciously. Although he was being reprimanded, he felt a sense of bliss and warmth in his heart!

On the other hand, Yu ManTian was extremely displeased. "Oi, who are you talking about? White dressed brat, who are you calling a clumsy bear? This Third Master is just exhausted from my battle with that brat, thus letting you gain the upper hand. Do you really think that your martial arts are higher than this Third Master? What a naive joke! When this Third Master's injuries are healed, I will exchange pointers with you again to let you know my prowess! Did you hear that brat?"

"Oh?" Ling Tian said with a mocking smile, "Then was I mistaken just now? Wasn't the one pathetically running for their life while rolling on the floor you, Third Master?"

"You b*st*rd!" Yu ManTian stood up in anger. While his life was in the hands of the other party, Third Master Yu was the kind of person who would scold when he wanted to without the least bit of restraint. "When this Third Master's injuries are recovered, I will let you know my prowess! I will let you know why the flowers are red!"

"Third Master? So you are the third in line? I wonder what family you belong to?" Ling Tian said with a smile. This 'Third Master' title reminded Ling Tian of some memory, making him think about a falcon in the mountain. [1]

"I am Third Master of… why do you care who I am?" Yu ManTian raised his head up proudly. Just when he wanted to reveal his own family, he remembered that he had just been beaten up badly. If he were to reveal his identity, wouldn't that end up disgracing his Yu Family? Thus, he swallowed the words which were at the very corner of his lips.

"Oh, if that's the case, I won't say anything more. You treasure my brother, and my brother asked me to spare you. This young noble will not make things difficult for you. Goodbye." Ling Tian calmly said and walked to Ling Jian.

"Wait!" Yu ManTian quickly called out to them. What a joke, if you are going to leave like that, how am I going to find you when my injuries are recovered? "It isn't a problem if you want to leave. You have to first tell me what your name is. What is your brother's name? Where do you stay at? Where can this Third Master find you brothers?" Yu ManTian asked in a bossy manner. He hadn't noticed that his body was covered in mud with his clothes in tatters from rolling on the ground. He looked extremely pathetic, and a beggar on the streets was probably better dressed than him!

"Oh, Third Master, everyone else calls me 'young noble'. You can call me that as well." Ling Tian said calmly without turning back. Calling yourself 'Third Master', you have already exposed your identity completely and you still think that we don't know about it? If that's the case, this young noble will let you have a taste of your own medicine to frustrate you to death!

Err! Yu ManTian was filled with depression! Thinking about it, it also made sense to him. He refused to answer the other party previously, and the other party would obviously not answer him either.

Who would be so foolish to expose their identities to their enemy?

After that short meditation, Yu ManTian felt himself recover a little already. Seeing that Ling Tian was about to leave, he couldn't help but approach them and say, "This Third Master here has nothing else better to do, seeing that you are bringing a casualty along, why don't I protect you guys along the way. Anyway, this person was… injured by me. Since you guys have already let me off, this Third Master wouldn't feel good if something happened to you along the way."

As Yu ManTian said that, not to mention Ling Tian, even the heavily injured Ling Jian could not help but be dumbfounded. This was the first time they saw someone as thick-skinned as this Third Master Yu!

He was obviously the one who was beaten up so badly just now, and he actually had the cheek to proclaim that he could protect others!

As though he also felt slightly embarrassed, Yu ManTian rubbed his head and said, "Let this Third Master tell you, you were only able to gain the upper hand previously because I was exhausted and agitated by this black dressed brat. I am not trying to brag, but if you let this Third Master recover fully, hehe, you will definitely not be my opponent! This Third Master's inner strength is far denser than yours! Brat, do you dare to admit that?"

Ling Tian and Ling Jian stared at each other and couldn't help but burst out laughing! It was as though they had heard the biggest joke in the world, laughing until their bodies rocked back and forth.

With injuries on his body, Ling Jian began to cough after laughing for a moment. However, he just couldn't stop himself from laughing, laughing to the point his face was pale.

Preposterous! Yu ManTian shouted out, "What's so funny? Shall we have another fight now? This Third Master's inner strength is definitely denser than yours. If I cannot win against you… if I cannot win against you…" After stuttering for a long while, he just couldn't complete the sentence. He was well aware of his own condition and he knew that he wouldn't be able to win for sure. While Yu ManTian's inner strength was indeed denser than Ling Tian's, it was only limited to his cultivation. As for the other aspects such as martial skills or movement techniques, the two of them were not even on the same level. Even if they were to only compete in inner strength, Yu ManTian might not win. Previously, Ling Tian was able to fight Ye QingChen to a standstill in terms of inner strength. While Yu ManTian's inner strength was profound, he was still a far cry from Ye QingChen!

Ling Tian said with a smile, "If you are not able to reduce me to a state where I am not as suave and carefree as I currently am, will Third Master admit his loss?" As Ling Tian said that, Ling Jian found it even more difficult to control his laughter. The tongue of his young noble was just far too sharp. He was just too good at mocking someone!

Yu ManTian responded with a spitting sound. While he did think that this brat in front of him was suave and carefree, it was impossible for him to admit that fact.

After a while, Ling Tian said, "Since Third Master doesn't want to admit his loss, you can just follow us. When you are fully recovered, this young noble will exchange pointers with you again! How about that? Since this brother of mine also seems to think highly of Third Master."

In Ling Tian's heart, he also admired Yu ManTian's martial arts. The sturdiness of this Third Master was indeed frightening. After fighting Ling Jian for such a long time, being riddled with injuries and having his Inner Qi exhausted, Yu ManTian was still able to withstand three palms from himself! After that, Yu ManTian only spat out a small mouthful of blood and rolled a few times.

After a short meditation, Yu ManTian was able to jump back up with vigor. The sturdiness of his body could be easily witnessed.

Ever since Ling Tian was born into this world, apart from Yu QingChen, this Third Master Yu would probably be ranked second amongst all the people he had met!

Ever since Ling Jian said that he was probably the Third Master of the Yu Family, Ling Tian had immediately guessed his identity. He was originally worried that the colors of this Sky Bearing Gathering would be less vibrant without the Yu Family, but he never expected this Third Master Yu to appear from out of nowhere! To Ling Tian, this was just like a golden ingot that fell from heaven, smashing right into his head! If he didn't make use of this precious resource, he wouldn't be called Ling Tian!

Rejecting Yu ManTian's desire to follow them had been a lie in the first place. Seeing that he was really anxious, Ling Tian would definitely not chase him away! Instead, he displayed the intentions to befriend him.

Three people rode on two horses, Ling Tian and Ling Jian on one and Yu ManTian on another. Along the way, the three of them recovered from their injuries as they joked together. With Ling Tian's eloquence, he was naturally able to easily encourage conversation with Yu ManTian. Yu ManTian was filled with smiles along the way, talking about the national affairs of the continent and completely forgetting how he had just suffered a loss in Ling Tian's hands! Along the way, they chatted about the various characters on the continent and discussed the different martial arts with a kind of, 'heroes of the world, who else can they be but us', feeling. However, Yu ManTian's many years of experience were indeed not empty words, and both Ling Tian and Ling Jian felt like they had received plenty from their conversations.

Along the way, Ling Tian and Ling Jian both joined hands to probe about the Yu Family from Yu ManTian. Of course, they only asked some surface-level questions and Yu ManTian never noticed that the both of them were trying to probe for information. The straightforward Yu ManTian then opened his mouth and talked without restraint about the things he knew.

The three of them then traveled along slowly, with two wise guys acting foolish and another completely foolish fellow, moving harmoniously towards the Sky Bearing City.

By the time they arrived at the Sky Bearing City, the three of them were already close to the point of addressing each other as brothers…

The night was dark.

"Err, I say, martial arts expert Third Master, do you want to stay at this young noble's residence? Anyway, this young noble does admire an expert like you, how about that?" Ling Tian was obviously trying to be hypocritically friendly.

However, this completely described the saying, 'despite the thousand considerations of a wise man, he will definitely fail once!' Ling Tian did not think about what kind of person Yu ManTian was. Even if Ling Tian was just asking out of courtesy, he would definitely take it for real!

Indeed, as Yu ManTian heard that, he was filled with a temptation to accept Ling Tian's offer. Ling Tian couldn't help but cry out bitterly in his heart: If this foolish Third Master can't see the true meaning behind my words and chooses to accept the offer, it will really be 'the luck of a foolish man'. What should I do? Bring him to the Ling residence? That obviously isn't a practical solution!

Thankfully, Yu ManTian mulled over the matter for a long time before saying with regret, "Thank you, but I need to find my niece first and I also have something important to do. Brother, where do you stay at? Why not tell me so we can have a good fight after my injuries are recovered? I really do admire you and that black dressed brat!"

Ling Tian rolled his eyes and said, "Hehe, Third Master, my house is in this Sky Bearing City and it isn't time for me to tell you yet. When you are able to find me, we will be considered friends. At that time, I definitely will comply if you want to have a fight! How about that?"

Yu ManTian let out a laugh and said, "Alright, it's a deal!" At the same time, he thought to himself, In such a small place, wouldn't it be an extremely easy thing to find someone? Besides, with your martial arts prowess, there will definitely be many who know you in the city.

[1]: This is a reference to the movie — The Taking of Tiger Mountain.

Chapter 176: Uncle-Niece Meeting

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock

As Yu ManTian thought about that, he became relaxed and said with cupped fists, "Brother, this Third Master will be taking his leave first. I have to find my niece as soon as possible. After not seeing her for such a long time, I really do miss that lass." He then looked at Ling Tian, who was still wearing a white cloth mask, and said with a laugh, "Everything about you is good — your mystical movement techniques, exceptional martial skills and even your inner strength is a notch above the rest; except when being compared to this Third Master of course. I think your looks shouldn't be too bad either! But you just like to copy those irritating rich spoiled brats, wearing a white mask and still saying that it isn't the right time to tell me who you are. Aren't you too much of a sissy? You're just not manly enough!" With a loud laugh, he left after saying his goodbyes.

Ever since Ling Tian entered this world, even if he were to add on his experience from his previous life, Ling Tian had received nicknames of all sorts, not being spared from even the most insulting and derogatory ones. However, this was the first time he had been called a sissy! Just where did that come from? Ling Tian didn't know whether to laugh or cry at that moment!

After seeing Yu ManTian's horse disappear from the city gates, Ling Tian fell into deep thought. Along the way, Ling Tian had used his pure inner Qi to help sooth Ling Jian's injured meridians and Ling Jian's injuries were already recovering. While Ling Jian's internal injuries were serious, his major organs weren't injured. This was due to Yu ManTian going easy on Ling Jian.

Furthermore, Ling Tian's Divine Shocking Dragon Formula had the same origins as the cultivation formula Ling Jian was cultivating. Thus, the whole process was much smoother and a lot more efficient. Ling Tian estimated that as long as Ling Jian took the right medicine when he returned, together with some nourishment for his vitality, he would be completely recovered within half a month at the very most without any residual injuries in his body! This was also the biggest reason why Ling Tian let Yu ManTian go.

However, Ling Tian's exhaustion on this single day was extremely huge! First, he sprinted 500 miles without stopping, relying completely on his dense inner strength to support him. After rushing over, he didn't have the chance to rest and broke out in a fight with Yu ManTian. While they only exchanged a few moves, the Inner Qi that Ling Tian exhausted was still a considerable amount. Following which, he immediately circulated all of his Inner Qi to treat the seriously injured Ling Jian! Even if he was made from iron, Ling Tian was already completely exhausted!

Despite his fatigue, Ling Tian's head was still extremely active without showing any signs of rest. Ling Jian's injuries today made Ling Tian feel the pressure to increase his own strength. While Ling Tian acted like an arrogant and bossy silkpants in the capital, he was also extremely arrogant in his own heart. He was confident that he was able to overlook the heroes of this world; even his own followers were the same. They only knew about their own strengths but were ignorant of the world. When he met Ye QingChen previously, that had already served as an alarm bell for Ling Tian. Now, he met the number three character in the Yu Family, Yu ManTian, and almost lost Ling Jian. Ling Tian could not help but be worried about what kind of experts there were in the world!

Now that the storms were brewing in the continent and the various experts began to reveal themselves, the situation on the continent would only grow messier! To accomplish great things and protect one's self in such messy times, it was necessary for one to increase his own strength! Especially for Ling Jian, Ling Chi and etc!

The matters today were just like a baton to the face for Ling Tian, Ling Jian, and those from The First Pavilion! Ling Jian, and even Ling Tian himself, had always thought that while Ling Jian may not be invincible, it would definitely be difficult to find an opponent for him. However, a single Third Master from the Yu Family had actually given Ling Jian such grave injuries! Then what about the Second Master? What about the head of the Yu Family? Could it be possible that the Yu Family didn't have a few undying characters? Just what kind of a placing did this Yu ManTian have in the Yu Family?

As Ling Jian saw Ling Tian's gloomy expression and furrowed brows, he felt a sense of unease in his heart and did not dare to say anything.

After reaching home, Ling Chen, Ling Feng and the rest all came forward to welcome them together. Seeing how the both of them were fine, they all let out a sigh of relief. Seeing that heart-wrenching wound on Ling Jian's throat, they all couldn't help but be shocked! Just what kind of a person would be able to almost take Ling Jian's life? All of them then revealed a look of hatred.

When Ling Chen had sent a few consecutive messages to ask about Ling Jian's situation, these few brats were already extremely anxious. When Ling Chen sent news that Ling Tian had gone out to look for Ling Jian personally, they all put down the matters at hand and rushed over to the Ling residence at top speed. Waiting for news about the both of them, they had not eaten their lunch and did not even feel the slightest bit of hunger!

Ling Tian glanced at Ling Jian before walking past everyone and into his room without saying a word. As Ling Chen saw the look of fatigue on Ling Tian's face, her heart ached and she followed him in as well. Ling Tian's meaning was clear: Ling Jian, those from the First Pavilion are your men. I will not say anything and you can make the decision. After what happened today, you should have your own ideas about things!

Ling Tian had a single principle. Regardless of what the matter was, as long as he assigned a task to someone, he wouldn't doubt the person's decisions. He wouldn't interfere in matters and would only look at the final results. Even if there was something important, he would only give some simple instructions to the one in charge. Depending on the scope of his subordinate's responsibilities, Ling Tian would definitely give him the corresponding level of authority! This was Ling Tian's management style.

As such, regardless of whether it was Ling Jian who was in charge of The First Pavilion, Ling Wu in charge of the weapons factory, Ling San in charge of the Violent Wind Gang, Ling Liu, Ling Qi, Ling Ba and Ling Jiu in charge of information collecting, they all had absolute authority in their respective areas. The authority to determine the life and death of their subordinates was all in their hands! They only had to answer to Ling Tian!

Indeed, after the both of them left, Ling Jian's anger-filled voice could be heard, "What are all of you doing here instead of cultivating?" Seeing all of his brothers look at him with such worry-filled eyes and breaking out in ecstasy upon seeing his safe return, Ling Jian was both touched and angry. He was angry about the fact that they came here despite his instructions to them to focus on their cultivation. At the same time, he was touched about the concern that his brothers had towards him.

Hearing Ling Jian reprimand them, they all lowered their heads in shame. Then, Ling Tian's voice could be heard from the room, "Ling Jian, bring your brothers back first. You must be bedridden for three days because of your injuries and you should not engage in anything strenuous. Rest well and make sure to nurse your health back to its prime. Also, Ling Chi can come to the Ling residence after breaking through to the fourth stage."

Ling Jian acknowledged Ling Tian's orders; towards Ling Tian's orders, Ling Jian would only obey without delay. By the side, Ling Chi's face was already filled with bitterness, because he had not broken through to the fourth stage of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula.

As though Ling Tian thought about something, he said, "Oh, if Ling Chi hasn't broken through to the fourth level and anyone else breaks through first, they can come here on their own. Alright, all of you may leave!"

As Ling Tian said that, Ling Feng, Ling Yun, Ling Lei and Ling Dian all had excited looks on their faces as they looked towards Ling Chi, as though mocking his demise! Ling Chi felt his nose turn sour as he wanted to cry on the spot.

A trace of laughter could be seen in Ling Jian's eyes as he left after saying goodbye to Ling Tian.

After Ling Tian saw them previously, he realized that Ling Chi was already on the verge of breaking through to the fourth stage. The only thing he lacked was a source of motivation. Thus, Ling Tian decided to pressure him. Only with pressure will there be motivation! Ling Tian was extremely clear about this. With this pressure, it shouldn't be difficult for Ling Chi to break through into the fourth stage!

On the other hand, Yu ManTian had already walked up to the gate of the Wei Mansion. In the end, he was almost chased out by the guards as they thought that he was a beggar! Yu ManTian flew into a rage! With a single slap, the guard began to roll on the ground, as Yu ManTian walked into the Wei Mansion while cursing. This was still a result of him being merciful. If it was anyone else, that guard would probably be in hell already!

These last few days, because Madam Wei heard that her precious daughter had been visiting the infamous silkpants with Yu BingYan, Madam Wei grounded her daughter in a fit of rage. While Yu BingYan had a precious status and she did not dare to discipline her, she was most certainly able to discipline her own daughter.

Wei XuanXuan was filled with depression. Just when she wanted to state her reasons, her mother's wooden ruler had already landed a few times. Thus, she had no choice but to yield. At this moment, Yu BingYan was in Wei XuanXuan's room, the both of them having an intimate conversation as the sound of laughter and Wei XuanXuan's sigh of indignance could be heard from time to time.

Hearing someone report that a burly man who called himself Third Master Yu had barged in, Yu BingYan was shocked and rushed out to take a look. She then saw her Third Uncle holding onto a wooden pole, creating a huge commotion in the Wei Mansion. She then didn't know whether to laugh or cry as she cried out, "Third Uncle, what are you doing? How can you treat this place as your own and act without any restraint?"

Hearing the voice of his niece, he threw the wooden pole to the side and walked over with a bright smile, "Ah ah, little Yan Yan, what a good girl. Did you miss your Third Uncle? You lass, your dad doesn't dare to control me and you actually want to control me?" He then stretched out his hairy hands, pinching Yu BingYan on the cheek as he said with a frown, "What did you smear on your face? Go wash it off quickly! Your Third Uncle can't stand seeing you like that! Why do you have to reduce yourself to such a state?"

Yu BingYan swatted his hands aside with embarrassment and anxiousness. Before she even had a chance to say anything, this Third Master Yu had already turned around and shouted at the dumbfounded guards, "Have you seen this yet? This is my beloved niece! Who dares to doubt my identity?"

All the guards took in a breath of cold air as they were all at a loss for words. Wei ZhengFeng and his wife, who were already prepared to sleep, dashed over hurriedly, only to see Third Master Yu with untidy clothes and mud all over his body, shouting at the guards of her family with a look of prestige...

Both husband and wife laughed bitterly and looked at each other. The same question could be seen in both their eyes: Is this still our Wei Family or your Yu Family?

Chapter 177: Bold Move

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock

Yu BingYan was extremely embarrassed at the actions of her Third Uncle. However, Third Master Yu was still extremely proud and indifferent, pleased with himself, and had a big smile on his face. He was extremely pleased with finding his niece.

"Third Uncle, why are you here? What's with your appearance? Who did you fight with again?" Yu BingYan asked. According to what she knew, this Third Uncle of hers was extremely capable of creating trouble and was usually grounded by her First Uncle because he would always create trouble when he went out. Why did he come all the way to the Sky Bearing City from Northern Wei? Even if her family wanted to send someone, they would definitely not send him!

Yu BingYan was extremely depressed when she saw her Third Uncle's pitiful appearance. Her Third Uncle was already a XianTian stage expert; even if he were to roam around the world, there shouldn't be many that could match up to her own Third Uncle. Just how was he reduced to such a pitiful state? According to what she knew, there shouldn't be such an expert in the Sky Bearing Empire! Perhaps, some otherworldly expert didn't like her Third Uncle's arrogance and taught him a lesson!

"Hehe, it could be said that I snuck out to seek trouble with someone." Only then did Yu ManTian greet Wei ZhengFeng, exchanging a few pleasantries before answering Yu BingYan. "As for my appearance, haiz, don't mention it already. I met two crazy brats along the way here and had a good fight with them!" As for his win or loss, Yu ManTian would naturally not mention it.

"Oh? Ah ah, who is the unlucky one who Third Uncle wants to find trouble with?" Yu BingYan could not help but laugh. Hearing Yu ManTian stuttering, it was obvious that he didn't want to talk about the details of the fight. While Yu BingYan was curious, she did not probe any further. If her Third Uncle had won, he would have definitely bragged like there was no tomorrow. Seeing the way he was acting, there was only one possibility: her Third Uncle lost!

Yu BingYan also felt the matter to be extremely strange. Even her father had to show face to her Third Uncle. Just what kind of a crazy nut would be able to beat him up to such an extent?

However, Yu BingYan's attention was drawn to the person who her Third Uncle wanted to find trouble with. Who would be so bold and unlucky as to have her Third Uncle personally find trouble with him? Furthermore, he was in the Sky Bearing City! It seemed like everyone who her Third Uncle found trouble with would definitely end up with broken limbs or bruises all over. This unlucky fellow probably wouldn't be an exception, right? Yu BingYan giggled in her heart.

"It isn't anyone else, some pretty boy who is famous in the Sky Bearing City. That brat is called Ling Tian, haha, I even heard that you know him." Yu ManTian replied while drinking a cup of tea.

"Ah?!" Yu BingYan was instantly stunned. More accurately, she felt as though she was turning into a statue!

After falling into a daze for a long while, Yu BingYan asked, "Third Uncle, why do you want to find trouble with him? That fellow is only a weak scholar," even she felt the words she said to be a little unbelievable. When Ye QingChen let out a loud roar, waking up almost half of the Sky Bearing City, Yu BingYan was also rudely awakened from her dreams as she felt her blood rolling. Even Xue Leng and Xue Fei also felt a wave of discomfort. However, Ling Tian and Ling Chen were both unaffected despite being in the same room as Ye QingChen! Besides, if Ling Tian was really a weak scholar, how would he be able to invite an expert like Ye QingChen to his house? Furthermore, the both of them even addressed each other as brothers!

"Hmph hmph, your First Uncle admires that darn weak scholar a lot. He actually said that both your father and I couldn't be compared to that darn pretty boy. I can't accept that and so I'm here to teach him a good lesson!" In front of his beloved niece, Yu ManTian actually did not call himself 'Third Master'.

Yu BingYan couldn't help but be frustrated in her heart. Even if Ling Tian had exceptional martial arts, how could he be compared to someone like her Third Uncle and Ye QingChen? Besides, her Third Uncle didn't know how to control his strength. It would still be okay if he liked Ling Tian; but if he didn't like Ling Tian, he would probably completely beat him up. At that time, just what should she do? Haiz, this fellow can create trouble for me even when he is at home!

Yu BingYan was extremely worried for Ling Tian, but didn't know that the crazy brat, who reduced her uncle into such a pitiful state, was the beloved weak scholar in her heart!

Hearing the commotion on the outside die down, Ling Tian knew that Ling Jian and the rest must have left already. Ling Tian then let out a long breath, as he felt his whole body full of fatigue! However, a voice in his heart told him that he must not fall asleep now and his present state really didn't allow him to fall asleep now.

After a day of sprinting and fighting, it had almost exhausted all of his inner strength. Furthermore, Ling Jian's critical injuries did not allow for any delays, lest he was unable to take another step forward in his martial arts. As such, Ling Tian forced himself to treat Ling Jian's injuries, not letting himself rest for the whole day. At this moment, he was already at the stage where the mountain and rivers were exhausted! If he fell asleep now, his inner strength would be stagnant for life! But if he cultivated now to recover, he would definitely experience a great improvement!

Stand up from destruction, rise up from the ashes!

This was a precious lesson that Ling Tian had learned from the countless life and death battles in his previous life! Every time his inner qi was exhausted, as long as he would be able to endure circulating his inner qi, his inner qi would definitely experience growth!

While Ling Tian only crossed a few blows with Yu ManTian, the both of them were completely competing in inner strength. Yu ManTian's violent inner strength left a deep impression on Ling Tian's heart. Together with the inner strength competition he previously had with Ye QingChen, Ling Tian finally felt a shred of inspiration! Ling Tian could finally feel the sign that his Divine Shocking Dragon Formula was about to experience a breakthrough!

After instructing Ling Chen to protect him, Ling Tian sat down cross-legged and quickly entered into a meditative state!

All these years, Ling Tian would circulate his inner strength every day, and he had already reached the degree of inner qi required to achieve his breakthrough two years ago. However, he was stuck at a bottleneck for some reason, unable to achieve a qualitative change in his inner qi. Today, he had a sudden flash of inspiration and the chance for a breakthrough was right in front of him. How would Ling Tian let go of such an opportunity? He then forced his fatigued body into meditation.

After a short while later, he suddenly felt a warm feeling rising from his inner core, as the meridians all over his body started to ache. After the warmth of his inner core began to grow, inner qi started to trickle towards his inner core from the meridians all over his body. Following that, a small whirlpool of inner qi was formed in his inner core, gradually spinning faster and faster as the attractive force began to grow stronger. In a few short breaths, this whirlpool was already spinning at a frightening speed, as the inner qi from all over his body was completely sucked into this whirlpool!

At this moment, Ling Tian could feel a bloated pain coming from his inner core, as though the degree of inner qi in his inner core was at the maximum of the seventh stage! If he chose to attack the boundary of the eighth stage now, Ling Tian was certain that he would definitely succeed! However, Ling Tian felt a sense of unwillingness in his heart. All these years, he had never stopped cultivating and the latent potential in his body was definitely much more than that. Despite being stuck at the current stage, the amount of inner qi he accumulated should have been more than enough to break through into the eighth stage. Now that he had such an opportunity, would he only use it to break through into the eighth stage?

There are talents all over the world with many far exceeding me. To attain the goals in my heart, I must definitely take a gamble!

With that thought, Ling Tian grit his teeth and dispersed all the inner Qi in his inner core!

Meridians clashing!

This was the special cultivation method of the ninth stage of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula! After gathering all the inner qi to form a whirlpool, the inner qi would then be dispersed for it to clash against the meridians of his body to ensure that the flow in his meridians would be completely smooth! All of his inner qi would then be circulated back into his inner core, breaking through into the ninth stage in a single step!

However, this method was limited to the eighth stage of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula. Only when he was at the peak of the eighth stage would he be qualified to try it. If his cultivation was not at that stage, he might shatter all of his meridians, perishing from it! Even if he was at the peak of the eighth stage, there was less than 10 to 20% chance for him to succeed! The dangers of this could be easily imagined!

In his previous life, he would only be considered to be at the XianTian stage if he could break through into the ninth stage. In his previous life, there were hundreds of people who cultivated the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula but almost none who entered the ninth stage!

While Ling Tian had the advantage of crossing through worlds and cultivating XianTian Qi from the start, the state of his spirit was far from a cultivator who achieved the XianTian stage through bitter cultivation. It wouldn't be too much to say that they were worlds apart!

The only reason why Ling Tian dared to attack the ninth stage was that his own inner qi was already the purest XianTian Qi! This was completely different from one attacking the ninth stage with a HouTian physique! Furthermore, while Ling Tian did not make any progress in his Divine Shocking Dragon Formula in the recent years, his inner strength was still increasing every day. Thus, Ling Tian was confident and dared to attack the ninth stage of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula!

Chapter 178: Ninth Stage Shocking Dragon

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock

A wave of pain could be felt from his meridians, as though they were about to be torn apart! Ling Tian suddenly realized that he had forgotten something important! His inner qi trickled into his inner core slowly at the start with the majority of his inner qi flowing into his inner core from the attraction of the whirlpool. The whole process took an extremely long period of time. To suddenly disperse the whirlpool formed by the inner qi, it was like a shocked dragon going into a crazed state, rampaging through all of his meridians! For his originally calm meridians to suffer such a shock, how was it possible for them to not be destroyed? How was it possible for his meridians to not be damaged?

Ling Tian finally understood why those who attacked the ninth stage in his past life would die from their meridians being ruptured! However, it was already too late!

At this moment, it was useless to regret! Since he had decided to make such a risky move, he must bear the consequences!

Since regret was useless, the best thing for him to do was to find a way to survive!

Ling Tian forcefully bore with the pain in his body; in this instant, Ling Tian felt as though all of his meridians were ruptured as his skin became bloated. His vessels could be seen surfacing on his skin as blood droplets seeped out from his skin! At this moment, only a small amount of his inner qi had been dispersed from his inner core…

Ling Chen was seated by the door, looking at Ling Tian cultivate with a sweet smile on her face. Looking at the focused look of her beloved man, Ling Chen felt a sense of tranquility and fortune in her heart!

All of a sudden, Ling Chen's eyes widened in shock! She saw Ling Tian's face contort in pain as his skin began to bloat up. Then, blood seeped out from his skin slowly, gradually increasing over time…

After being nurtured by Ling Tian over the years, Ling Chen was already extremely familiar with Ling Tian's Divine Shocking Dragon Formula. While she knew that such a situation would happen when Ling Tian tried to break through into the ninth stage, she could not help but be startled in her heart!

She then suddenly remembered Ling Tian's instructions, "Cold and heat will stimulate each other and the positive and negative will complement each other. Chen'er, when I attack the ninth stage, I probably can't do it without you!" Without any hesitation, her body appeared in front of Ling Tian as she placed her palm on Ling Tian's chest. Exerting some force, a wave of cold inner qi was transmitted!

Ling Tian cried out bitterly in his heart! The inner qi in my body was already too much to begin with. Of all times to come, you choose to intervene at such a time. I am really suffering from my own deeds! But at that moment, Ling Tian was using all of his energy to suppress the chaotic inner qi rushing at his meridians and could not speak. It was difficult for him to even move his lips!

The moment Ling Chen's inner qi entered Ling Tian's body, it broke up into a few waves and flowed to his meridians along with his own inner qi!

The pressure his meridians were suffering from was already at its extreme! Cracks could already be seen on his skin as blood oozed out! The meridians on his body were already about to be ruptured!

Ling Chen's face was filled with tears as she continued to transmit her inner qi into Ling Tian's body.

Suddenly, the chaotic inner qi in Ling Tian's body seemed to have detected Ling Chen's ice cold inner qi and began to return to his inner core in a fit of rage!

It was like ice suddenly being added to a pot of boiling oil. With the addition of something cold, the boiling oil would definitely evaporate this piece of ice before restoring its original boiling state! If Ling Tian's body was like the boiling oil, the inner qi transmitted by Ling Chen was like the ice cube!

Upon contact, Ling Chen was exposed to a full force attack of qi from Ling Tian! She let out a groan as her body flew into the air, spitting out a glob of blood in mid-air! Her body then slammed into the wall before she rebounded on to the ground!

With her last shred of consciousness, she looked at Ling Tian again and realized that while Ling Tian's face was still red, his skin no longer showed signs of being ruptured. She then felt a sense of ease as she fell unconscious again!

Ling Tian felt that there was a short gap when all of his inner qi flowed back to his inner core! Although he knew that Ling Chen was seriously injured, Ling Tian couldn't stop. The moment his inner qi went crazy again, he would no longer have the ability to turn the situation around! Thus, he suppressed the worry he had for Ling Chen.

He would only be able to save his lover after saving himself. This feeling of love would usually cause an inexplicable strength to burst forth, creating a miracle. The phrase, 'to survive for love', was indeed true.

Ling Tian knew that the only reason why things took a turn for the better was that Ling Chen risked her life for him. This was also his final chance! If he didn't grasp it, not only would he die, Ling Chen would probably die as well!

His mind suddenly seemed to have cleared up, as though he had a flash of inspiration. In such a crucial moment, rashness would only cause mistakes. Only by being calm and relying on his wisdom would he be able to grasp the chance of survival.

At this moment, Ling Tian finally understood why the Ling Family had two martial formulas. Despite having the invincible Divine Shocking Dragon Formula, why did they still have the Divine Ice Formula which only a female could cultivate? Furthermore, why did their ancestor's teachings specify that the ladies of the Ling Family must cultivate the Divine Ice Formula? So this was the reason!

Ling Tian then circulated the only trace of inner qi that he could control. Bearing with the pain, he forced the inner qi to flow backward, urging all of his inner qi to gather back in his inner core while repairing his meridians. For his inner qi to regain its smooth flow again and his head to clear up, the joy in his heart was something indescribable by words.

However, this was only the start. After regaining the control of his inner qi, he forced it to circulate back into his inner core again and finally formed another whirlpool! Ling Tian was surprised to realize that his meridians were actually at least two times wider than before! If his meridians before were streams on a mountain, his meridians were now definitely like a river!

Controlling the whirlpool of inner qi carefully, his inner core was slowly completely filled up again. Ling Tian then let go of his control suddenly and his inner qi became like a frenzied crazed dragon, breaking through into the eighth stage of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula! The remaining inner qi then continued to rush into his meridians, making a full circulation in his meridians, stopping at the GuanYuan acupoint before rushing back into his inner core again!

So it was here! Ling Tian thought to himself as his inner qi began to gather back into his inner core before sending it towards his meridians again!

Ling Tian finally understood the true purpose of sending his inner qi on a rampage in his meridians! If he did not widen his meridians, his original meridians would definitely not be able to endure the vast amount of spiritual qi when attacking the ninth stage. He would then be in trouble for sure! Thankfully she was there! But, I can't stop now!

First time! Second time! … Nineteenth time! Ling tian went all out, attacking the ninth stage time and time again, making his body feel a wave of excruciating pain every time he attacked the ninth stage! At the very end, it seemed as though Ling Tian was already numb to the pain, subconsciously attacking the ninth stage without any other thought…

Finally! Ling Tian felt a loud bang as his vast inner qi smashed through the ninth stage, like a lost child running back into Ling Tian's embrace! Not only did Ling Tian not feel any pain, he felt a sense of warmth and excitement!

After circulating his inner qi, Ling Tian was surprised to realize that he had more than two times the inner qi as before! In just a short while, Ling Tian had circulated his inner qi 36 times and successfully stabilized his foundation!

Opening his eyes gradually, he felt as though two bolts of electricity were shot out from his eyes. Suddenly, a colorful world was displayed right in front of him! While he was in the dark, Ling Tian could clearly see every corner of the room, even the dust floating in the air. Ling Tian was shocked to realize that even these things had their own colors! The whole world seemed to be filled with life! As he looked out of the window at the swaying bamboos, he could see the different veins of every leaf and hear the earthworm groveling in the earth.

All of this gave Ling Tian a completely new experience! Even with Ling Tian's two lifetimes of experience, he couldn't help but feel his heart palpitate with excitement at this moment!

So this is the so-called XianTian stage?! The feeling of XianTian?!

He suddenly thought about Ling Chen and looked over at her quickly, only to see that she was already awake. You have to understand that Ling Chen had received the personal tutelage of Ling Tian and her cultivation was a notch higher than Ling Jian's. While that impact was something unexpected and caused internal injuries, it wasn't enough to take her life. However, this lass actually fainted from anxiousness.

She stood up forcefully, with her back leaning against the wall and tears rolling down her cheek. However, a bright smile could be seen on her face, looking at Ling Tian with a sense of satisfaction and joy! Ling Tian felt a sense of warmth in his heart as he grabbed her into his embrace. After a long while, he said, "My Chen'er, what a foolish lass!"

Ling Chen was no longer able to hold back from the shock as her tears formed rivers on her face. At this moment, she could finally feel that the most beloved person in her life did not leave her! She could not help but shed tears of joy! Thinking about the desperation she previously felt, she could not help but cry even harder! At this moment, she really felt a sense of fear from before!

Chapter 179: Gentle Feelings

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock

Ling Tian let out a sigh and stroked Ling Chen's hair while kissing her on the forehead. He then placed his hands on her wrist and realized that Ling Chen's injuries weren't light at all!

Hugging his beloved lady, Ling Tian transmitted a wave of warm inner qi, slowly repairing her damaged meridians while tending to her internal injuries.

With the might of the ninth level of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula and Ling Chen's own inner qi, Ling Chen's internal injuries recovered at a swift pace. In the process of treating Ling Chen, Ling Tian could see — or rather, feel — every oddity in Ling Chen's meridians. He couldn't help but be elated as he guided her inner qi along her meridians after her injuries were fully treated.

After a long while later, Ling Tian finally stopped circulating his inner qi. At this moment, Ling Chen's Divine Ice Formula had reached the peak of the sixth stage with Ling Tian's aid! She was only lacking a suitable opportunity to make a breakthrough! Ling Tian could finally relax.

Being at ease, Ling Tian suddenly felt Ling Chen acting a little strange! Ling Chen's body was frighteningly warm and her face was an abnormal shade of red. Her eyes were squinted and her breath heavy, as her jade-like arms tangled around Ling Tian's waist.

How would Ling Tian know that when he placed his hands on her inner core to treat her injuries, Ling Chen immediately had strange thoughts. While she understood that Ling Tian only wanted to treat her injuries, she wasn't able to control the burning desire of her youth! [1]

Furthermore, after witnessing Ling Tian's near-death experience, a sense of fear rose in her heart. Thinking about how Ling Tian was covered in blood almost all over him, Ling Chen felt a sense of despair from the possibility of losing her beloved man. Such a sense of despair made Ling Chen throw away her reservations as a young lady. As a lady, the happiest thing in her life would definitely be to present her pure body to her beloved man! Ling Chen was filled with such a thought at this moment!

Furthermore, Ling Chen also didn't know whether to laugh or cry at her young noble's actions. An ordinary young master like Ling Tian should already have a house full of wives at his age, much less remain a virgin like Ling Tian. However, Ling Tian only had the title of the number one silkpants, running to the brothel every now and then, but being even more awkward with regards to the things between man and woman! Ling Chen had already stomped her feet far too many times, grit her teeth and cursed Ling Tian many times in her heart for being a clueless idiot! A completely clueless idiot from head to toe!

Ling Tian immediately understood why Ling Chen was acting as such and could not help but be placed in a dilemma. Just what should he do? Ling Tian would definitely not mind taking Ling Chen right at this moment. In his heart, Ling Chen was already his woman and his beloved wife. It was only a matter of time and a ritual to him. After all, the both of them were already connected in their hearts and minds. At this moment, Ling Tian was only worried that Ling Chen wasn't thinking clearly. What if he took her virginity when she wasn't in the right state of mind? If that was the case, it would definitely be a huge regret for the both of them!

But for a country-toppling beauty to be right in his embrace being filled with such intentions, Ling Tian, as a normal man, could not help but have a strong reaction!

At this moment, Ling Chen suddenly opened her eyes and looked at Ling Tian with deep emotions as she mumbled, "Young noble, take me. Chen'er's body should have long belonged to young noble!"

Ling Tian licked his lips as his mouth turned dry, "Chen'er, are you sure that you won't regret this?"

Ling Chen shook her head resolutely, "Even if Chen'er will be abandoned mercilessly by young noble in future, Chen'er will definitely not regret it! The mountain has no corners, heaven and earth are one. The thunder of winter rumbles and the rain of summer drizzle. I will never regret my decision!"

Just when Ling Chen was about to reply her, Ling Chen hugged his neck and kissed Ling Tian's lips.

An explosion went off in Ling Tian's head as his arrogance and composure disappeared completely at this moment. Hugging Ling Chen's delicate body, he gave her a deep kiss…

Who knows when, and who knows who initiated it, but the clothes on both of them began to decrease. Finally, Ling Tian and Ling Chen's naked bodies were tangled up together as they lay down on the bed.

Ling Chen's eyes were shut tightly, exposing her pure and fairy-like body completely to her beloved man. As her eyelashes twitched, her face turned bright red. She then felt Ling Tian kissing her clumsily on her forehead, nose, lips… moving lower and lower…

She could then feel a warm hand gently caressing all of her forbidden zones which no one had ever seen before in the past 17 years of her life. All of a sudden, Ling Chen felt her chest land into a pair of large hands, being played with by the pair of hands. Ling Chen could feel that her arrogance was completely transformed in the hands of her beloved… she then could not help but let out a gentle moan…

Finally, she could feel a warm body above her as a pair of hands explored her body. Ling Chen could then feel a warm breath on her chest followed by a ticklish feeling. With her eyes still shut tight, Ling Chen stretched out her limbs and held onto her beloved's waist…

As though Ling Tian felt a sense of encouragement, he lowered his head and caught onto a pink cherry…

Another moan from Ling Chen had completely ignited all of Ling Tian's lust.

A spring filled night.

Dawn, a few gorgeous multi-colored birds chirping joyfully.

Ling Tian woke up from his sweet dreams, as memories of the wild night flashed past his head. He then could not help but reveal a gentle smile.

By his side, Ling Chen was quietly asleep, with both her arms outside of the blanket. Under the blanket, half of her proud chest was revealed, rising and falling with her breaths. A leg of hers was stuck outside of the blanket as her face seemed to be filled with joy from the previous night. Her brows were slightly furrowed, as though she could still feel the pain of bliss from last night. The corners of her lips were raised up slightly, revealing her satisfaction from presenting her body…

A sleeping beauty! Ling Tian looked at her in a daze as a doting smile could be seen on his lips. This lass!

As though she could feel Ling Tian staring at her, Ling Chen let out a gentle grunt and opened her eyes. Seeing Ling Tian's handsome face, she couldn't help but be puzzled at why Ling Tian was in her own room. However, she quickly remembered the things that happened last night and her face turned red. With a soft shriek, she ducked into the blanket as her leg was also retracted in…

Ling Tian laughed and teased her, "My wife, it's time for you to help your husband put on his clothes. Why are you still lying down?"

Ling Chen then struggled in the blanket and let out a muffled groan. Ling Tian then chuckled as he snuggled under the blanket as well. The next moment, Ling Chen's complaints could be heard for a short while, before nothing could be heard. It was as though someone had blocked her mouth, just not knowing what he used…

A long while later…

Ling Tian, who was no longer a virgin, put on his clothes in satisfaction. He then mischievously looked at Ling Chen, who was still on the bed. Her black hair covered the pillow as her body was sprawled on the bed, without the strength to even lift up her fingers…

Her eyes darted around and her cheeks were red as she panted softly. Ling Chen, who was finally Ling Tian's woman, emanated an indescribable beauty at this moment as Ling Tian was filled with the urge to pounce forward…

Using great willpower while chanting Buddhist scriptures, Ling Tian put on his clothes with great difficulty. From his past life until now, this was probably the first time he felt that putting on his clothes could be something so difficult…

Walking out of the room, Ling Tian stretched his body as a satisfied smile could be seen on his face. He then sat under the rack of grapes as per usual. The rain had just stopped and the gentle morning breeze could be felt. The green vines of the grapes crawled all over the rack as bunches of bright yellow flowers could be seen swaying in the winds, looking as though they would bear fruit at any moment. A few flowers growing towards the sun were already withered as a few pea-sized green grapes could be seen. As Ling Tian looked at it, he felt as though he could taste them in his mouth and immediately understood what it meant to quench his thirst by staring at the plum.

Closing his eyes, Ling Tian couldn't help but think about the warmth he felt from last night. He then laughed as he said with a self-mocking tone, "A forty plus year-old virgin from my two lives. It really wasn't easy to get rid of that hat!"

Soft footsteps could then be heard walking over gently. Without even opening his eyes, Ling Tian could already tell how gentle and refined the owner of these footsteps was. He then giggled in his heart, Some music fanatic is probably here to find 'Master Ling Chen'.

Suddenly, he was stunned about the sensitivity of his hearing. The footsteps were still 300 feet away and he was actually able to hear them so clearly. Furthermore, he was even able to read the personality of the person. This was just too incredulous! Was this the might of the ninth level of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula? Or was this the might of a XianTian cultivator?

Following a soft cough, a beautiful figure appeared at the doorstep. It was Xiao YanXue!

[1]: The position of the inner core (DanTian) is at the lower abdomen.

Chapter 180: A Proper Title

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock

Seeing Ling Tian, Xiao YanXue began to frown, as though she was considering something. However, she still chose to enter the yard, "Young noble Ling, is sister Chen… Miss Chen here?"

Xiao YanXue was indeed a music fanatic! Ever since she 'realized' that Ling Chen was a master of music, she would definitely find Ling Chen for a few pointers whenever Ling Tian was out. You have to understand that Ling Chen was personally taught by Ling Tian; not only in a single aspect but in all areas of the arts. She was well versed in music, calligraphy, and painting, not losing out to the talented ladies of the capital. By just displaying any of the legendary 'exclusive' songs that Ling Tian taught her, it was more than sufficient for her to look at those from her generation with contempt. Xiao YanXue would naturally admire her as well. In these few days, the both of them warmly addressed each other as sisters. Ling Chen was older than Xiao YanXue by two years and so she called Ling Chen her elder sister. (Xiao YanXue was the same age as Ling Tian, two years younger than Ling Chen.)

It was also no surprise that Xiao YanXue was frowning. Usually, Ling Tian would be out by this time already. At the same time, Ling Tian's image now was just too unsightly. Leaning against the bamboo chair, with his legs crossed and pointing to the sky and the pinkish base of his feet swaying gently. Just how did a fairy-like sister Chen endure living with such a despicable person!

With an 'oh', Ling Tian put down his feet gently as he said to Xiao YanXue calmly, "That lass Chen'er is probably still sleeping. That lass has always been extremely lazy! Didn't the both of you become sworn sisters? How come you don't know about that?" His words were filled with mockery, without displaying the slightest bit of welcome for a beauty like Xiao YanXue. In fact, his words were even filled with impatience!

This was also no surprise. After all, he was an old man who finally got rid of his virginity. Or perhaps, he should still be called a 'young' man. After all, Ling Tian was still 16 in this life of his. Just when he was high-spirited, an outsider actually came to ask for his wife. It would be a wonder if he could treat her well!

Xiao YanXue then grunted and thought to herself, Only a scum like you is lazy. How can sister Chen be lazy? She then said with disdain, "Then can young noble Ling tell me where Miss Chen is?"

Ling Tian pointed casually at his own room with a mischievous smile.

Xiao YanXue grunted and walked passed Ling Tian without even looking at him.

Ling Tian then shut his eyes as his ears followed Xiao YanXue's footsteps. He then heard her walking towards the door and knocking gently. A barely audible groan could then be heard from inside the room. After hesitating for a while, Xiao YanXue thought that there shouldn't be anything wrong since they were both ladies. Thinking about how Ling Chen's groan sounded weak, she became worried and walked in immediately.

"Ah!"

"Ah?!"

Two shrieks could then be heard at the same time. With a swift motion, Xiao YanXue quickly slammed the door with a bright red face and heavy panting. Embarrassment filled her eyes as she glared at Ling Tian while scolding, "Despicable! Shameless!" Thinking for a moment, she added on, "Hoodlum! Scum! Lecher!"

She then rushed out of Ling Tian's courtyard with her face still burning red.

When she went in, she saw Ling Chen getting up slowly with shyness as she put on her clothes slowly. That flawless body of hers was actually filled with lip marks all over her and the room filled with a special type of smell. While Xiao YanXue was still a virgin, she still had a certain understanding towards such matters. The moment she entered the room, she immediately understood what happened last night. Being a virgin, she naturally escaped in embarrassment and frustration.

After scolding this silkpants in front of her who had a mischievous smile, she dashed back to her room immediately. Her heart was still thumping as she grit her teeth and scolded, "Hoodlum!" a few times. In her heart, Ling Chen was like a fairy, beautiful and wise to the point she could not even hold a candle to Ling Chen. However, she actually fell into the hands of a silkpants like Ling Tian!

Thinking about that, she could not help but let out a sigh of regret, pouring herself a cup of tea. Just when she was about to drink it, she was suddenly stunned as she thought about something strange.

Thinking about the matter carefully, Xiao YanXue finally understood what was wrong. Before today, Ling Chen was obviously a virgin like herself! Furthermore, Ling Chen's frail appearance was just like a virgin who had just lost her virginity. Thinking about that, she could not help but be startled!

Don't tell me… such a beautiful lady actually stayed with Ling Tian for a full ten years but only lost her virginity yesterday? Even if it was because of his age, he shouldn't have waited until now!

Xiao YanXue was certain that no guy would be able to resist a beauty like Ling Chen! No guy would be able to hold himself back for a few years before eating Ling Chen up for sure! Perhaps, it was because Ling Tian was young before and did not take action? However, even she wasn't too certain about that. After all, a normal guy would definitely take action on the first night a beauty like her enters his room. For a twelve to thirteen-year-old boy taking action in the bedroom, this was nothing special in an aristocratic family.

In front of such a beauty free for his taking, Ling Tian was actually able to hold himself back for three years at the very least! More than three years of holding back! What kind of a concept was this? How could a silkpants young noble like him do that? Not to mention an infamous silkpants like Ling Tian, perhaps a refined scholar wouldn't be able to hold back for so long!

Don't tell me… he had really concealed himself so deeply?! A thought suddenly surfaced!

Xiao YanXue's thoughts then drifted to the black dressed man who saved her in the rain previously. That cold and calm pair of eyes. She then thought about Ling Tian riding past her with anxiousness in his eyes and a thought sprung out, "It can't be him right?"

Xiao YanXue then shook her head and mumbled in a daze, "How can that be possible? How can it be him? He obviously doesn't know martial arts at all!" However, both the figures grew clearer and clearer in her heart, and Xiao YanXue grew frustrated…

Looking at Xiao YanXue retreating, Ling Tian couldn't help but smile.

A wave of fragrance was then carried by the wind as Ling Chen sprinted out with tear-filled eyes and a reddened face. Her actions seemed extremely inelegant, obviously still unable to walk properly. Her small fists then showered onto Ling Tian, "You bad bad bad bad bad bad!!! You are just too bad!! How am I still going to face her next time after being seen like that? Wu wu wu…"

Ling Tian laughed as he caught Ling Chen's hands and replied with a smile, "So what if that lass sees you. Didn't she call you sister already? You now know what it means to be shy? Last night you were so…"

As Ling Chen heard that, her face was turned red to the point blood seemed to be oozing out. She then snatched her hand out from Ling Tian's hands and began to beat Ling Tian again. Her teeth were clenched as she almost cried from the embarrassment and frustration.

Ling Tian laughed before saying seriously, "Chen'er, do you really not know my intentions?"

Ling Chen then let out a grunt as she stomped her feet on the ground. However, the pain from last night had not subsided yet, and she let out a soft moan.

Ling Tian then gave a profound smile, "Chen'er, you are already my woman and I must definitely give you a proper explanation. While you have served me since you were young, you are my maid and not concubine after all, and there is a huge difference in status. Since Xiao YanXue saw the matters between us and she is so close to grandmother and mother, the both of them will probably find out very soon. Ah ah, at that time, won't it save us a lot of effort? I can't just let you follow me without any proper title! I definitely have to give you a proper title at the very least. But, do you expect me to find my grandmother or mother to tell them that I did it with you last night..."

Before he finished, Ling Chen had already covered his mouth and her eyes were filled with warmth. "Young noble, I understand. I understand your intentions."

Ling Tian frowned and pretended to be angry, "You're still calling me young noble? It's time for you to call me husband. If you are not going to change the way you address me, your husband will have to use the family laws on you!"

Ling Chen frowned lovably as her face turned red. While she wanted to call him that, she just could not bring herself to do it. Thus, she let out a whine and dived into Ling Tian's embrace. She then said, "What family laws, I'm not afraid."

"You're really not afraid?" A weird smile could be seen on Ling Tian's face.

"I'm not afraid!" Ling Chen stared at Ling Tian without backing down, only to see a crafty pair of eyes looking back at her.

"Alright!" Ling Tian praised her. He then stood up and hugged Ling Chen, "It is still early and I will bring my dear Chen'er back to the room for another 300 rounds."

Ling Chen's countenance lost all color. After just losing her virginity, she had barely made it past last night. Up until now, her body was still weak and even walking was a chore for her. How would she be able to endure another round of pampering? She couldn't help but plead for mercy.