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Chapter 333: Push Beyond One's Ability
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock
The moment Ling Tian finished speaking, he was greeted with sour expressions. This was no easy task! Among those present, a majority were secretly recruited by Ling Tian three years ago and sent out to develop their own strength. In these three years, the largest group one of them had accumulated was only 10,000 strong! Some of them did not even have a headcount of over 1,000. They might be elites, but there was a limit to how large a group they could sustain. So how could they afford to feed another 10,000 mouths? Furthermore, these people were not even part of their original group, and with such a large group, were a mutiny to happen, it would be a deadly scenario! Even if everything went according to plan, to get enough rations was the next problem!
A tall and sturdy youth with bushy eyebrows stood up, saying, "Young noble, this might be a little difficult. If we were to inflate our members with 10,000 extra people suddenly, I really can't find any way to do it. However, if the courtyard can help and supplement a bit… heehee…."
Feng Mo jumped up in shock, and fearing that Ling Tian would agree, immediately stood up and interrupted, "What nonsense! You guys have only gotten 10,000 each, but the courtyard is going to pick up the other 120,000 stragglers to form an army! We're also scrambling to find an answer, so how would we have the capability to help you guys?" As he spoke, he exchanged glances with Wang Han. Both of them had a head covered with cold sweat!
Even with the original amount of 20,000, the two of them were already hard pressed. Right now, the 20,000 had actually increased to 120,000 and this caused their heads to swim!
The youth unhappily complained, "What does 120,000 mean to you guys? With young noble by your side, let's not talk about 120,000 soldiers, even if it were 1.2 million, or even 12 million, there would not be a problem! But who is there to support us?"
Ling Tian's face sunk as he shouted, "Stop arguing!" The crowd gave each other a look and sat back down in embarrassment.
Ling Tian indifferently remarked, "Who's supporting who? You guys only have yourself to support! If you need someone to solve every single problem for you, then you guys will never grow! Think it's tough to support 10,000 troops on your own? Useless things! Right now, I'm telling you guys, whatever you guys do, I want this matter settled properly! Whether you do it through robbing or setting up a business, one year later, I want to see a company that is up to my mark and not a ragtag bunch of sh*theads! If you guys can't achieve that, then you can accompany them and starve to death!"
He stood up as he serenely continued, "This is also your final test! If you are unable to carry out such a task, then what sense does it make to talk about accomplishing major events? With this event, we really don't have that much time anymore. This ambush has given my Ling Family a terrible blow, but with danger always comes opportunity. Through this war, we've received a large number of soldiers. But there will be more troubles ahead! With Chen'er holding the fort back there, the matter at Sky Bearing should be settled. However, it will be impossible for everything to return back to normal in a short amount of time! We need to have a change in our point of view and look at the world, having Sky Bearing just as a base of operations! As such, the resources from Sky Bearing now and in the future will not be given to you guys. You have to find a way out on your own! Understand?!"
All of them uniformly stood up and expressed their assent. Seeing the worry lines still etched on their faces, Ling Tian laughed, "Don't you guys know that in this world, other than a business, there's still another way of getting rich quick? It's called being a Robin Hood: Robbing the rich and giving to the poor. So long as you guys can protect yourself and your men, turning them into elite soldiers to conquer the world in the future, you can do anything you want! The path is yours to forge! And remember, if you fall, never complain!"
Finishing this sentence, Ling Tian took out a jade bottle from his bosom and gave everyone present a Great Cyclic Pellet. He instructed them to ingest it after they return and go into closed-door cultivation. However, they had to be wary of any potential dangers while cultivating. After that, he no longer spoke and waved his hands, dismissing them all.
These people were all under the direct command of Ling Tian, and every one of them was a leader personally groomed by him. They were of the same batch as Ling Chi, Ling Nineteen's group! While they might have their own names now, but their real names, or more accurately, the name that showed their young noble's recognition of them, was the number Ling Tian had given them that year! It was an incomparable honor for anyone of them sitting there! That year, other than Ling Yun, Lei, Dian, Chi, and Ling Feng, the rest of the fifty were all spread out over the continent like a web by Ling Tian, carrying out the order to live undercover! Right now, there were only eight of the brothers present!
If all fifty of them were to be gathered in the same spot, what sort of insane strength would they possess?
Standing on the higher ground and watching the eight separate groups kick up dust as they disappeared from the grass plains, Ling Tian had only a bitter smile and was lost in his thoughts. Yesterday night he had already received a letter from Ling Chen. Knowing that the matters in Sky Bearing had been settled, a good part of the weight in his heart had also lifted. Now, he had begun to reconsider his situation.
With the finances the Ling Family would obtain after taking over Sky Bearing Empire, it would be a piece of cake for Ling Tian to take care of all these people. But the problem was, he did not wish to do so!
This world was too big, too complicated! Ling Tian could already sense the alarm that would spread across the continent the moment war started! If it was merely comparing intellect as well as perseverance, Ling Tian would gladly welcome each and every challenge, for he was not alone! With Ling Chen and Mister Qin, as well as the military officers on Ling Zhan's side, he had full access to their expertise! He had not even included Meng LiGe, who was staying at his house due to a lack of residence for himself. While he did not expressly state that he would aid Ling Tian, he had also never once rejected him every time Ling Tian approached him to ask for assistance!
Even when it came to comparing martial strength, Ling Tian too never feared anyone! This even included the Jade of Heavenly Star and Water of Heavenly Wind! Ling Tian estimated that with his and his subordinate's skills, they could possibly already stand against an aristocratic family! If they were to stick to assassinations, even hegemons like the Yu Family would suffer greatly before them! Hence, Ling Tian had no fear!
Rather, what Ling Tian lacked now was actually a general who could survive on their own! A true general that only answered to him! The moment war breaks out, every area on the continent would be filled with battles, with the various empires vying for supremacy! As the supreme leader, Ling Tian could not possibly be there on every single battlefront, guiding and leading his troops! Even if he had the Monkey King's skills, 1 it would still not be enough! As for passing the baton over to Ling Xiao to go to war, or allowing the various generals in Sky Bearing to go in his stead, let's not talk about whether they even have the ability. Even if they did, Ling Tian would still never allow it to happen!
Thus, he had to train up a batch of capable brothers who not only possessed a set of exceptional martial skills but could also manage tens of thousands of soldiers and have unswerving determination, a great general who could stand on his own! Becoming a general was easy, but to be able to judge the hour and take stock of the situation, capitalizing on advantages and falling back when unfavorable, one had to have real skill!
Ling Tian was already hard-pressed for time to nurture them, so right now, even if he had to push them beyond their capabilities, he had to squeeze this potential out of them!
Ling Tian had always lived by the idea that in the world there was no such thing as a genius! All geniuses, as well as successful people, were merely humans who had their potential squeezed out of them! A person who grew up with a silver spoon and never faced hardship would never amount to anything great!
Unless you had traveled through time and space to reincarnate, then maybe you would still have that sense of danger...
Once a person is forced to a certain extent, in order to avoid being buried under the sands of time, he will suddenly burst forth with tremendous potential! Only this way could one succeed! Of course, if the person is forced to his limits but cannot display his potential, then that can only be his fate. Those that are fated to survive will naturally live, and those who cannot… that's life! There will definitely be people who are unlucky enough to be unable to display their potential!
Heroes are always born in troubled times. Without an insane ambition and resoluteness to couple with your chivalry, then you can just go ahead and die. Or to put it bluntly, you'll die sooner or later! This point was made perfectly clear to Ling Tian! Having a chivalrous attitude was something Ling Tian had long scoffed at even in his previous life! In his point of view, that was merely being soft-hearted! As such, he had to drill this concept into all the brothers under his direct command!
The best way to save someone was just to let him save himself! Allow the person to face their own difficulties, and emerge from it a stronger and better person!
While Ling Tian could not bear to force his brothers to such an extent, he was already forced into this corner! Furthermore, Ling Tian believed in his judgment. That year, out of the tens of thousands, waves after wave of people were eliminated to the point that there were only 50 left! If this 50 were to be unable to live up to his expectations, then it would only mean that he had poor foresight!
Feng Mo's subordinates turned out to be surprisingly efficient, completing all their tasks before the sun had fully risen. The surrendered soldiers were all already being led into some abandoned barracks in Nine Swallow City, and all the carcasses of the warhorses were buried. Looking back at the battlefield, one would only see patches of dark red soil left, as well as small pockets of piled up soil.
The majority of the group had already entered the pass, with only Ling Tian remaining where he stood. Ling Tian folded his arms behind his back as he stared at the plains, as though waiting for something. Looking at the quiet plains in front, he felt the urge to sigh deeply.
Chapter 334: Splitting up with XiMen
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock
The huge group of soldiers and warhorses had already successfully entered the pass, leaving Ling Tian alone. Gazing at the plains, he only felt an intense desire to let out a sigh.
At this same time next year, probably even the soil mounds will have disappeared, right? If that's the case, then who will still remember the intense killing done on this piece of land? Who will remember that a once powerful country was reduced to nothing here? And as for the forest of white bones buried below the soil, how many of them still have a beautiful wife at home looking out of the door every day, pining for them? How many of them will appear once again, in the dreams of their lovers at midnight?
Those pitiful bones left to wander along the side of the river,
While their wives at home still dream of their return! 1
Shaking his head, Ling Tian dispelled his current thoughts to the back of his head. He couldn't help but laugh, sensing how easily he was emotionally triggered by the scene in front of him. Death and turning into bleached white bones, he of all people would understand it best!
From afar came the sounds of galloping horses, resounding like muffled thunder! All the soldiers in the Ling Army immediately heightened their wariness, raising their heads.
Ling Tian squinted, looking into the dust clouds from afar while keeping a relaxed expression.
The newcomers only numbered a few, probably a thousand at most, but one could see that every single of them had valiant and fierce looks. Undoubtedly, they were all elite soldiers. Seated at the front was a youth clad fully in black. However, no one noticed that the moment he caught sight of Ling Tian from afar, a gleam passed through his eyes, and in that instant, his face took on a weird expression.
"Who are the newcomers? Ah? …." Ling Nineteen opened his mouth to ask. He was seated in a circle together with Ling Chi and Ling Yun. As for Ling Jian and the rest, they had disappeared a short while ago.
Ling Nineteen had taken the initiative to stand up and open his mouth, but the moment he spoke, he felt as though someone was choking him by his throat, rendering him unable to speak. Ling Chi stretched out a hand and pulled him back, shooting him a warning look while whispering, "Don't speak, let the young noble deal with this."
Those that were about to react the same way as Ling Nineteen caught themselves and lowered their heads, not daring to speak.
"Impudence! Who goes there? How dare you show such disrespect in front of this young noble?! Hurry and dismount!" Ling Tian shouted out with an icy expression. Within his voice could be heard a trace of displeasure, as though he was unhappy at this group of people for breaking his own mental state.
"And who might you be?" The black-robed youth also had on a cold expression as he sternly replied, "Where is General Han TieXuan? This young noble has something to ask him, quickly bring me over!" As he spoke, he raised the horse whip in his right hand, attempting to establish dominance. However, for reasons unknown, his finger trembled a little, causing the horse whip to deviate and point at Ling Tian's chest instead of his face. This reduced the domineering effect he hoped to achieve.
"General Han TieXuan?" A smile appeared on Ling Tian's face. "Are you from Western Han?"
"This young noble in front of you is the youngest master of the XiMen aristocratic family!" A person beside the black-robed man tried to butter him up. "He is the last young noble left in the XiMen Family! Hurry up and pay your respects!"
"The XiMen Aristocratic Family? Hahaha…" Ling Tian laughed so hard that tears rolled down his cheeks. "So it's that entire family of people with homosexual tendencies, preferring huge and muscular males? What a resounding and prestigious name! The last time, the heavens witnessed the number one talent of the XiMen family performing, and the scene is still vivid in everyone's minds. Now hearing this really brings back memories. Haha… I wonder if this last young noble is also interested in this type of performance! If that's the case, then I'll pray that you just never see me in that way!"
"You're seeking death!" On that black-robed youth's side, a group of men were enraged and immediately drew their swords, rushing up. However, the youth's hand rose up, halting them in their tracks as they obediently returned back to their stations. While that youth was young, he had a certain sort of influence within that group.
While their side was already on the verge of snapping, the strange thing was that by Ling Tian's side, everybody seemed to have seen and heard the exchange, but all remained sitting by the side without batting a single eyelid. Were they that confident of this guy?!
The black-robed youth breathed in deeply, a strange light flickering in his eyes as he cupped his fists, saying, "This one here is XiMen Sa, may I request for this noble's name? Might I know how my family has offended you?" He was directly in front of Ling Tian, but deliberately did not lower his voice, showing that he had a backing that was as formidable as Ling Chi and group.
By the side, Ling Chi and group's faces twitched when they heard, but their faces remained passive.
Ling Tian narrowed his eyes as he looked at XiMen Sa. The expression in his eyes turned unfathomable as he replied, "XiMen Sa? Haha, a youth is still a youth after all, still so… inexperienced! To think that you still cannot guess this young noble's identity! The XiMen family definitely lacks successors!" Ling Tian purposefully paused at the inexperienced word, as though poking fun at him.
Hearing Ling Tian's words, a hint of fear appeared in XiMen Sa's face, and he quickly lowered his head. Ling Tian harshly coughed once, only to see him raise his head quickly, with disbelief on his face. "You are… Ling Tian?"
Ling Tian laughed out loud, displaying an incomparable arrogance as he replied, "That's right! I am Ling Tian! Your eldest young master, XiMen Qing's bosom buddy! Ling Tian! As he spoke, a hint of hostility wafted out from him. All the experts of the XiMen family immediately developed a trace of fear in their eyes!
All their elite troops that the XiMen house sent to Sky Bearing mysteriously disappeared and everyone knew that this was Ling Tian's doing. The two families could be said to have an irreconcilable blood feud! However, regarding Ling Tian's vicious methods and his strength, both only left the XiMen house in much fear. The moment they heard that the person standing in front of them was him, all of them only had a heavy heart, afraid of the consequences.
"Indeed, it's you!" XiMen Sa shot a gaze that was as sharp as a knife. "Even if it's you, what are you going to do about it?"
Ling Tian only shook his head and smiled, "I've just allied with the Western Han General Han TieXuan and wiped out the 400,000 strong army from Northern Wei. So you tell me, what do I want now?"
"Ah…" XiMen Sa was stunned. After a long time, he spoke, but to his men's surprise, his question was, "Is your esteemed father… alright?"
A curious light passed through Ling Tian's eyes, but he still answered, "He's fine now! Thanks for asking!"
XiMen Sa secretly let out a sigh of relief at this, and smilingly replied, "Indeed, heaven helps the worthy! When I first received the news of your father, I immediately rushed over, wanting to help… General Han. To think that you were able to arrive before me and ally with General Han, causing the Northern Wei to suffer a huge defeat, never to recover again. Haha, this is like the saying the affairs of the world are akin to chess, difficult to predict."
Ling Tian solemnly nodded his head and spoke with a sighing tone, "That's right, all things in life are just like a game of chess, unable to be predicted. Just like how young noble XiMen has appeared here, isn't it an extremely unexpected incident?"
XiMen Sa laughed at this, his eyes turning into slits from his huge smile, "That's right, it was indeed unexpected." The two of them exchanged glances, laughing together. With the harmonious way that they were laughing, one would think that they were best friends!
The experts in the XiMen family stared at each other, mystified over the conversation he was having with Ling Tian. However, they were extremely certain of one point, that their young noble was actually battling it out with Ling Tian in a game of wits! Since their young noble couldn't defeat Ling Tian in a battle, he chose to battle Ling Tian in a game of wits instead! Whichever side did not understand the other would then fall into a disadvantage!
XiMen Sa cupped his fists, laughing as he spoke, "If young noble Ling does not have any special requests, then this younger brother here will be rushing back to Western Han!"
Ling Tian thought fast, and smiled, "Since this young noble here feels so close with young noble XiMen, and we get together so well, how could you leave so hurriedly? My intention was actually to await the return of General Han, and meanwhile tidy up the supplies left behind by the war. However, I have something important to attend to and will need to rush back to Sky Bearing. General Han will only return much later, so I will have to trouble young noble XiMen to collect and bring the war supplies back to Western Han, is that alright?"
The moment Ling Tian spoke, expressions of joy appeared on the faces of the subordinates behind XiMen Sa! While the processing of war supplies was a tedious task, it was a form of meritorious service! The moment they returned to their country, this merit would be shared among them. This group of people did not actually expect that by following XiMen Sa out this time, they could actually have riches drop from the sky in front of them! If this idea did not come out of Ling Tian's mouth, they would have long gone insane over this thought! Now, they were just waiting to see how their young noble would deal with this, but all of them had on the same greedy look in their expressions.
While XiMen Sa did not reveal any change in expression, the pupils of his eyes shrank as he turned back to face Ling Tian. "Since young noble Ling says that the two of us have chemistry, then how could this XiMen Sa not listen to your request? I can't possibly spoil young noble Ling's great matters just because of some trivial matters I have back at home!"
Ling Tian smiled in return, "That's right! I thank young noble XiMen for understanding." Both parties looked at each other and smiled, however, their smiles appeared a little weird this time, as though they had some tacit understanding. In XiMen Sa's eyes, a look of gratitude and admiration could be seen… the same look that could be seen when Ling Nineteen and the rest looked at Ling Tian.
Chapter 335: Obstructing One's Merits
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock
Before they parted, something had happened.
After XiMen Sa and Ling Tian both cupped hands in farewell, Ling Chi had taken a step forward and greeted, "The young noble of the XiMen family certainly is good stuff, not only possessing an elegant bearing, but also very good looking, just like a young lady. No wonder that's why my house's young noble feels so much in common with you!" This sentence caused the expressions of XiMen Sa's subordinates to contort. Ling Chi seemed like he had met his mother-in-law but chose to address her as Aunt instead. Other than trying to be funny and doing something pointless, he also sounded extremely offensive! Looks of fury appeared on a couple of their faces, but they wisely did not move for fear of Ling Tian's counterattack.
XiMen Sa chuckled, "This brother is overly praising me. To talk about favoritism from young noble Ling, how could I compare to the five of you? From this, I can see that the people in Sky Bearing are the best looking. Hmm… let's put it this way, the last time I went over to Sky Bearing, I met a very interesting friend called Dog Egg or whatever. After not meeting for such a long time, I wonder how he's doing now." As he spoke, XiMen Sa let out a long sigh, and said with a reminiscing tone, "The past seems ethereal like wisps of smoke. I wonder how that Dog Egg is doing now. I remember that once in order to steal some chicken to eat, he even fell into a family's latrine pit…"
Ling Chi's face alternated between red and purple, and viciously stared at XiMen Sa. "Young noble XiMen, who knows, you might also fall into a latrine pit one day yourself. Goodbye!" XiMen Sa burst out into laughter at this sentence.
While the upper half of his sentence was venomous, the latter half was neither here nor there. However, this gave his subordinates the impression that their young noble had wit surpassing a normal human, and allowed them a good comeback. Thus, they did not bother to nitpick his words.
Surprisingly, Ling Tian's temper was also extraordinarily good. Not only did he not rebut XiMen Sa, but he ignored it!
As Ling Tian brought Ling Chi and the others back to Yan County, Ling Tian had on a poker face but his eyes glittered with laughter. Obviously, his mood was excellent! However, Ling Chi seemed like a grouchy old person the entire journey, grinding his teeth and seeming very depressed. Ling Yun, Ling Nineteen, and the others were also behaving abnormally, all rolling with laughter while on horseback, laughing so hard that their faces were cramping up.
What happened to this group, did they all go crazy?!
The truth was that 'Dog Egg' was the name of Ling Chi when he was still a beggar. All those directly under Ling Tian would of course be aware of Ling Chi's most shameful point, which was also a taboo subject for him. How could Ling Chi not leave in anger after having that touchy subject unearthed? Could he even try to argue with XiMen Sa?
The reason why he did not dare to argue with XiMen Sa, and also why Ling Tian did not interfere in the end, was because XiMen Sa also went by another name: Ling Thirty!
Ling Thirty was involved in begging together with Ling Chi when they were young and was also one of the final fifty who made it past Ling Tian's training. Of course, he would be extremely familiar with such a matter! However, saying that Ling Tian treated Ling Chi and the others better compared to him, every word of this was from his heart and was full of naked jealousy! He himself would also kill to stay beside Ling Tian and accompany him, but of course, how his subordinates interpreted his words was another matter altogether!
That year Ling Tian had sent Ling Thirty over to the XiMen Aristocratic Family to be an undercover agent because he had a knack for covert operations. With his above average intelligence, coupled with the intelligence reports he always got beforehand from Ling Tian, it didn't take long for him to be noticed by the XiMen Family and he was adopted as a XiMen member. While he was named XiMen, it was only meant as a way to tie him to the family. However, now that Ling Tian had wiped out all the legitimate heirs of the XiMen Family, this 'figurehead' Ling Thirty now had free rein, and had turned into the leading figure of the younger generation of the XiMen house!
As to why Ling Thirty seemed to have cultivation on par with the five Ling brothers that accompanied Ling Tian, this was due to a miraculous panacea that the XiMen family had. Consuming the pill would greatly boost one's prowess, but the side effect was that the user would be stuck forever below the XianTian stage, unable to further improve. However, with the Great Cyclic Pellet that Ling Tian just gave to Ling Thirty, the nourishment provided by it should be able to eliminate any side effects in Ling Thirty's body, giving him a chance once more to improve!
Today's matter was also out of Ling Tian's expectations, so while he was making his deal together with Han TieXuan, he had already sent a messenger falcon out to bring an intelligence report to Ling Eight, informing him to pass the message to Ling Thirty, bidding him to rush here by the next day. Ling Thirty had thrown everything aside and rode through the night, finally reaching here on time as per the young noble's orders.
While Han TieXuan had left behind a vice general as well as a few thousand troops to clear up the spoils of war, Ling Tian did not even bother with such small fry. He intended to pass on all the spoils of war to this 'new friend' he met today, Ling Thirty.
Ling Tian had two purposes in doing this. The first was to further cement Ling Thirty's position in the XiMen Family, expanding his influence by improving his relations in the eyes of the Western Han imperial family as well as the army. After all, not everyone was worthy for Ling Tian to give away his rewards just like that. Ling Thirty's performance had always impressed Ling Tian, especially with the battle of wits previously. Not everyone would be able to do such a thing in an impromptu situation!
Secondly, since Ling Tian had already understood that Han TieXuan was a subordinate of the Yu Family, why would he allow Han TieXuan to swallow all the merits on his own? This was something Ling Tian needed to prevent at all costs!
This move was obvious to all and Ling Thirty got to take advantage of it for free. While he could be said to be courageous enough to go one-to-one against Ling Tian, he was still taking credit from the hard work that Han TieXuan had put in! However, Ling Tian was certain that the Western Han family would remain silent and split at least half of the rewards to Ling Thirty!
This was how a monarch would scheme. As long as the monarch of Western Han wasn't an idiot, he would definitely not allow Han TieXuan, who commanded such a huge military force, to return with such huge merits! The territory obtained from the conquest this time was enough to cover half of Western Han's original territory! Based on such a merit, the imperial family had no reason not to reward nor confer a title to him! Having Ling Thirty take half of the impact would be an unexpected joy for them! Not only would they be able to restrict Han TieXuan, they could also allow the dying XiMen family, who had suffered great losses back in Sky Bearing, to recoup and become great once again! If there was anyone that would not be happy about that it would probably only be Han TieXuan, but that was not what Ling Tian cared about.
Based on Ling Tian's conjectures, for Yu ManLou to give him such an effortless victory, this would mean that the Yu Family had absolute confidence in taking over the entire Western Han! While this was only his hypothesis, but whatever the case, Ling Tian would still not allow more power and influence to land in Han TieXuan's hands! He did not wish to see that scenario happen at all!
As he thought about this, Ling Tian couldn't help but smile stupidly as he envisioned what would happen if the XiMen Family were to make Ling Thirty the successor of their family because of his merits. What a wonderful thing that would be, and how much time that would save him!
As he finally calmed down, he noticed the other brats sneakily staring at him, trying to figure out what was on his mind. Ling Tian laughed it off by saying, "Inform Feng Mo to look after the surrendered soldiers well. Split them into a few sections to separately send them back into Sky Bearing. In addition, prepare a few extra horse carts with extra bedding to make them comfortable for my father's and my journey back."
Ling Chi nodded and nudged his horse ahead of the rest. What a sneaky guy, to take the chance to avoid all the people laughing at him!
"The dust should have settled down on both sides, but after we return, we will still have a lot to do!" Ling Tian addressed his subordinates with a smile, but suddenly frowned as he thought, The enemies are already gone like the wind, but… why do I still feel nervous? As though a torrential downpour is oncoming towards us? Is it a mistaken premonition? Or did I forget to calculate something?!
Shaking his head, he thought, Forget it, the boat will go along with the current until it reaches the harbor. No matter what, I can probably afford a rest before the next event.
Northern Wei had already exhausted their threats and was like a bird at the end of its flight! Now that Sky Bearing had been taken over by the Ling Family, Ling Tian could finally relax a little. After being cautious for such a long time, even for someone as hardened as Ling Tian, he was already fatigued. Ling Tian felt like he finally deserved a rest. At least, he wanted to fully throw himself into cultivation, sitting aloof from the rest of the mortal world. Just that should be possible, right? Ling Tian thought to himself.
However, Ling Tian was destined to be disappointed.
How could a man be able to have everything going their way all the time?!
In this world, a legend as large as Ling Tian's had just begun to unfold, and his life, surging on this great momentum, had just opened a new chapter.
...
In the Northern Wei palace. In the dark of night, while everyone was sleeping.
Wei ChengPing suddenly jumped up from his bed as he screamed and shouted with his eyes closed, "No! No! Please please please… wuwuwu… don't kill me… wuwuwu… young noble Ling, no Daddy Ling, Grand Daddy Ling, Ancestor Ling, I beg you to let me go… I was wrong, please don't kill me…"
The palace maids stationed nearby all let out a sigh. Not again! What sort of stimulation had their crown prince undergone with this young noble surnamed Ling? Why was he so afraid of him? Even to the point of calling him an ancestor, how could this be the bearing of a monarch-to-be?!
Ever since Wei ChengPing managed to escape with under the crazed protection of his guards, he had fallen ill with a high fever in which he had mumbled incoherent words for three whole days!
In those three days, he continuously mumbled nonstop, grinding his teeth and cursing unceasingly. Sometimes they could hear him pleading for mercy. But the content of it all was similar, all only to one person, Ling Tian!
Chapter 336: Appearance of the Martial Order Medallion
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
According to his eunuch, Wang DaNian, Wei ChengPing had muttered Ling Tian's name a full 117 times! That didn't even include the dozens of times when Wei ChengPing's mumblings were incoherent!
It could easily be seen just how frightened Wei ChengPing was of Ling Tian!
Slaughtering a thousand soldiers with his whole body drenched in his enemy's blood, with overflowing bloodlust and killing intent bursting out from his eyes! Even from a thousand feet away, Wei ChengPing had felt his heart turn cold! Especially when those bloodthirsty eyes looked at him and said, "Wei ChengPing, surrender your life!" It was like King Yama giving him the proclamation of death! As Ling Tian charged towards him, heads were decapitated all around with blood coloring the skies red. Despite Wei ChengPing escaping on his horse, Ling Tian's attack still cut through the air and decapitated four of his personal guards. Even after piercing through the flesh of his four guards, the remaining strength of the attack was still powerful enough to slice his warhorse in two! Up until now, Wei ChengPing still felt the lingering fear from the might of Ling Tian's attack, as though he doubted if he was even still alive!
Up until now, Wei ChengPing could still feel a bone-chilling cold coming from beneath his crotch! How could he not be afraid? The moment he closed his eyes, he would imagine Ling Tian standing in front of him, staring at him with those bloodthirsty eyes…
It was already the fourth day when Wei ChengPing finally regained his senses. This made all the imperial doctors who were attending to him give a sigh of relief. If anything were to happen to the crown prince while they were attending to him, all of their families and themselves would probably be buried alongside the crown prince. To think that this crown prince would suffer a nervous breakdown from just a single trip to the battlefield! How ridiculous was that?
"Where is young noble Shui?" Once Wei ChengPing got up, he no longer felt the chilly feeling at his crotch but a warm feeling instead. Thus, he was immediately energized, and he immediately asked about Shui QianHuan, "Is he back yet? Summon him here! I have something to discuss with him!"
Everyone was at a loss and looked at each other. One imperial guard plucked up his courage to take a step forward. "Reporting to the crown prince, young noble Shui disappeared after the battle and we have not seen him since then. He probably…" While the guard did not finish his sentence, everyone knew what he was meant; Shui QianHuan had probably died on the battlefield.
A crazed look was then seen in Wei ChengPing's eyes as his breathing became erratic. Wei ChengPing could clearly remember that Shui QianHuan had escaped with his guards without even turning back to spare him a glance. With Shui QianHuan's martial arts, how would he die in the battle? To think that Shui QianHuan did not even bother to turn back when he pleaded for aid!
It was obvious that Shui QianHuan and the Shui Family felt that the Northern Wei Empire no longer had any value and they had decided to abandon Wei ChengPing! To Shui QianHuan, a Wei ChengPing without his 400,000 men army was probably no different from trash. At the same time, Wei ChengPing also thought angrily to himself, If not for your persuasion, would I have sent out my army? Now that our army has been defeated, you actually just walked away without cleaning up your mess?!
The more Wei ChengPing thought about the matter, the more enraged he became. He then let out a sudden roar, "Shui QianHuan! Shui Family! You bunch of cowardly b*st*rds!" After which, he suddenly felt his head aching, and he began to clench his teeth in pain.
The same guard then said, "Crown prince your highness, please change into a set of clean undergarments first!"
In anger, Wei ChengPing shouted in retort, "Why do I have to change my undergarments?! This crown prince is doing great! All of you scram!"
As though they had been spared from torture, all the guards quickly fled.
Wei ChengPing suddenly felt as though something was wrong as he felt the warmth by his crotch suddenly turning cold. Only then did he realize that he was seated in a small puddle of water, and the warm feeling was…
Feeling humiliated, Wei ChengPing grew even crazier as an idea flashed in his head. Wei ChengPing then began to laugh out in a maniacal and malevolent manner, "Even if I lose everything, no one can look down on me! I am still capable of stirring up a storm! I can still kill Ling Tian and Han TieXuan! These two enemies who foiled my plans! HAHAHAHA…" Wei ChengPing burst out into a crazed laughter…
In the afternoon.
"Mister must have had a long and tiring journey." Wei ChengPing said with a gentle tone. In front of him, a stick of sandalwood was burning, and its fragrance filled the entire room.
"Spare me the pleasantries! Since you have taken out the Martial Order Medallion, don't beat around the bush any longer! Speak, who do you want to kill?" In front of him, a green-robed man was seated with the Northern Wei Martial Order Medallion in his hands. After studying it carefully for a moment, he put it into his bosom. While the words spoken by this man were extremely distant and cold, his tone was calm without a trace of emotions in them.
"I only took out the Martial Order Medallion because I was forced to do so," Wei ChengPing said with a rigid smile. "There are two people who I need Mister to kill…"
Before he could finish his sentence, the green-robed man had already interrupted him. "Bestowing a monarch with the Martial Order Medallion, a life in exchange for a medallion! Wei ChengPing, I can only kill a single person for you!" His words were spoken without any margin for leeway.
Wei ChengPing then put out an awkward smile. "Err, this… I wonder if Mister can make an exception? Wei ChengPing has two mortal enemies at the moment. Regardless of the price…"
The green-robed man let out a snort as he rolled his eyes, "Wei ChengPing, the Martial Order Medallion has been taken out. You had better make up your mind fast, lest I get annoyed and kill you too! If not for the fact that you have the Martial Order Medallion, your nagging would have already made you a dead man!"
As the green-robed man's chilly eyes swept past him, Wei ChengPing felt as though he had been thrown into a freezer, with a chill running down his spine and his hair standing up on edge! He completely forgot what he wanted to say as he felt his whole head turn blank!
The green-robed man then revealed an unconcealed look of disdain. "Speak, between Han TieXuan and Ling Tian, who do you want me to kill?"
A trace of shock could be seen on Wei ChengPing's face as he said respectfully, "Mister is wise indeed. If Mister can…"
The green-robed man coldly glared at Wei ChengPing without saying a single word. However, killing intent began to emanate from his eyes…
Wei ChengPing quickly wiped away the sweat on his forehead as he forced a smile, "Alright then, since Mister insists, I can only choose one of the two." After considering for a moment, Wei ChengPing opened his voice and said, "I will have to trouble Mister to kill Ling Tian!"
At that moment, Wei ChengPing was certain that if Ling Tian didn't die, he would definitely be living in the nightmare that Ling Tian brought him for all his life! In comparison, while Han TieXuan's betrayal was the main reason for his Northern Wei's defeat, Wei ChengPing did not think that Han TieXuan was worth a Martial Order Medallion!
The green-robed man then suddenly concealed himself in the smoke of the burning sandalwood and Wei ChengPing could no longer see his appearance. Then, Wei ChengPing felt the body of the green-robed man turn misty in the smoke, and a soft sigh could be heard from within the smoke.
When the cloud of smoke dispersed, not a single soul could be seen in front of Wei ChengPing. Just when he was feeling puzzled, a crisp voice sounded by his ears, "The Martial Order Medallion has been received. May the Monarch treasure his life."
Wei ChengPing was stunned for a moment as he muttered these words a few time. Then, he suddenly burst out into laughter, "Ling Tian! You are dead for sure!"
In the palace, Wei ChengPing's hysterical laughter echoed!
"Ling Tian, you are dead for sure!"
"Ling Tian, you are dead for…"
"Ling Tian, you are…"
...
"Wei ChengPing wants to kill Ling Tian? Did he use the Martial Order Medallion that belongs to Northern Wei?!" The usually calm Yu ManLou jumped up from his seat and exclaimed, "Using the Martial Order Medallion to kill Ling Tian?!"
"That should be the case! This piece of news was sent by our spies from the palace and it is definitely accurate! Wei ChengPing did indeed meet someone in secret and no one dared to approach that place. After that, Wei ChengPing's mood took a 180-degree turn and was filled with ecstasy!" A black-robed man could be seen opposite Yu ManLou.
"Good! The final trump card of Northern Wei has been used! I do not need to be wary of anything anymore!" Yu ManLou stood up and paced around the room. After a while, he then let out a sigh and shook his head, "It is just… too fast! Too sudden!"
The black-dressed man also frowned, "Yes, it is indeed too fast! Too sudden! The time left for us… in fact, they did not even leave any time for us! While the final trump card that could threaten Family Head was removed, our original plan would probably be…"
"We cannot change it!" Yu ManLou said with certainty as a resolute gaze could be seen in his eyes. "Immediately send out the messenger doves to Third Brother who is in Sky Bearing! Ask him to propose a marriage to the Ling Family! Order him to ensure that the proposal is successful no matter what! Tell him that he doesn't need to return if he doesn't make this happen!"
The body of the black-robed man shook, and he replied, "Yes!"
Yu ManLou then paced around again as he said in a cold tone, "If she cannot become the first wife, then she can become a wife of equal status! If she cannot even be a wife of equal status, she can be Ling Tian's concubine! No matter what, Yan'er must marry Ling Tian! There must be a proper title! It must happen quickly! Do you understand?"
"Yes, I understand." The black-robed man felt beads of sweat rolling down his face. For the Yu and Ling families to become in-laws, it should have been a prosperous event. However, it seemed to be no more than an urgent strategic move from Yu ManLou's tone. There wasn't a single trace of prosperity in his words and they were instead filled with a chilly cold!
"Order the First Elder and Third Elder to lead three hundred white jade experts to Sky Bearing to send BingYan's dowry! Set off immediately!"
"Dowry?!" The black-robed man was thrown off by this order as he asked carefully, "Family Head, we are only confirming the marriage, isn't it too early to send over the dowry? Furthermore, the moment their marriage is confirmed, BingYan will belong to the Ling Family. Even if Ling Tian dies, BingYan is still the unwed daughter-in-law of the Ling Family. For us to send the dowry now… this…"
"Are you getting senile?" Yu ManLou glared at the black-robed man, "Ling Tian has many experts under his command and when he dies, it will be impossible for BingYan to grasp the authority of the Ling Family from those experts. Furthermore, BingYan is now completely smitten by Ling Tian and will probably not agree to the family's decision. We need a proper reason for our men to enter the Ling Family so they can grasp the authority of the Ling Family in their hands! Three hundred white jade experts seems like too few… Mmm, bring another five hundred purple jade experts to ensure that everything goes well!"
Chapter 337: Returning Triumphant
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock
"Yes!" Under the awe-inspiring presence of Yu ManLou, the black-robed elder could only feel as though his back was covered in cold sweat. Three hundred White Jade cultivators, and five hundred Purple Jade cultivators, that was almost 80% of the main force from the Yu Family! To think that their head viewed the Ling Family so highly. However, as though he had thought of something, the elder raised his head to speak, "Head, however, based on the customs in Heavenly Star, the bride has to return to her family after the engagement, and only move over after they were formally married…"
Yu ManLou coldly snorted at this, "I naturally have my own preparations for this. At that time, BingYan will suddenly develop a 'serious illness'. Thus the Ling Family cannot chase her out of their house! Furthermore, the Martial Order Medallion has already been used, so how long does Ling Tian still have? We can't delay this!"
"Family head has foresight!" The old man buttered him up. "This servant will get your matters done now."
Yu ManLou waved his hands, "Be quick!"
Following the old man's departure, a black-robed middle-aged man drifted in the window like a specter. This was the expert bodyguard that never left Yu ManLou's side.
"Wu Po, how goes things at Western Han?" Yu ManLou slowly walked to his desk and picked up his teacup, savoring a mouthful of tea.
"The latest news from Western Han is that the country is celebrating the victory in battle. Han TieXuan has been conferred the title of North Marquis. He has effectively pressed down all the other generals, only leaving a minor influence under the XiMen." The black-robed man replied. Even when facing Yu ManLou, his voice remained dead, not carrying any hint of emotion.
Yu ManLou was already well accustomed to his speaking and wasn't bothered by it. However, he was surprised by the content of the intelligence, "Eh? With such a large merit obtained, why was so little conferred to him? This does not make sense!"
"The problem lies with the young noble of the XiMen Family. That kid somehow made his way to the battlefield after the war ended, and chatted up Ling Tian. It seems like he made a good impression with Ling Tian, and with his tacit consent, that kid collected all the spoils of war, making him the second greatest contributor after Han TieXuan!"
"XiMen Sa?!" Yu ManLou slapped the table and stood up, unable to restrain his anger. "Another scheme from Ling Tian! He knows that Han TieXuan is under the command of my Yu Family and is unwilling to allow him to get the full credit, so he's even willing to let his enemies take advantage in order to spoil my plans! Ling Tian, what vicious methods you have! What an insane scheme, what foresight!"
Suddenly, he started to laugh instead, jubilantly saying, "While you might have intelligence beyond that of a mortal, but even you won't be able to escape from the pursuit of the unrivaled expert of this generation! That is something this old man, whom even if I overturn the Yu Family, would not even dare to try. Ling Tian, you're dead!"
Thinking about that, Yu ManLou suddenly felt as though he was refreshed. When compared to the death of Ling Tian, Han TieXuan's matter suddenly seemed unimportant! Yu ManLou also felt a little smug at this point. If I can obtain the influence created by Ling Tian, then how could anyone be a match for the Yu Family? What Water of Heavenly Wind? Hehehe…
As for Ling Tian who originally wanted to have a good rest, he never expected himself to be immediately swamped with work to the point where he estimated even if he had four arms he would be hard-pressed to cope!
So god-d*mned busy! He had never been so busy even in his past life!
When Ling Tian was still twenty kilometers away from Sky Bearing, he could already see the people from his family coming over to greet him on horseback. However, before he could feel any relief or happiness at this, he was almost scared silly by the words that came out of Ling Dian's mouth.
"Aii, young noble, it's good luck you're back. If you hadn't returned by now, we probably would have collapsed!" Seeing Ling Dian crying in such an exaggerated manner, Ling Tian only felt depressed. Did something out of his expectations actually happen?
He heard Ling Dian continue, "The house is about to flip, and we're waiting all this while for you to make a decision. Finally, you're back!"
"What happened exactly? Was there a complication?" Ling Tian frowned as he got off his horse, rubbing his sore butt after all the hours of riding on horseback. While this young noble Ling had martial arts that surpassed all mortal ability, the fact was that he was only fifteen or sixteen years of age. His body might be similar to that of an adult, but there were still places which were obviously more tender as compared to a grown man. These few days, his smooth thighs had been completely rubbed raw by the chaffing between his pants and the saddle. Clenching his teeth and enduring his abrasions, he asked, "There's my grandparents, my mother and Ling Chen in the house, so how could it be chaotic?"
In his heart, Ling Tian never treated the problem in Sky Bearing as something of this magnitude. He knew that many officials, as well as his family members, probably could not wait to display all the abilities that would be locked down on a normal day, so how could there still be a problem?
"Cough cough, actually, the majority of our affairs have already been cleared up. This is all thanks to Old Master Ling!" Ling Dian gave a thumbs-up in praise. "He indeed is a veteran in war! Just that same day, he had already cleared the entire area and arranged everything thoroughly. If Old Master Ling did not appear, let's not talk about the Sky Bearing army, even Shen RuHu would not have been handled so easily by us! The greatest problem actually lies in the now ex-Emperor Long Xiang. Because of conflicting thoughts, Old Master and the Old Madam actually began to quarrel, and even after two days, they still do not want to give way!"
"Ehhh…" Ling Tian scratched his head in confusion. In his entire life, he had never seen his grandparents being at loggerheads with each other, with his grandfather usually giving way to his wife. Even that year, after he threw Xiao FengHan's face so badly, his grandfather's temper was immediately appeased when his wife stepped into the scene. So what was wrong this time? "Where's that dog Long Xiang right now?"
Ling Dian sighed, "He's still locked in the prison of our residence. That rabid dog had long been paralyzed with fear, begging and pleading all day. When we had taken him down, he almost peed his pants, what a shameful person! Old Master Ling had always been one who valued sentimentality and thus wanted to take care of him properly since he also received news that the Master was unharmed and well. However, the Old Madam said that such a vicious person should not be left alive and should be pulled from the roots as soon as possible! Thus the residence has now split into two sides, both sides mutually confronting each other. Consort Ling is crying up a fuss every day after knowing that her husband has been captured, and Princess JiaoYue is also washing her face with her tears every single day. Madam Chu Ting'er could not take it anymore and already ran away to the Ling Family Courtyard. If not for her handling our affairs, we would be hard pressed…" The muscles in Ling Dian's forehead continuously twitched, obviously, he did not have it easy the last few days either.
"Oh my f**king god!" Ling Tian covered his face with his palm and screamed out in misery. What followed next were his flames of wrath. "You bunch of useless, brainless fools! Why couldn't you guys use a bit more brains, and quickly silence him among the confusion of the crowd? Why do you have to leave his dog life up till now? For me to handle? Making me the evil person, are you guys not thinking at all? He is the nephew of my grandfather and my only uncle, how do you think I can handle this situation by myself! You think I will want to release him? And do you think I can kill him?! F**k me!" Ling Tian was so depressed that he spat out vulgarities like saliva.
This matter, no matter how one looked at it, would not have a satisfactory outcome. Even with two lifetimes of experience, and with the penchant of vicious methods, Ling Tian was still, in the end, a junior in the family. Even if Long Xiang had committed some heaven-defying crime, it still wasn't his place to say anything! If he suggested having Long Xiang killed, most likely, he would only end up with the tag of being heartless! This was him looking at the bigger picture because there was still his aunt Ling Ran on the scene!
"We definitely had that thought! Ling Chen had long told us to take advantage of the chaos at that time to kill that b*st*rd!" Ling Dian wailed in frustration. "However, the whole plan went so smoothly that there was no chaos at all! The moment we were done with our jobs, the whole place was already under lockdown by our people! The moment Ling Seventeen placed his sword on the neck of Shen RuHu, Old Master Ling had already appeared, and with a few sentences, already settled the invading Sky Bearing army! Where would there still be a chance for us? And Long Xiang that coward, he had already started peeing when he saw this scene, hais, we had zero chance from the very beginning!"
"Idiots! You and Ling Lei, are really two pig-headed fools!" Ling Tian glared at them. Since the outcome was already set in stone, he could not change anything no matter what he said. However, he paused for a while, and with a roll of his eyeballs, he immediately formulated a plan. Ling Tian immediately whispered to Ling Dian, saying, "In a while, the carriage of General Ling will arrive. I'll escape first and say that I'm going to make a report. You will... say it like this, understand?"
Ling Dian's mouth curled up, and he had an expression that looked as though he was about to cry and laugh at the same time. "If… If I were to say it like that… then General Ling will definitely tear me apart… young noble, it's not like you don't know his temper…"
Ling Tian smirked a little, "My father is now riddled with wounds and definitely will not be able to tear you apart. The most he could do would be to beat you up a bit. Ok, let's fix it so. I'll move ahead first!" Ling Tian harshly slapped the rump of his horse, disappearing like a bolt of lightning.
Ling Dian stared at Ling Tian vanishing like a cloud of smoke, having an expression as though he wanted to cry but had no tears. Young noble, you, are you riding on a dragon? How could you disappear so quickly?
Seeing the carriage of Ling Xiao slowly approaching from afar, Ling Dian could only clench his teeth and move up to meet them. It was unknown what he told Ling Xiao, but everyone definitely heard the roar of fury coming from within the carriage. Ling Dian was seen staggering out, and mounting his horse, he immediately retreated. However, he got hit in the head by a black thing before he could even turn his horse around. Ling Chi and the rest stared at the offending object, it turned out to be General Ling's leather boot...
Immediately, they were further greeted with his helmet, his other boot, even the pillows, teacups and the sandalwood tea table were thrown out one by one!
Ling Dian screamed, and in his disheveled state, he did not even bother with his horse any longer. He leaped off from horseback, initiating his movement skills and disappearing in a flash. The speed he used was even faster than that of his peers! From the carriage came curses and shouts from General Ling, "Call that bastard back! This old man hasn't understood what he's saying!"
Ling Jian, Ling Feng, Ling Yun, Ling Chi, and Ling Nineteen exchanged glances, and at this point revealed surprising chemistry. All five immediately urged their horses forward, pulling away from Ling Xiao's carriage, ignoring all the shouting and cursing from him...
Chapter 338: Only Choice
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
Marshal Ling's cursing sounded across the whole army throughout the journey! The whole army marched back to Sky Bearing hearing the incessant cursing of Mashal Ling. Their original good mood from emerging victorious was completely destroyed by Marshal Ling's cursing! The way his voice was filled with energy without a single sign of breathlessness, who would believe that Marshal Ling was actually seriously injured?!
Ling Tian purposefully roamed outside for a while and hid in the Smoky Thea Tower for a full four hours. After calculating that the time should be about right, he then slowly made his way back to the Ling residence. His turtle-like speed on the way back was unprecedented in his life!
When he went back home, a good show was playing out in the Ling residence with the bandaged Marshal Ling going crazy! He insisted that he wanted to settle his scores with Long Xiang and it took the strength of a few burly men to hold him back with great difficulty.
"Big brother, His Majesty was hoodwinked by a scoundrel and it was just a moment of folly. I hope that big brother will forgive him." This was Consort Ling Ran's voice…
"Good brat, you even dare to make a huge fuss in front of your old man?! See how this old man takes care of you!" This was Duke Ling's voice…
"Father… I was almost killed by the schemes of that b*st*rd and I will not forgive him with just a simple 'he was hoodwinked by a scoundrel'! I am not so benevolent! So what if I am being petty? This… I definitely won't let him off!" This boorish voice obviously belonged to the heavily injured General Ling. He obviously wanted to address himself as 'this daddy', but realized that his own father was in front of him. Although his temper was raging, he still managed to force himself to swallow those words.
While Long Xiang's actions could not be pardoned, he was still Ling Ran's husband after all. Thus, no matter what grievances she felt in her heart, Ling Ran could not bear to see her own husband being beaten to death by her own brother!
However, who would have expected that Duke Ling's personal appearance and Ling Ran kneeling on the floor pleading was completely useless! Ling Xiao was like a raging bull who could not be stopped! Even his own father and little sister could not stop him!
As Ling Tian watched that scene, he nodded his head and thought to himself, Mmm, his performance is good indeed. I wonder, where did Ling Jian and the rest disappear? They probably ran away upon seeing that a storm was brewing.
Ling Tian then gave out a sigh, It seems like my plan to get rid of Long Xiang using my father will fail. He then turned around and wanted to go back to his own courtyard, hoping to hide from the storm before making his appearance. Besides, while he did not see Ling Cheng and Yu BingYan for just a few days, the bitter battle had made these few days seem like a few years. Now that he was back at home, even the grasses and flowers made him feel a sense of familiarity.
"You little brat! Stop right there! You still dare to run away?" Old Madam Ling was originally watching the show off to the side. But upon seeing that her grandson was about to escape, she was both angered and amused as she shouted at him.
At this moment, Ling Tian already had a foot out of the courtyard and he turned around awkwardly. Old Madam Ling then walked over briskly and pulled Ling Tian's ears. "Let me ask you, who ignited this explosive temper of your father? Don't tell me you don't know!"
Ling Tian blinked his eyes and said with an innocent look, "Grandmother, what are you talking about? Ignite what? Is our house on fire? Why don't I know?"
"Little brat! Just continue feigning ignorance! You dare to tell me that you don't know anything!" Old Madam Ling scolded laughingly as she exerted more force and Ling Tian's ears were elongated further, "Speak!"
"Do I really have to say?!" Ling Tian felt helpless.
"Yes!" Old Madam Ling said with a resolute tone!
"Siii…" Ling Tian took in a breath of cold air and he truly felt the pain this time, "Grandmother, please let go… pain… okay, okay, I will tell you the truth. On the way back, we met Ling Dian and this grandson ignored him as I was sleeping. Thus, he went to find Father. As for everything that happened after, I don't know already… I really don't know! Aiyah…"
"You still dare to say that you don't know?! You still dare to lie!" Old Madam Ling exerted even more strength in anger as she pointed towards Ling Xiao who was going crazy, "Without your permission, would Ling Dian have the guts to anger your father to such an extent with a few words of his? Also, since when did Long Xiang say that he wanted to take all the ladies in the Ling Family to become his harem?"
Ling Tian was startled as he jumped up in anger with an ashen face, "F**k! I didn't say that, Ling Dian that brat must have added on that nonsense. I will definitely teach him a good lesson later! I only said…" Ling Tian then paused for a moment and knew that he had been tricked. It was impossible for Ling Dian to come up with such a lie for sure. Looking at Old Madam Ling's cunning looking face, Ling Tian let out a long sigh as he thought, The old ginger is indeed spicier!
"You only said?" Old Madam Ling's eyes shone with a crafty light, "You actually dare to use your father as a spear now? Am I right?"
Ling Tian let out a bitter sigh and an idea flashed in his head, "Grandmother, I heard that grandfather was going against you and I only wanted to help you. Furthermore, this is a serious matter and it is difficult for us to deal with Long Xiang. Does grandmother have any ideas to solve this problem?"
The moment Ling Tian mentioned this matter, Old Madam Ling no longer had the mood to disturb him any further and also let out a sigh, "Our whole family is now troubled by this matter! Both killing or letting him off isn't a good plan!"
Ling Tian fell silent for a moment before saying, "The one thing we must never do is let the tiger back into the mountain! Even if we don't kill him, we cannot let him off! We should first imprison him before making a decision." A flash of inspiration then flashed in his head and Ling Tian had a bright idea.
Old Madam Ling then pulled Ling Tian to the side as she said, "I was waiting for you to come back so we can discuss this matter. What do you think we should do with regards to Sky Bearing? What should our Ling Family do? I believe that you have a plan in your heart already, right?"
Ling Tian frowned, "I am actually torn between two different choices. Grandmother, this definitely isn't the best time for our Ling Family to rise up! No matter what, our Ling Family is still a subject of the Sky Bearing Empire. No matter what heinous things Long Xiang has done, we would definitely be regarded as traitorous if we were to replace Long Xiang! At that time, we would no longer be the victims but a treacherous subject of the Sky Bearing Empire. The other powers can then make use of this opportunity to suppress Sky Bearing in the name of seeking justice for the Sky Bearing Imperial Family. At the present moment, our Sky Bearing Empire is already riddled with injuries with many pressing matters to be settled. We definitely cannot afford another war! Furthermore, the various Great Families would definitely be dissatisfied if we were to usurp the throne! The consequences of that are not something which we can face at the moment! However, if we do not take the position of the emperor and Long Xiang has already been pulled down by us, the Sky Bearing Empire is left without a leader… Haiz!" Ling Tian shook his head and let out a sigh while secretly watching out for Old Madam Ling's expression.
"That's right," Old Madam Ling said with frustration, "we are indeed in a dilemma! This old lady doesn't have any ideas to solve this problem. If not, I wouldn't have to wait for your return." As she said that, she began to rub the temple of her forehead as her brows furrowed in deep consideration.
"Grandmother, I have an idea." Ling Tian blinked his eyes and said with a meaningful smile, "It may help us solve our present dilemma."
"What is the idea? Spill it out quickly." Old Madam Ling had already been frustrated thoroughly by this matter over the past few days!
"Long Xiang is already in our hands and all of his princes have already been killed! If that's the case, we can let him write an imperial edict to make the child in aunt's womb the crown prince! Then, we can let grandfather, father, Minister Wei and General Shen to manage the imperial court to handle the political affairs! Furthermore, we must make one thing clear. No lady is allowed to interfere with stately affairs!" Ling Tian said with a chilly gaze flashing past his eyes!
"What a… cruel plan! Ling Ran is your aunt!" Old Madam Ling looked at her grandson in shock. If they were to make an unborn infant the crown prince, of the four ministers running the imperial court, Ling Xiao and Ling Zhan were father and son, and Shen RuHu is Ling Zhan's disciple. The only one who wasn't within their circle was Wei ZhengFeng. However, Minister Wei did not have any true authority and the full authority of the military and court would fall into the hands of the Ling Family. With the condition that Ling Tian had added to disallow ladies from interfering with stately affairs, this would mean that Ling Ran wouldn't be able to create any trouble!
This plan of Ling Tian's was definitely in line with the ancestral teachings, or perhaps it was the only loophole in the ancestral teachings. As such, Sky Bearing would still belong to the Long Family, and the Ling Family would still be a subject of the empire. They would not catch the attention of anyone and can even feign weakness to their enemies. It would also make their enemies think that the Ling Family did not have the intention to rule the world.
While everyone would know that Sky Bearing was fully controlled by the Ling Family, the actions of the Ling Family would still be faultless. After Long Xiang had plotted against the Ling Family, the Ling Family had still buried the hatchet and aid the new young ruler with all their heart. Instead of being a treacherous subject, the Ling Family would earn the reputation of a loyal and faithful subject!
"My aunt?! Grandmother, did you see how she pleaded for my father to let her husband off? That guy is someone who almost killed my father and destroyed our whole family! She actually wants us to let him off just by saying that it was a moment of folly?! No matter what, I will not concede on this point for sure!" Ling Tian said without any room for leeway.
"Long Xiang probably wouldn't agree to this right?" Old Madam Ling said, "Furthermore, this is also a little too cruel to your aunt right? It wouldn't be too fair to her either. Tian'er, while this plan of yours can help settle all our problems, Ling Ran is still your aunt. Are you a little too…"
Ling Tian responded with a smile, "Grandmother is thinking too much. Is Long Xiang's agreement even important? Ah ah, do we still need him to agree right now? As for Aunt, I originally didn't want to say anything. But… Grandmother, do you really think there is fairness in this world?"
Ling Tian's lips then curled up in a cruel smile, "The moment Long Xiang decided to wipe out our Ling Family, he had completely ignored the husband and wife ties between him and Aunt! He still wants to rely on Aunt to save his life now? If our Ling Family were to be destroyed, Aunt's life would definitely be extremely miserable for the rest of her life! Under the pressure of Yang Xue and the Yang Family, her child might have not even be born. Even if he were to be born, it would be impossible for him to ascend to the throne! Now, while we cannot give away the Sky Bearing Empire that we have fought so hard for, we can definitely give Aunt a life of prosperity. This can already be considered as a fortune for her and she should be satisfied with that. She should not be grumbling and she definitely shouldn't wish for anything more. There isn't an ending that would be better than this and we do not have any other choice at this moment!"
Chapter 339: Tender Sentiments
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
Old Madam Ling then let out a sigh and went silent for a long while as she looked towards the sky, "Alright then! Wait… how are you so certain that your aunt's child is a boy? What if her child is a girl? Then wouldn't all our arrangements go to waste?"
Ling Tian let out a smile and said slowly, "Grandmother, apart from our Ling Family, who would know if her child is a boy or girl? If we say her child is a boy, he will be a boy. Even if her child turns out to be a girl, her child will still be a boy. Hahaha…"
As Ling Tian walked into his own courtyard, he looked at the two familiar figures by the rack of grapes and couldn't help but be emotionally moved in his heart! While it seemed easy for him to rush into the Northern Wei army to save his father, the truth was that he was on the edge of life and death! Death loomed so close to him as he charged through the battlefield! It could be said that he had spent a few days in King Yama's palace before making his way back home. Looking at the two most precious ladies in his life, he suddenly felt as though he had not seen them for a few years.
For Ling Xiao to suffer from an ambush this time was well within Ling Tian's expectations. The past two generations of the Ling Family were without a doubt loyal to Sky Bearing. Without a huge change, it was impossible for them to become enemies with the Imperial Family. If he didn't change the loyal attitude of his own family, it was very likely that he would have to end up facing his own family on the battlefield! Even if that wasn't the case, both his father and grandfather would definitely be torn apart by their loyalties.
Thus, Ling Tian purposefully gave Long Xiang an opening to create a reason for their falling out, giving him the chance to uproot Long Xiang and the Yang Family! At the same time, his grandfather and father would not have any guilt in their hearts as well and he would be able to help the both of them see Long Xiang's wolf-like ambitions! While taking his father's and grandfather's feelings into consideration, he would still be able to take another step towards his ambitions!
However, Ling Tian never expected things to grow so wildly out of his expectations and control! The Yu Family, Shui Family, Northern Wei, Western Han, and Sky Bearing had all participated in this scheme to kill his father! Ling Tian originally thought that only the Northern Wei and Sky Bearing would join hands but the reality was far out of his expectations! This time, he had almost allowed both his own and his father's life to be lost! Up until now, Ling Tian still felt a sense of lingering fear in his heart! If he had been a single step too late and without the unexpected intervention of the Yu Family, and if everything had gone according to the Shui Family's plan… Ling Tian felt a chill run down his spine at the thought of that possibility.
While his father was already safe and sound, Ling Tian still blamed himself in his heart! After this incident, Ling Tian could deeply feel that a man's strength would definitely be lacking at some moments and a man's wisdom would definitely fail him at times. The 'if' truly exists and no one would be able to fully calculate all the possibilities! Accidents would always be out of one's expectations and there would be no limit to the possibility of accidents! If he still dared to think that the situation was firmly grasped in his hands, it would only be a matter of time before he suffered a great loss! Who on earth would be able to fully understand the ways of the heavens?!
"Tian'ge! You are finally back!" Yu BingYan let out an excited scream from afar as she dived into Ling Tian's bosom. Before she even said a thing, her tears had already drenched Ling Tian's top. "You are finally back… wuwuwu… both sister Chen and I have been so worried for you… we had nightmares every night… we really can't take it any longer…"
Ling Tian hugged the obviously skinnier beauty and stroked her head gently as he said with a gentle tone, "Silly lass, I am safe and sound. What are you crying for? You won't be pretty if you cry until your eyes turn into panda eyes. If that happens I will definitely feel heartache."
Just when she was sobbing, Yu BingYan couldn't help but giggle at Ling Tian's words, "You are the one with the panda eyes! You still dare say that you will feel heartache, angering me the moment you come back! Hmph!" As she said that, she stomped her feet as she wanted to start whining. With the tears still at the corner of her eyes and a sweet smile on her face, she was like a blossoming flower, incomparably beautiful and fresh.
As Ling Tian looked towards Ling Chen, he saw her looking at him silently under the rack of grapes. It was as though there was no one else but him in her eyes at this moment!
When Ling Tian first came back, Ling Chen welcomed him with a bright smile. However, the smile slowly become forced as she bit down on her lips as though forcing herself to maintain the smile. It was as though she wanted to let her most beloved man see the smile on her face when he returned. However, two streams of tears had still found their way down her cheeks.
At this moment, Ling Chen's dainty figure was like a lily in the storm, filled with gentleness but yet looking as though it would give way at any moment. It was as though she would collapse anytime and be unable to get back up.
Just when Yu BingYan had silently left Ling Tian's embrace, Ling Tian took another step forward and was about to spread his arms out. But before he got a chance to do so, he felt another figure rush straight into his embrace and hug him tightly. It was as though that figure wanted to melt into his embrace! Ling Tian was overwhelmed by emotions as he held onto the dainty figure in his arms, hating the fact that he couldn't be one with her...
Ling Chen's body trembled in Ling Tian's embrace as though she had suffered from a great shock and had yet to recover her senses. She was like a kidnapped child who had finally seen her parents again. The both of them didn't say a single word as they hugged each other tightly as though the other party would disappear the moment they let go of each other.
Ling Tian felt a damp and warm feeling at his chest before it turned into a cold feeling, slowly seeping down his shirt. Those were Ling Chen's tears drenching Ling Tian's shirt and flowing down his chest.
A long while later, Ling Tian felt the beauty in his embrace slowly recovering from her trembling. With a sigh, he stroked her silky hair and gently raised up her head up. Clearing his throat, he said with a hoarse voice, "Chen'er…" Looking at the frail-looking beauty and obviously skinnier Ling Chen, he suddenly realized that he had only been gone for a mere four days. Feeling his heart ache, the words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat.
Ling Chen then buried her head in Ling Tian's embrace again as she began whimpering. It was as though she didn't want to ever lift her head up from Ling Tian's embrace for the rest of her life…
Ling Tian let out a helpless sigh and said with a smile, "Chen'er, be a good girl and let me change into a new set of clothes before hugging you and letting you cry to your heart's content. If you are going to cry any further, people will think that I lost control of my crotch. If someone were to come in at this moment, I would definitely be embarrassed! Your tears have already flowed down to my pants…"
"Puchi… what nonsense… annoying!" Ling Chen burst out into laughter as she stomped her feet and let out a soft 'hmph' to display her displeasure. However, her soft 'hmph' was like a gentle moan in Ling Tian's ears, both whiny and lovable. Thus, it lit up the lust in Ling Tian's eyes instead.
As though she suddenly felt something, Ling Chen let out a shriek and quickly left Ling Tian's embrace. Looking at Ling Tian, she realized that there was indeed a large patch of tears stretching down from his chest to his… Ling Chen then felt her face turn red as though she had thought about something. With another shriek, she turned around and dashed into the room at a lightning fast speed…
Yu BingYan opened her mouth in shock as she gasped, "Ah, sister Chen really had so many tears…"
Ling Tian grunted and stared at her, "You contributed greatly also! At least half of this belongs to you!"
Yu BingYan then placed her hands behind her back and raised her chest up proudly. "I didn't cry!" As Yu BingYan stood in front of Ling Tian with her chest raised up high, her beautiful figure curved in an alluring fashion. Especially how her proud twin peaks were standing up proudly, it made her even more alluring.
Ling Tian then felt something go off in his head with a bang, and he was like a wolf letting out a loud howl in the moonlight. With his nose becoming warm, he felt as though he was about to have a nosebleed. At the same time, some part of his body also became hard and firm, feeling as though it was about to explode at any moment.
Yu BingYan still hadn't noticed anything different about Ling Tian and bounced over like a little bunny. With her waist bent slightly, she looked at Ling Tian sideways and studied the expression on Ling Tian's face. At the same time, she also began to giggle, "Tian'ge, your expression is so strange… wu...wu…"
Before she could finish her sentence, Ling Tian could no longer reign himself in any longer. Grabbing her into his embrace, he covered her lips with his own! Yu BingYan felt her body tremble as she went stiff with an incredulous expression filling her eyes. As she wanted to open her mouth to take in a breath of air, she felt a tongue entering her mouth like a fish, roaming around every inch of her tongue. Yu BingYan felt her head go off in a bang as well and she was lost in this mysterious realm, feeling as though her body was light and floating with the clouds…
Is the moment that I have been waiting for finally here?
As though his hands had their own consciousness, Ling Tian's hands began to attack the various 'bases' on Yu BingYan's body. At that moment, Yu BingYan felt as though she had been fully conquered as she weakly hung onto Ling Tian's body. Her eyes were dreamy with her face bright red. If not for Ling Tian holding onto her, she would have certainly fallen to the floor. Her hair was already in a complete mess with her black silky hair drooping down and her top half undone. At the same time, Ling Tian's hands could be seen energetically roaming about in her top.
"Young noble!" A mosquito-like sound buzzed in Ling Tian's ears, "BingYan's body still can't…" this was Ling Chen's prompt reminder. Ling Tian felt his whole body shake as the flames of lust were dispersed. Shaking his head hard, he forced himself to regain his senses and tried to push Yu BingYan out of his embrace. However, Yu BingYan still leaned her body onto Ling Tian…
Chapter 340: QianHuan's Visit
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
Ling Tian just wanted to burst out into tears! He had really suffered from his own actions! Since Yu BingYan's Divine Black Negative Meridians hadn't been cured yet, how could he touch her? This was something that concerned her life! He definitely couldn't lose himself to a moment of folly. Ling Tian was immediately reduced to a pathetic state with cold sweat flowing down his face. The live beauty in his hands had turned into a piping hot sweet potato that he couldn't touch. To Ling Tian who had already abstained from his lust for a few days, this was no different from torture!
Just when he was feeling helpless, Ling Chen's figure appeared with a white flash and she began to circulate her Divine Ice Formula. Placing her palm on Yu BingYan's forehead softly, a wave of ice cold qi permeated her whole body and woke her up. As she opened her eyes, she immediately realized what had just happened and she felt her whole body turn hot from embarrassment! In front of Chen'er and in broad daylight, I actually… in this little courtyard… I almost…
The more she thought about it, the more embarrassed she got. With a soft shriek, she covered her face with her hands and escaped quickly. With just a flash of a white figure, she had already disappeared completely. The profoundness of her movement technique was indeed something rare!
Ling Tian shut his eyes and took in a deep breath. After opening his eyes, he saw Ling Chen looking at him with her face pinkish and with a smile which didn't seem like a smile. Her eyes were filled with a tinge of laughter as though she was giggling about Ling Tian's pitiful appearance.
Ling Tian immediately felt energized as he said with a lecherous smile, "Chen'er, how bold! You actually dared to ruin the affairs of this young noble! How are you going to make it up to me?" With the both of them so near each other, Ling Chen's fragrance had already made its way to Ling Tian's nose and he was already completely ignited.
Ling Chen was taken aback for a moment as she looked at Ling Tian's burning eyes. She immediately knew what Ling Tian was thinking of… But, it is still in the day … Ling Chen immediately turned tail and ran away.
How would Ling Tian let her escape? He quickly caught up to her and hugged her in his embrace. "Little lass, now that you have chased away my beauty, you shall have to replace her. This young noble has really missed you greatly!" Hugging her dainty body, he dashed into the room like a s*x fiend.
Ling Chen felt her body turn hot from shyness as she struggled to no avail. After a while, she gave up her struggles but her face remained buried in Ling Tian's embrace, refusing to lift her head up! She could still feel Ling Tian's hands roaming around her body and just when she said, "No…" her mouth was immediately stoppered by Ling Tian's lips and she couldn't say a second word. The room was then filled with odd noises…
A very long while later…
Ling Tian crawled up from the bed in satisfaction as he leaned back with his hands behind his head, "No wonder people say that after being in the army for three years, even a female pig will become a beauty. This is too true indeed, even though it has only been a few days… how satisfying…"
Behind him, Ling Chen was panting underneath the sheets with her face drenched in sweat and unable to even lift up a finger. Hearing what Ling Tian had said, she began to whine, "You… who are you calling a female pig?"
Ling Tian chuckled and dived into Ling Chen's chest as he explored around and said in a barely inaudible tone, "You, you are the female pig… I am the male pig… we are a pair of pigs. Wu… how fragrant, how smooth..."
...
"Young noble, there is a strange man outside who requests an audience." Just when Ling Tian had brewed himself a cup of tea, a servant reported to him.
"Strange man? How is he strange?" Ling Tian asked.
After thinking for a moment, the servant gave a serious response. "He is covered in black cloth all over and we can't see his real appearance. Furthermore, he speaks in an unclear fashion as well as though not wanting us to hear his true voice. While he seems tall, with the black cloth making his figure look huge, we can easily see his skinny figure when the wind blows. This subordinate also saw that his hair is extremely short and black. As such, I am certain that he isn't too old for sure. Furthermore, this person also has calluses on his hands and is probably a martial arts practitioner as well."
"Oh?" Ling Tian could not help but be interested. However, he wasn't interested in that black-robed man but in this servant in front of him. This fellow had such astute observational skills, and it was obvious that he had prepared these responses beforehand. No matter what he asked, this servant was still able to give him a satisfactory answer.
"What is your name? Are you new here? What was your original occupation?" Ling Tian lifted up his teacup and blew the rising steam off it. At the same time, his gaze was locked firmly on this servant.
"This subordinate is Zhang DaKou 1 , and I am twenty years old this year. I always had a large appetite since young and so I got this name." As though he was a little terrified, Zhang DaKou trembled slightly. "This subordinate entered the Ling residence seven days ago and Sir Ling Two was the one who arranged for me to be a messenger. This subordinate was originally a blacksmith." Despite it being a casual question by Ling Tian, Zhang DaKou was actually able to recite out his reply without any mistake.
A chilly glare flashed past Ling Tian's eyes and he said emotionlessly, "Oh, you may leave now. Invite the guest in."
"Yes, young noble." Zhang DaKou gave a respectful bow and walked out slowly. When he turned around, Ling Tian noticed the ears of Zhang DaKou twitching slightly as though he was smiling! He was obviously elated by the fact that he had put on a wonderful performance! Ling Tian could even imagine the perverse smile on his face.
Ling Tian began to frown as he thought, This Zhang DaKou doesn't seem like a simple individual! A mere blacksmith actually knowing the rites of an aristocratic family? Furthermore, his observational skills are so acute with his thoughts extremely meticulous. He was actually able to make use of every single opportunity to fully display his talents. While he had a face full of fear in the face of my questioning, his fingers were completely steady without even the single trace of trembling…
A twenty-year-old blacksmith? If a blacksmith was able to have such a temperament and shrewdness, all the blacksmiths in the world could become strategists instead!
How interesting! Ling Tian shut his eyes as he thought, You think that you can become a spy with such meager skills? Regardless of who is behind you, you are looking down on me too much!
"Young noble Ling, it has been long!" A black-robed figure slowly walked into the courtyard.
"Has it been long?" Ling Tian felt a sense of familiarity. "Who are you? Have I seen you before?"
"Young noble Ling is forgetful indeed!" An unconcealed voice of hatred sounded, "We had a brief meeting from afar and I believe that young noble Ling wouldn't forget this old friend so quickly right?" As he said that, the black-robed man removed the cloth covering his face and revealed a suave and young appearance.
"Oh, so it is you." Ling Tian replied indifferently. "You actually dare to come here alone? Shui QianHuan, is everyone from your Shui Family so bold?"
This person was actually the individual who conspired with Northern Wei, coerced Sky Bearing and allied with Western Han to lead 400,000 soldiers to surround Ling Xiao. He was the one who almost killed Ling Xiao, and was the successor of Water of Heavenly Wind, Shui QianHuan! He actually had the guts to show up in front of Ling Tian!
"Young noble Ling, are you not even going to offer this old friend a glass of water?" As though he was in his own house, Shui QianHuan walked over to the seat opposite Ling Tian and sat down. "Is this how your Ling Family treats its guests?"
"Shui QianHuan, can you even be considered a guest?" Ling Tian said with a steady expression. Despite saying that, he still clapped his hands lightly and a maid walked in with a tray of tea. Ever since Ling Tian acknowledged Ling Chen's status, he ignored the disagreement of Ling Chen and transferred another maid to serve their daily needs. At the same time, he thought to himself, Just what is Shui QianHuan relying on to be so calm?
"Good tea! Young noble Ling is indeed surrounded by good quality goods!" After taking a sip of the tea, Shui QianHuan felt a refreshing feeling filling his entire body. In his life, he had never tasted such good tea and could not help but praise.
Ling Tian only stared at him coldly, as though wanting to look into the depths of Shui QianHuan's soul! Without saying a single word, the whole room was filled with a tense atmosphere as though a volcano was about to erupt! However, Shui QianHuan continued to savor the tea as though he could not feel a thing and his expression was unchanged with his sleeves not even trembling.
"You are afraid of me?" Ling Tian suddenly asked as his sharp gaze was unblinkingly locked onto Shui QianHuan's eyes.
"Afraid of you? Hahaha…" Shui QianHuan chuckled, "does young noble Ling think that I have to be afraid of anyone?"
Ling Tian leaned his body slightly forward as he looked at Shui QianHuan with a pitying gaze, "I didn't want to give you a setback but your acting is just too fake! Your act is far too unnatural and forced. Shui QianHuan, no matter how good your acting is, it doesn't mean that you will be able to fool others! 'Too far is as bad as not enough', I believe that you have heard this phrase before right?"
Ling Tian then looked at Shui QianHuan with unconcealed disdain, "You are purposefully acting as though you are extremely calm and indifferent towards everything in the world, purposefully putting on an act to make yourself look extremely natural! However, you acting extremely natural makes it seem as though you care too much! Your natural bearing and demeanor are all an act that you are putting on! So, you must definitely be afraid in your heart. However, I don't think that you are afraid that I will kill you. So, what are you afraid of?" Ling Tian said with a trace of ridicule.
Shui QianHuan's suave appearance first turned red before he started laughing with mockery, "Ling Tian, I have to admit that you have a keen eyesight. However, didn't you admit it yourself? You don't dare to kill me! Hahaha, aren't you also afraid? Afraid of the prestige of my Shui Family? What are you acting so arrogant about?! Haha…"
Ling Tian stared at Shui QianHuan silently for a moment before letting out a snicker, "I was wrong indeed, you actually think so highly of yourself! Shui QianHuan, while the strength of your Shui Family is powerful, there must have been many of your subordinates that died under my hands, right? I am already mortal enemies with your Shui Family! If I kill you, your Shui Family will definitely not let the matter rest. But if I don't kill you, will you guys let the matter rest and not deal with me? Shui QianHuan, don't try to suppress me with the Shui Family which has been decaying for a thousand years! You won't be able to suppress me! Not to mention you, even if the Shui Family head were to make a personal appearance, I wouldn't be concerned!"
Ling Tian smiled as he spoke in a confident tone. Looking at Shui QianHuan who was trembling with anger, he continued, "Why not tell me what you are relying on? Why not tell me why you dare to come here alone and be certain that I wouldn't kill you? These are the things that I am interested in. As for your courage, steadiness and natural demeanor, they are not worth a fart to me! The only reason why I am not going to kill you is that I do not feel that it is time yet. But if you were to truly anger me, do you think I wouldn't dare to kill you on the spot?! Don't even think of putting up an act in front of me. Shui QianHuan, in terms of acting, you are far too inadequate, especially when you are trying to put up an act in front of someone far stronger than you!"
Shui QianHuan took in a large breath as he suppressed the anger in his heart and the urge to fly into a rage. "Ling Tian, where is my younger sister? I want to see her now!"
Ling Tian leaned back into the chair and raised his teacup. Without even looking at Shui QianHuan, he replied, "Shui QianHuan, be careful with your words. Why are you asking me about your missing sister? Am I your brother-in-law?"
"You!" Shui QianHuan's breathing became ragged as his eyes gleamed with a sinister light. With a mellow tone, he said, "Ling Tian, she is my only younger sister and is the precious princess of the whole family. If anything untoward were to happen to her, Water of Heavenly Wind would definitely not let the matter rest! We would definitely wipe out the party that harmed her! You have to consider your words carefully before giving me a reply."
Ling Tian lifted his head up slowly as a frosty light shot out from his eyes. "Originally, I would have been happy to tell you who harmed her, but I have changed my mind. Shui QianHuan, you should know that I only have a single father! My birth father! If anyone dares to harm my dad, I, Ling Tian, will be enemies with him as well! I will not rest until they are destroyed! I will definitely repay my enemies two-fold!"
Both of their fierce gazes collided with each other as though sparks were about to be ignited. As Ling Tian glared at Shui QianHuan, he took a step forward, "Also, do not bring out your young noble airs in front of me! This is no more than a joke to me and will only make me look down on you! Do you understand? Do you think your Shui Family will have a reaction if I kill you now?!"
Shui QianHuan's face turned completely red and he suddenly turned around, "Ling Tian, no matter what, my sister went missing in Sky Bearing. As the local snake of the area, it is impossible for you to be uninvolved in the matter! If I were to find out that you were the mastermind, not a single fowl or dog will be left alive in your Ling Family! My words will end here, and I will be taking my leave!"
Ling Tian then snorted and said coldly, "You really know how to joke. Do you think my Ling Residence is a place where you can come and go as you wish?! Did I allow you to leave? Since you are here already, are you even thinking of leaving? My Ling Family has always been extremely hospitable, and we would invite young noble Shui to stay for a few days so we can play host properly!"
Shui QianHuan then chuckled, "Ling Tian, before I came to your courtyard, another two elders of mine were already on their way to visit Old Madam Ling and Duke Ling. Haha, before being certain of my little sister's whereabouts, I am not interested in becoming enemies with the Ling Family yet. But if I do not leave this place after the designated time, it would be difficult for me to ensure that the two elders do not make a rash move. At that time, it wouldn't be good for either of us. Ling Tian, if you still want to play host to this young noble, you may carry on doing so."