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Chapter 341: So-Called Truth

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

Ling Tian let out a cold smile as he replied, "Like I said, young noble Shui is really good at joking! If my grandparents were really being paid a visit by your elders of the Shui family, then now that you're in my hands, wouldn't that even out matters? We're at least considered of the same position, so if I just let you walk away like that, then wouldn't I be laughed at for not being able to even take care of a guest? However, I didn't think that the famed Water of Heavenly Wind would actually stoop so such a base method. This has really opened my eyes!

Shui QianHuan didn't expect that Ling Tian was actually not threatened by him, and couldn't help but feel a little frantic. He retreated two steps hastily, and tore off all sense of pretense, putting up a strong front as he harshly spoke, "I've heard that Ling Tian had the heart of an evil tyrant, and indeed the rumors were true! Since you don't even place the safety of your grandparents at heart, then I, Shui QianHuan will not have anything to say even if I die by your hand. Just do it!" He actually then closed his eyes, putting on an expression as though he viewed death as just another matter in his life!

Seeing the reaction of Shui QianHuan, Ling Tian also let out a cold smile. What kind of hero are you trying to be? Since you've already approached me, don't even talk about heroism. Even if you're a hero in reality, I'll make sure your name becomes synonymous with coward!

As he stepped forward, about to take Shui QianHuan into his hands, he suddenly developed a thought! Hmm, for Shui QianHuan to send himself up today, is this not a heaven-sent opportunity? He could definitely take advantage of this!

While Shui QianHuan spoke with a tone of finality, it was merely trying to prolong the inevitable. How could he not be able to feel the killing intent Ling Tian directed towards him? However, he could only scream internally in frustration. To think that this fellow was not affected by both hard and soft methods, disregarding any consequences that might happen! How could he solve this now? If he were to admit defeat, then he would lose all face, but if he were to continue, then chances are he would still end up being the unlucky one! Just as he was weighing his options, he suddenly felt the killing intent that was originally suffocating him disappear, and he opened his eyes in confusion.

In front of him was Ling Tian, who stared gravely at him for a while, before suddenly laughing out, "Good guts! You indeed live up to your name as the successor for Water of Heavenly Wind. Ling Tian today had his eyes opened up to the world, respect, much respect! Since young noble has other things to do, then it wouldn't do for me to continue keeping you. May we meet again then!"

Shui QianHuan opened his eyes and stared in confusion, with an expression of disbelief. He could no longer care about having the demeanor of a disciple of an aristocratic house and started to scratch his head in confusion. It took him awhile to stutter out, "Are you not afraid that I would send down the order…"

Ling Tian then quirked his mouth in disdain, "My dear young noble Shui, I've just praised you for being so open about death, but now you're already making me regret my words! You're truly too naive! If my grandparents were in your hands like you said, you would have definitely brought them in front of me before attempting to negotiate with me! Would there be a need for you to personally enter my Ling Residence? Shui QianHuan, with this pig-head of yours, just how did Wei ChengPing have the confidence to hand over his 400,000 soldiers? No wonder the 400,000 Northern Wei army suffered such a miserable defeat. How pathetic!" Ling Tian lamented as though he deeply regretted the loss of the Northern Wei army.

Shui QianHuan felt his face turn red, "Ling Tian, if not for Han TieXuan changing sides at the last minute to cause my army to suffer from a pincer attack, those 20,000 soldiers of yours would only be enough to tickle us! It would be a problem for you to even keep your lives, and it would be impossible for you to defeat my army! You would definitely be the final loser!"

Ling Tian looked at Shui QianHuan as though he was staring at an idiot and burst out into laughter. Pointing at Shui QianHuan with his finger, he laughed until his sides started to ache.

"What are you laughing about? Did I say anything wrong?!" Shui QianHuan felt uncomfortable from Ling Tian's laughter and couldn't help but ask.

"Hahahaha… Shui QianHuan, I finally know that your defeat is not unjustified! You are actually such a fool! Up until now, you still don't know just how you lost and who you lost to! Hahaha… what a joke, I can't believe that such an idiot can be the successor of the Water of Heavenly Wind! It would be a wonder if you didn't suffer a loss!" Shui QianHuan's face turned completely pale from Ling Tian's mockery, and he couldn't help but want to strangle Ling Tian to death!

"What do you mean by that? Don't try to fool me with words! If you cannot make yourself clear, I will fight you to the death!" Shui QianHuan began gasping for air. Ever since he was born, he had never been looked down upon by others. Now that Ling Tian treated him like dirt, he felt his chest tighten and his heart exploding. However, hearing that there seemed to be a hidden meaning behind Ling Tian's words, he still suppressed his anger and questioned Ling Tian.

"Your defeat was determined from the time you sent out your army!" Ling Tian finally managed to stop himself from laughing, "However, why should I be the one to teach you about your loss? Shouldn't that be the job of your elders? Or perhaps, what can you give me in exchange for my teachings? Right, I forgot that you are completely penniless now. Since this young noble has already benevolently let you off, you are better off running away with your tails between your legs. You still dare to try and fish for information from me? Do you really think that this young noble is a fool?"

"Ling Tian! You…" Shui QianHuan almost went crazy from his anger. However, this was a matter that had troubled him over the past few days. He had always been proud of his military strategies and was certain that he was a top-notch military commander! Ever since he had arrived in the Heavenly Star Continent, he was able to control the winds and storm with just a flip of his hands and had easily pieced together an alliance of the three empires. Just when he was feeling extremely proud of himself, the tides of the battle changed completely and he suffered such a miserable defeat before he even had the chance to consider his next move! In just a mere few hours, the battle was lost, and the elites that he had brought with him were almost wiped out! Such a disastrous blow was something that was unbearable to the proud Shui QianHuan! He had been frustrated to the point he wanted to commit suicide!

For him to personally enter the Ling residence to ask Ling Tian about his sister's whereabouts was a subconscious suicidal move of his! Hearing what Ling Tian had just said, he suddenly realized that there must have been an inside story to his defeat and couldn't help but be energized! This information was far too important to him! Thus, he clenched his teeth and said, "What are the conditions that young noble Ling requires for you to enlighten me on this matter? I really want to know the reason for my defeat!"

Ling Tian twiddled with the teacup in his hand and said with a calm tone, "The Water of Heavenly Wind is naturally extremely powerful and not an existence that I can afford to provoke. I hope that young noble Shui can ensure that your Shui Family will not deal with the Ling Family when they are here in the Heavenly Star Continent in future. Ah ah, that should be a simple condition, right?"

"This is impossible!" Shui QianHuan rejected without hesitation, "You first harmed my sister and killed a dozen of my Shui Family experts! Our enmity is already irreconcilable!"

Ling Tian responded with a sigh, "Shui QianHuan, you have to be clear. I didn't harm your sister! The harm your sister suffered has nothing to do with me! You had better not attempt to frame me for this matter and I will only explain myself once. If your Water of Heavenly Wind chooses to be unreasonable, then I am not one to be afraid of trouble! Since I am able to create trouble, I would naturally be unafraid of trouble. However, I will never become the scapegoat of others!" As he said that, Ling Tian added on in his own heart, I really didn't harm your sister. I only captured her after she had been harmed by someone else. That is really the truth!

Hearing what Ling Tian had said, Shui QianHuan couldn't help but calm down a little. He could tell that Ling Tian wasn't lying. Furthermore, since he was now in the Ling Residence, if Ling Tian was the true culprit, Ling Tian could just capture him as well! There was no need for Ling Tian to lie to him at all! It seems that my sister's disappearance really wasn't because of him.

But if it wasn't because of him, in the whole Heavenly Star Continent, who would have the courage and strength? It seemed as though there could only be one answer…

Seeing the changes on Shui QianHuan's face, Ling Tian couldn't help but snicker in his heart. "As for the deaths of your Shui Family experts, the battlefield is a place where it is either your death or mine. Why are you complaining about their deaths now? Their deaths can only be attributed to their lack of strength. Don't tell me that only you guys are allowed to kill and everyone else must stretch out their necks for you to slaughter them? Ridiculous! Forming an enmity because of this? Don't you think your unreasonable attitude is a joke? Who was the one who started the war in the first place? To think you still have the cheek to talk about revenge!"

Shui QianHuan's face turned bright red and he knew that he was in the wrong. Thus, he quickly turned his head around and said with a chilly tone, "Even if that's the case, I can only promise you that our family will not purposefully seek trouble with your Ling Family when they are in the Heavenly Star Continent. But if they were to meet you on the battlefield, then life and death shall be determined by the heavens."

Ling Tian rolled his eyes. "More rubbish! No matter what, I will definitely not say that I am the only one allowed to kill others, and they can only stretch out their necks for me to slaughter. I will also not expect your Shui Family members to turn tail and run the moment they see my Ling Family, although that is indeed your Shui Family's outstanding tradition." Ling Tian was obviously ridiculing Shui QianHuan for escaping after his defeat.

Shui QianHuan's face slowly turned purple as he glared at Ling Tian, "Can young noble Ling spill the beans now? If not, I don't have the time to waste with you!" The more he interacted with Ling Tian, the more he felt helpless. Especially the fact that Ling Tian's sarcastic remarks made him feel as though he had a foot in the grave. Even when being reprimanded by the elders of his family, Shui QianHuan never felt this pathetic before! Shui QianHuan really didn't want to stay for a moment longer!

Ling Tian burst out into laughter and suddenly lowered his voice and whispered into Shui QianHuan's ears. As Shui QianHuan saw how serious Ling Tian was, he couldn't help but turn serious as well. "Han TieXuan from Western Han is a member of the Yu Family! As for your sister… ah ah, I cannot tell any lies, I cannot tell any lies!"

Siiiiii…. Shui QianHuan took in a breath of cold air as his eyes widened! No wonder Ling Tian said that my defeat was determined the moment I sent out my army! No wonder why Han TieXuan would change sides without any warning! No wonder why my sister would go missing in Sky Bearing!

Chapter 342: Crazy

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

"Siii!..." Shui QianHuan took in a breath of cold air as his eyes turned as wide as saucers! No wonder Ling Tian said that his defeat was already determined the moment he sent out his troops! No wonder Han TieXuan would suddenly change sides without any warning! No wonder his own sister would go missing in Sky Bearing!

Yu Family, what a good Yu Family! You indeed lived up to the name of being our thousand-year-old nemesis!

Han TieXuan changing sides suddenly was something that was completely out of Shui QianHuan's expectations and also the biggest reason for the Northern Wei's defeat. Shui QianHuan only came to a realization at this moment! However, Shui QianHuan had thought too far and thought that his sister's disappearance was due to the Yu Family as well. Indeed, apart from Ling Tian, only the Yu Family would have the ability to capture Shui QianRou in the Heavenly Star Continent. If the Yu Family wasn't the one who captured Shui QianRou, who else could it be? Furthermore, the Yu Family had always been their greatest enemy for the past thousand years! After hearing what Ling Tian said, Shui QianHuan began gnashing his teeth in anger as a ferocious glare shot out from his eyes.

Ling Tian then shook his head as he stood up. "Water of Heavenly Wind, Jade of Heavenly Star; hahaha, no matter how powerful the Water of Heavenly Wind is, your Shui Family is at the very most equal to the Yu Family. Don't forget, this is the Heavenly Star Continent! Hehe, if we were to use these two matters as an example, even if you knew that the Yu Family was the culprit, do you have any evidence? Are you going to try and plot against the Yu Family like how you did against the Ling Family without any reason? It doesn't seem like an easy matter! Even if you have the heart to do so, do you have the courage? Do you have the ability?!"

Ling Tian's tone was filled with mockery and ridicule. But it was also because of his tone that Shui QianHuan's suspicions towards Ling Tian disappeared.

Shui QianHuan suddenly stood up straight with a solemn expression and clapped his palms, "Thank you young noble for enlightening me! QianHuan will definitely repay the Ling Family for our previous offenses! Goodbye!" Now that Shui QianHuan's attention was fully directed towards dealing with the Yu Family, he wanted to mend his relationship with the Ling Family. After all, no matter how powerful their Shui Family was, the Heavenly Star Continent was still foreign ground and it was impossible for them to fight two enemies in the land where the Yu Family had their roots! Especially after seeing the unfathomable Ling Tian the other day, Shui QianHuan was already terrified of him and definitely didn't want to provoke this devil.

Shui QianHuan had already come to the conclusion that he was no longer able to control the situation and he couldn't make such a huge decision either. The only option left for him would be to contact his Shui Family for them to send more men over. Of course, it would be the best if they could deal with the Yu Family together with Ling Tian. However…

Shui QianHuan let out a long sigh as he regretted his choice of making a move towards the Ling Family! From Ling Tian's performance today, it was obvious that he wasn't on the same side as the Yu Family yet. Just like the saying goes, an enemy's enemy is my friend, but he had lost such a huge ally because he tried to act smart!

Seeing how Shui QianHuan was about to leave, Ling Tian almost burst out into laughter. He naturally understood what Shui QianHuan's plans were. However, now that both their families had just fought each other, it was impossible for either of them to have the cheek to suggest an alliance. While Ling Tian was thick-skinned enough to ask for an alliance, he wasn't too concerned about the alliance. The most important thing would be for everything to turn out fine in the end. However, if this matter were to spread out, not to mention anyone else, even his own father would skin him alive!

I shall make my plans before making a decision… Ling Tian comforted himself in his heart as he walked out of the room. As he remembered that Ling Chen was currently mentoring Yu BingYan in painting, he wanted to go and take a look at her progress.

Just when he had left the room, he saw a servant sprinting towards him. Seeing the panting servant, Ling Tian couldn't help but frown as he looked at the servant approaching him.

"Young noble, cough cough… Long Xiang… His Majesty is… crazy," the servant said in a breathless fashion. Ever since Ling Tian had returned, Old Madam Ling gave a strict order to report everything in the Ling Residence to Ling Tian at the first moment. This was for her own personal benefit as she and her husband had been arguing incessantly over Long Xiang's matters for the past few days and she was also afraid that their daughter might make a foolish move. Thus, she gave such an order in light of the fact that her grandson had many ingenious plans. The moment something was to happen, he would definitely be able to solve the problem with his unusual ideas. Thus, the servant keeping watch on Long Xiang immediately reported the matter to Ling Tian when he realized something was wrong.

"Crazy?" Ling Tian's brows furrowed. This fellow didn't go crazy any earlier or later but right when my father and I returned home? D*mmit, isn't his timing too accurate?!

"Yes, he is going crazy." The servant finally caught his breath as he said anxiously, "This servant was afraid that something might go wrong so I check on him a few times every day. When I saw him in the morning, his long hair was soaked in a pile of his own excrement and he was mumbling to himself with his face in a daze. He should probably be crazy already." As the servant said that, he observed Ling Tian's expression and couldn't help but be terrified.

To think that Long Xiang would go crazy while he was on duty! Just what kind of bad luck did he have? While Long Xiang was only a captive, he was still Ling Ran's husband and the young noble's uncle-in-law!

"Lead the way, I will go and take a look." Ling Tian replied calmly. The servant quickly acknowledged that order as he gave a sigh of relief.

When they were still a ways off, Ling Tian could already smell an odor that attacked his nose. He had always liked cleanliness and couldn't help but frown. Without stopping, he quickly arrived outside the cell door and looked in from the window.

He then saw Long Xiang's hair in a mess with some white and yellow substance smeared in it. His hands were also dirty with a dazed expression on his face. He no longer had the prestige of a ruler and his usually serious expression was replaced with a juvenile look as he sang and hopped around in the stone room.

A cold sneer could then be seen on Ling Tian's face as he commanded, "Men, bring a few buckets of water and clean him up! He is the ruler of an empire after all!"

With a command, the trembling servants flew into action immediately and quickly returned with buckets of water.

Ling Tian then kicked the stone door open and took two steps back. He then pointed and shouted, "Splash!"

A bucket of water was then splashed all over Long Xiang and he was drenched from head to toe. Long Xiang then shivered for a moment but quickly regained his crazy appearance. As though he didn't see a thing, Ling Tian continued to order buckets of water to be splashed on Long Xiang. In just a short five minutes, over a dozen buckets were splashed on Long Xiang and the whole stone room was completely soaked in water.

Raising his hands, Ling Tian stopped his servants from splashing water and commanded them to sweep the excess water out before walking into the room slowly. While the room was still damp, it no longer had a stench. Ling Tian then gave a calm command, "Wait outside and don't let anyone within 50 feet of this place! Those who defy me will be executed!"

The servants all trembled slightly and quickly acknowledged the order.

Ling Tian paced around the room once as he looked at Long Xiang with a smile that didn't seem like a smile. "What good acting, you really have some talent. You really shouldn't be an emperor. If you go and work in an opera house, you can definitely make a good living!"

Long Xiang looked at Ling Tian with a vacant expression as though he had never seen a live person before. Then, he turned around and began to hum a tune as he danced to it. After wiping the bottom of his feet with his finger, he stuck his finger into his nose and sniffed on it. Following that, he began sucking on the finger as though he was enjoying a fabulous delicacy.

Ling Tian looked at Long Xiang's actions with interest before saying with a deep tone, "You originally planned to get rid of my Ling Family with the aid of the Water of Heavenly Wind and Northern Wei, restoring the authority of your Long Family in Sky Bearing. Even if you were to sacrifice some immediate benefits, it would be in exchange for the authority of unprecedented authority. With the support of the Yang Family and their enmity with the Ling Family, all the stars would be aligned and the pieces of the puzzle would all be in place. Thinking that everything was under your control, you decided to scheme against the Ling Family. However, you were unaware that everything you saw and knew were no more than lies!"

Long Xiang acted as though he didn't understand what Ling Tian said and acted as though he wasn't even listening to Ling Tian. After rubbing his finger on his body, a black ball of mud could be seen on his finger. With a wide smile, he dumped it into his mouth and sucked on it happily before swallowing it. At the same time, he mumbled to himself, "I want to eat candy, I want to eat candy! Woah! Nice candy!"

Ling Tian ignored him and continued, "However, you never thought that this flawless plan of yours had failed when you thought that the Ling Family no longer had anything to rely on. Although you are already a prisoner now, you are actually not afraid in the slightest. You know that your parents-in-law, wife, and daughter are in the Ling Family. Furthermore, the Ling Family has always been merciful and would definitely show you some mercy. You are even daydreaming about the fact that with the Yang Family eradicated our Ling Family might even return you to the throne if you gave us good enough benefits. Ah ah… Mmm, you should have such thoughts…"

"However, when my father returned safely yesterday, you were truly afraid. You have harmed him too deeply; less than 15,000 soldiers returned from his 100,000 strong army. You have betrayed his trust with your unscrupulous means, and my father already hates you to the core, wanting to execute you to appease his anger! If not for the fact that he was injured and stopped by my grandfather, together with the pleading of my aunt, you would have been turned into a corpse by now! However, you also saw that even my grandfather and aunt's appearance wasn't enough to appease the anger of my father! Thus, you were really afraid; afraid that you would die in the hands of my father, right?" Ling Tian slowly analyzed the situation, but Long Xiang's eyes were not looking at Ling Tian.

Long Xiang was still dancing around as though he was mimicking the moves of a fairy dancing. He then suddenly sat on the floor as he tried to lift up his feet and send his toes into his mouth. However, with his stiff body, how was it possible for him to do that? Then, he began rolling on the floor as he cried out in an incoherent manner.

Chapter 343: Turning Lies into Reality

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

Ling Tian couldn't be bothered with Long Xiang's reaction and continued speaking, "The moment you felt that your wife and daughter were unable to protect you, you chose another plan: feign craziness! I have to admit that this is a good plan. The moment you go crazy, my father will not be able to kill a crazy man no matter how enraged he is. Furthermore, your wife and child are living in the Ling Residence and you surely won't starve to death. As long as you can continue living, you will be able to wait for a chance to rise up again! Mmm, you will probably find your chance with my aunt. Haha, a single day of marriage brings a hundred days of favor, not to mention the fact that you guys were married for more than ten years! You know that my aunt is soft-hearted and extremely reliant on you. Thus, she would be the only chance for you to rise up again. Furthermore, your acting is indeed extremely convincing and even I am unable to find fault with it!"

Ling Tian then let out a sigh of praise, "Good plan! What a good plan! Especially the fact that you would ignore your status and engage in such filthy acts. No one would even think that it is all an act. No one would believe that the monarch of an empire would resort to such means just to survive! Even I am unable to see any flaws in your acting and can only suspect you! This plan of yours is just too g*dd*mn good!" Ling Tian chuckled, "However, regardless of whether or not you are truly crazy, a single trace of suspicion is enough for me! Furthermore, there is something that is not within your plans. Do you know what that is?"

"What is it?" Long Xiang was no longer his crazy self as he looked towards Ling Tian with a face full of despair. Ling Tian ignored him from the start to the end and only calmly analyzed the situation. However, each and every single word Ling Tian said had struck the deepest corners of his heart, making it impossible for him to continue feigning craziness. Since Ling Tian had already seen through his act, what was the point for him to continue it? It was no more than a joke if he were to continue his act!

"The Ling Family still has me!" Ling Tian pointed at himself before continuing, "Talking about acting, I am far more experienced than you! Let me tell you something, this young noble has been acting ever since I was in my mother's womb! How did you think I got the title of the number one silkpants in Sky Bearing? You actually dare to put up an act in front of me?! No matter how realistic your act is or how entertaining it is, it is no different from trying to flaunt the Analects in front of Confucius! You are no more than a Manchurian peasant trying to flaunt your acting skills in front of an Oscar actor! What a joke!" Ling Tian said with a merciless tone.

Long Xiang naturally didn't know what a Manchurian peasant referred to and definitely didn't know the meaning of an Oscar actor. He only remained silent as he gnashed his teeth in dismay.

"However, this act of yours reminded me of another thing." Ling Tian paced around the room with a relaxed expression as though one of his huge problems was just solved. "I was originally frustrated about how I should take care of you! Kill you? Very sadly I can't! Release you? That's impossible! But if I can't kill or release you, am I going to imprison you for life? Furthermore, with Aunt present in the Ling Family, you would have the chance to rise up again! However, I am not willing to take such a risk! Hahaha… just when I was feeling frustrated, you chose to feign craziness!"

Ling Tian then leaned towards Long Xiang and whispered, "You are a genius indeed! You solved my problem so easily!" Ling Tian said with a bright and warm smile, with his white teeth on full display. However, in Long Xiang's eyes, Ling Tian was no different from a famished wolf looking at him with his mouth wide open! Long Xiang couldn't help but stammer, "You… what do you want?"

Ling Tian had a delighted smile as he lowered his head and said patiently, "Since you are so willing to put on a show, I will definitely fulfill your wish! Since you are already crazy, then I shall truly make you turn crazy! How about that?"

Ling Tian looked at Long Xiang with a sincere gaze as though asking for his opinion, while he placed a hand behind Long Xiang's head, "I heard that there is a special part of the brain called the cortex located here. If the nerves within it are destroyed, an individual would become an idiot for life! Your idea is truly a brilliant one… hahaha, let me give your brain a reward first! Mmm, you can be assured that if your unborn child is going to be obedient, I will definitely take good care of him! But if he isn't going to be obedient, things will be very different. You have to know, the best habit I have is that I will uproot my enemies! However, on account of my aunt, I will not let him know that he has the surname of Long from the day he is born. This surname is truly disgusting, am I right? Ah ah, unless he has also traveled here from another world, but the possibility of that seems small! Haha…"

While Long Xiang didn't know what the cortex or nerves were, he could feel that he was in trouble. Thus, he couldn't help but shout out in reflex, "Help me…"

Before he could even scream out, he felt a shockwave at the back of his head and Ling Tian's inner qi rushed into his head…

Ling Tian then walked out of the room at ease with a relaxed expression, as though he was back from a stroll in the garden.

On the outside, a large crowd surrounded the place with Old Madam Ling, Princess JiaoYue and Ling Ran at the very front. Duke Ling was standing by the side and even his mother, Chu Ting'er, was there. The moment they saw that Ling Tian was out, they all gathered forward quickly and asked, "How is he?"

Ling Tian's expression was solemn as he shook his head without saying a single word. However, the expression on his face had already informed everyone of the outcome.

With a 'putong' sound, Ling Ran had knelt down in front of Ling Tian and hugged his leg tight. "Tian'er, I know you can save him! I know you have that ability. Back when I was afflicted with poison, you were also capable of saving me. Your aunt pleads for you to please save him. Although his sins are unforgivable and he is despicable, he is still my husband! He is still your cousin's biological father! Tian'er! Please save him? Please, please, please save him!!" As she said that, she began to kowtow to Ling Tian.

Ling Tian quickly helped her up, "Aunt, aren't you trying to cut my lifespan short? Don't worry, as long as there is a trace of hope, our Ling Family will not give up on curing him! I will send out a notice to invite all the famous physicians over to treat him. However, his illness is one of the heart and is different from Aunt being poisoned. It is impossible for me to treat him with my inner qi, I hope you won't blame me."

Ling Ran stood up blankly. As the daughter of the Ling Family, she was naturally well-learned and knew that what Ling Tian said was the truth. Thus, she fell into a daze as she felt her heart turning cold and lost the ability to think.

As the others opened the door of the stone room, they saw a Long Xiang with lifeless eyes and a juvenile expression. He was laughing foolishly in a corner of the room with a string of shiny drool drooping down from the corner of his lips. Without a second look, everyone was certain that this Sky Bearing former emperor was indeed crazy! It was impossible to feign that expression of his!

Ling Ran and Princess JiaoYue blacked out and they both collapsed on the floor unconscious! Everyone couldn't help but panic as they jabbed their philtrum to help the both of them regain consciousness. The moment both of them woke up, they burst out into tears…

Ling Tian then let out a long sigh and said, "Send my orders to search for famous physicians all over the continent! No matter how much silver needs to be spent and where the physician is, he must be brought in front of me! Until they can treat Long Xiang!"

A servant by the side acknowledged Ling Tian's orders and quickly passed it down! At the same time, Ling Ran and Princess JiaoYue also looked at Ling Tian with a gaze full of gratitude! Despite Long Xiang's unscrupulous schemes towards the Ling Family, Ling Tian was still able to give such an order to help invite physicians to treat his illness regardless of the cost. Such an action of his was already considered extremely benevolent!

However, they were unaware that Ling Tian's previous blow to Long Xiang's brain had rendered him incurable! Not to mention the physicians of this generation, even if the most famous doctors from his previous life were to be gathered, they would still be completely helpless! Even if someone were to cross through worlds and possess Long Xiang, he would still be an idiot for all eternity…

After taking care of the problem of Long Xiang, Ling Tian felt at ease. However, he still felt a tinge of sorrow upon witnessing Ling Ran's heartbreak.

While Long Xiang's sins were unforgivable and it could be said that he deserved the present outcome, Ling Ran's actions were without fault! No matter what, Long Xiang was still Ling Ran's man! The father of Ling Ran's child! This was something that would never change!

On this point alone, perhaps all the women in the world would be alike. Ling Tian then let out a sigh as he thought about Ling Chen. If he was in Long Xiang's shoes, what would Ling Chen do? Perhaps she would be even crazier than his own aunt! Even if he was a living devil and the demon in everyone's eyes, Ling Chen was still his Ling Chen!

Love was something that had no logic!

Ling Tian then thought about how many gentle and beautiful women from his previous life had fallen in love with murderers, rapists, or even drug traffickers, making one sigh in pity! Did these women not know that the guy they were in love with was a criminal? Did they not have a trace of justice in their hearts? Definitely not. Under the spell of love, even if they knew that they were wrong, they would still stand against the world. In their hearts, they were not willing to let their beloved suffer from the slightest bit of injury!

Women! Ling Tian sighed on his way back to his courtyard. Just when he finally sat down, news came from the courtyard. There seemed to be some problem with the surrendered soldiers and Shui QianRou was demanding to see him.

Ling Tian rubbed his temples and let out yet another sigh. Even though everything was supposed to be concluded and it was supposed to be time for his break, he seemed to be even busier than before!

Ling Chen could naturally see what he was thinking about and said with a smile, "Young noble has more responsibilities because of your capabilities. If they were all as capable as young noble, young noble's talents wouldn't be able to stand out."

Ling Tian looked at her beautiful face and couldn't help but be tempted again. Stroking her face gently, he said with a perverse smile, "Is this young noble really very… capable? I think Chen'er should be the most familiar with that…"

Chapter 344: High Pressure

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

As a pure and innocent young lady, how would Ling Chen be able to understand Ling Tian's hidden meaning? Thus, she said with a sincere look, "Young noble is the most capable of course. I haven't seen anyone more capable than young noble."

Black lines couldn't help but be formed on Ling Tian's face as he smacked Ling Chen on her behind, "Nonsense! It would be a problem if you had seen others!"

Ling Chen squealed and curled up in Ling Tian's embrace. At the same time, she asked, "Why would it be a problem? In any case, Ling Chen really hasn't seen anyone more capable than young noble before! I am telling the truth!"

Ling Tian only responded with an awkward laugh and whispered something in Ling Chen's ears. The next moment, Ling Chen's face turned bright red as she hammered Ling Tian's chest and whined, "Young noble, you are too naughty!"

Ling Tian burst out into laughter and picked her up. At the same time, he nibbled on her ear and chuckled, "Since Chen'er has praised me for being capable, how would I be able to live up to your praise if I don't prove my capabilities once again!" As he said that, he walked towards his bedroom.

Ling Chen let out an embarrassed shriek as she said softly, "Young noble, they are still waiting for you in the courtyard."

Ling Tian then raised his eyebrows and said with an intimate tone, "Let them wait for a few hours then. I have to first let Ling Chen know just how capable her young noble is." Ling Chen quickly covered her face as she felt her whole body heat up…

The people in the courtyard waited from the morning to the afternoon before finally seeing Ling Tian and Ling Chen arriving. It could be seen that young noble Ling was indeed extremely capable!

Ling Tian sat on his horse and looked at the various commanders of the courtyard with a furious expression, "Feng Mo, what instructions did I give you the other time? What is going on with these surrendered soldiers? You actually have the guts to trouble me with it? Ah ah, I really overestimated your true abilities!"

The originally anxious Feng Mo turned completely pale from fright and he quickly bowed. "Young noble, let me make a report. After the initial period of fear, there were some of the surrendered soldiers who began to spread rumors that they were far away in a foreign land and extremely afraid. Due to them missing their homeland, there were even some who made use of the opportunity to create trouble. Our men are far inferior in numbers, and the surrendered soldiers outnumber us far too greatly. When the men of the courtyard attempted to discipline them, they even broke out into fights. Now, the morale in the courtyard is extremely low, and we think that if we were to use ironclad methods to suppress them, even if the surrendered soldiers don't have weapons, they are far too numerous…" As he said that, he lifted his head to take a peek at Ling Tian's expression. Upon seeing Ling Tian's expression his heart turned cold and didn't dare to continue his explanation.

"That's all?" Ling Tian's face was filled with dark clouds and he looked as though he was about to erupt at any moment. "All of you are capable indeed, being stumped by these trash. All of them are surrendered troops from the start and not our own personal troops! Furthermore, they are all adults with their own thoughts. Feng Mo, for you to treat them like our own personal troops, I don't know if you are an idiot or fool! You have really let me down!" Ling Tian said seriously.

Facing Ling Tian's reprimand, Feng Mo's face turned completely pale, and he didn't even dare to breathe!

Ling Tian then got off the horse and said as he walked, "We don't have much time left. From the very start, I never thought of converting all 120,000 of these soldiers over to become our personal soldiers. Furthermore, I don't have the time or energy to slowly convert them. If anyone were to have such an idea, they would be a complete idiot! The only thing we can do now is to suppress them with ironclad means! That would be the most effective!"

Ling Tian suddenly turned and looked at Feng Mo with a sharp gaze, "In my original estimates, 60,000 of them submitting would already be a good outcome. Feng Mo, let me ask you, do you know what will happen to the other 60,000?"

Beads of sweat rolled down from Feng Mo's face profusely but he didn't dare to wipe it off. "Err, this subordinate doesn't know… young noble probably has other arrangements for them."

"Other arrangements? Cheh!" Ling Tian let out a sneer, "Let me tell you clearly, those 60,000 soldiers would be used to establish our prestige!"

"Ah?!" At this moment, all the commanders present couldn't help but gasp in shock!

Establish our prestige? In other words, the fate of the 60,000 soldiers would be death!

Killing 60,000 soldiers to establish prestige? How many people would be able to do so?!

This was something unimaginable! If they were on the battlefield fighting to the death, not to mention 60,000 soldiers, even the deaths of 200,000 soldiers would be a common affair! However, the soldiers had already surrendered, and it was unacceptable for them to massacre the unarmed captives! The general in charge of this operation would definitely be labeled as a cruel and bloodthirsty general for generations to come!

"Ever since the ancient times, there are a few huge requirements for using surrendered soldiers." Ling Tian said slowly, "First, to ensure that they don't betray us on the battlefield. Second, to guard against a mutiny. Third, they can only be sent to fight small skirmishes and not fierce battles! Fourth, they can't be sent to face their mother nation! So, dealing with surrendered soldiers has always been the greatest headache for all generals!"

Everyone nodded their heads as they thought in their heart, Since you understand such logic, why did you bother bringing them back? How would they be easy to handle?

"But in my hands, there wouldn't be a huge problem. At the very least, I wouldn't be troubled like the other generals." Ling Tian said with a profound gaze, "The other generals had been far too benevolent or old-fashioned! Despite wanting to use these men, they still had to guard against them. Furthermore, they still had to act benevolent and righteous, pretending to use their sincerity to touch the hearts of these soldiers to convert them fully. This was no more than a whore wanting to erect a memorial arch for herself!" Ling Tian sneered with disdain, "They were far too foolish! The surrendered soldiers have been brainwashed since they were young and it is impossible to reverse that brainwashing in a mere few days or months! The only way to deal with them would be to use violence! Absolute bloodthirsty violence! A special form of violence mixed with powerful means and special plans! That would be the only effective method."

"Bloodthirsty violence? A special form of violence mixed with powerful means and special plans?" Everyone couldn't help but look at Ling Tian with confusion. Especially the experienced generals who had been on the battlefield for many years. They all couldn't help but perk their ears up expectantly.

Ling Tian couldn't help but sigh in his heart. Ling Tian knew from the start that it wouldn't be an easy matter to convert these soldiers to become his own! In the fantasy novels that he had read from his past life, the protagonist would only have to unleash his might and prestige, followed by enticing them with benefits and a touching speech. The surrendered soldiers would all then kneel down before him and plead to pledge their allegiance to the protagonist. However, that was no more than a dream!

Even if you wanted to try converting a surrendered soldier for ten years, as long as he had a weapon in his hands, he could immediately turn around to kill the commander in charge of converting him.

Ling Tian then turned around to face the various military commanders of the courtyard, "This will be the arrangements for the surrendered soldiers. Ten people will form a section, a hundred will form a platoon and a thousand will form a company! Ten thousand men will form a battalion! The section commander, platoon commander, company commander and battalion commander will be arranged by men from the courtyard." Hearing these words, everyone couldn't help but be elated. However, Ling Tian's following words turned all of their faces pale!

Ling Tian then continued, "In a section, if a single individual wants to escape or cause chaos, execute the whole section! In a platoon, if there are more than two sections with offenders, the whole platoon will be executed! In a company, if there are more than two platoons with offenders, the company commander will be demoted to become an ordinary soldier and that company will be executed! From today on, Ling Jian will lead the First Pavilion to be the Enforcement Hall. All of you can decide if there is a need to increase manpower and have the authority to arrange their jobs. There is no need to report anything to me. All of you can make your own decisions! If there are any offenders, they will be executed! There will be no exceptions!"

"Anyone who doesn't listen to commands, attempts to escape, slack off on training, stir up trouble… will be executed! There will be no exceptions, kill without mercy!" Ling Tian listed out more than ten reasons for execution and everyone present couldn't help but turn pale.

"Ling Jian, did you hear me clearly?" Ling Tian asked casually.

"Yes, young noble." As though he wanted to say something else, he looked at Ling Tian with hesitation. After a short while, he finally said what he wanted, "Young noble, I am not very familiar with these things, I'm afraid…"

Ling Tian smiled, "You don't have to be familiar. You only need to know how to do one thing. You only need to know how to kill!"

Everyone couldn't help but tremble with fear! These simple words of Ling Tian were enough to bathe the Ling Family Courtyard in a river of blood! With these simple words, thousands of people would die under Ling Jian's sword!

Kill without mercy! What a frightening three words. They finally understood the true deterrent effect of these words!

After walking a short distance, Ling Tian suddenly turned around and said with a smile, "Sixty thousand usable soldiers out of the 120,000 soldiers would be a good outcome. Since they are soldiers that have fallen down from the skies, if there is a need, I would be satisfied if only 30,000 elite soldiers were left behind."

"A benevolent individual can't lead soldiers! The blood of a man must be like iron! Since you have decided to walk down this path, you can't turn your head back again!"

Ling Tian said this with a calm smile as his white robes fluttered in the wind. As everyone present heard these words, they couldn't help but cower in fear.

Ling Tian then waved his hands to Ling Chen and indicated for her to follow him. "Alright, all of you can go back to what you guys were doing. By tomorrow before daybreak, I want to see all the surrendered soldiers sorted neatly! If I need to take care of anything else, then…" Ling Tian's razor-sharp gaze landed on everyone, "all of you can scram! Including Ling Jian and your First Pavilion!"

Even when Ling Tian had left them, the commanders present still stood up straight respectfully! Ling Tian's words had shocked the many experienced soldiers thoroughly! With his bloody methods, no matter how rowdy the surrendered soldiers were, they would probably become docile lambs! Although the methods were indeed too cruel.

Chapter 345: Negotiation

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

Ling Tian walked into the stone room and asked the two guards in charge of guarding Shui QianRou, "How has Miss Shui been?"

"Good, she is good."

While Ling Tian was asking about Shui QianRou's physical condition, he never expected the two guards to reveal such a bitter and pitiful look. Seeing their unsightly expressions, Ling Tian couldn't help but ask, "What happened?"

The burly man was startled, and he began to stutter, "No...nothing…"

"Eh? Nothing?!" Ling Tian frowned, "Speak! I want to know every detail!"

Both the guards were shocked and quickly recounted everything. As Ling Tian heard what they said, his frown became tighter and tighter.

It turned out that the injuries to Shui QianRou's body weren't very serious and only her internal injuries were serious. However, her internal injuries had already been meticulously treated by Ling Tian. Together with her almost XianTian cultivation, her recovery rate was naturally speedy. In just a short while, her injuries were almost fully recovered!

But following her full recovery, the days of the guards gradually grew bitter. Miss Shui's requests were all spoken as though her requests were requirements. Didn't your young noble Ling say to take good care of me? As a woman, cleanliness is naturally important to me, and I have to take a bath! Bring a bathtub and fill it up with warm water! After taking my bath, I will naturally need a fresh set of clothes right? I also want to change my undergarments! How can a woman not have some makeup? How can there be no mirror or dressing table in my room? How can there be no comb? How can…

As her body gradually recovered, she had more and more requests, and her tone became more and more forceful as though her requests were fully justified. Thus, all of the guards became extremely busy as they let out bitter cries. If it was just ordinary tasks, they wouldn't have too many complaints. However, a women's undergarment was a large taboo for a male in the ancient times. It can be imagined just how awkward it would be for a few burly men to go out and purchase women's undergarments…

The root of this problem was a single instruction which Ling Tian gave before leaving: "As long as you don't let her out, you can fulfill all of her requests. More importantly, you must take good care of her injuries." At that time, Ling Tian already treated Shui QianRou as an important chip to bargain with the Shui Family. How would he allow any harm to fall upon her? Furthermore, Ling Tian had always felt a strong sense of threat from the Yu Family and he did have the thought of forming an alliance with the Shui Family or even to reap benefits from the fight between the Yu and Shui Families!

Of course, all of this was conditional on the fact that his father would be able to return safely. If his father couldn't return safely, there would be no room for negotiations. After this battle, while Ling Tian achieved a great victory and had abundant rewards, he felt more and more worried in his heart. The strength of the Yu Family was powerful to the point that Ling Tian was shocked. Just a single general of Western Han grasped a third of the Western Han Army! If that's the case, then there was no doubt that the Yu Family definitely had spies in the Northern Wei army! However, what about the Eastern Zhao? The Wu Empire? The Southern Zheng? Or even his Sky Bearing Empire?!

Thinking about that, Ling Tian couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine! The strength of the thousand-year-old Yu Family was far beyond his expectations! He had underestimated them far too much!

Ever since his return, Ling Tian had been pondering over this problem. Both the Yu and Shui Families would definitely be his greatest barrier to ruling the world! Currently, he couldn't let go of his relationship with anyone from either family, but he also couldn't grow too close to them! If not, he would definitely suffer the attacks of the other family!

While Ling Tian was confident that he didn't need to fear any one of the two families, he didn't want to suffer from any unnecessary losses! The best plan would be for him to sit on the fence. Having a peaceful relationship with the Yu Family and not rejecting the Shui Family either. However, he couldn't participate in the battle between the families. As time passed, both of these ambitious families would definitely end up in a full-on conflict with each other. At that time, as long as he could make good use of that opportunity… Ling Tian began to formulate a plan in his heart.

However, such an outcome would only be possible if both the Shui and Yu Families played along. If not, he would only become a sacrificial lamb in the war between both families. Especially with how his present relationship with the Shui Family was extremely tense, it was impossible to tell how their relationship would develop in future.

As he came to the Ling Family Courtyard to meet Shui QianRou today, he was considering the possibility of his plan being successful. Thus, he intended to first test Shui QianRou's attitude first before deciding his future plans. But upon finding out about Shui QianRou's odd actions in the previous few days, Ling Tian couldn't help but frown, Just what is this lass thinking about?

After thinking for a long while, Ling Tian shook his head and said, "Open the door."

"Miss Shui, you seem to be looking healthier than before. Are you used to your stay here? It seems like my Ling Family's delicacies are really to your liking." Ling Tian said with a chuckle, "Looking at Miss's tender appearance, I really feel like taking a bite to have a taste."

"Really? Then does young noble Ling want a bite?" Shui QianRou was dressed in a purple dress. While she was seated down silently, she exuded a graceful and charming bearing with a trace of stubbornness on her face. While her words were extremely playful, her tone was extremely cold.

"No no," Ling Tian shook his head obediently and said with a righteous tone, "my teeth aren't so good and I may end up cracking them. At that time, I wouldn't be able to enjoy any more delicacies."

"Really?" Shui QianRou clenched her teeth and said, "Looking at young noble Ling's radiant appearance, you probably achieved a great victory on the battlefield, right?"

"With Miss's blessing," Ling Tian said with a wide smile, "I won a small battle and it is nothing to brag about."

"Is your father okay?" Shui QianRou said with a simmering temper.

"With Miss's blessing, my father is extremely healthy." Ling Tian walked once around the room before taking a seat. Ling Chen then stood behind Ling Tian as usual.

Shui QianRou suddenly flew into a rage, "Since your father is alright, then why isn't young noble Ling letting us out?"

"Mmm?" Ling Tian ruffled his hair, "Please forgive me for my poor memory. When did I say that I was going to let the both of you out?"

Die'er, who was by the side, began to pout. "How can you be like that, not upholding your promises?! Who was it who said, 'if not for the fact that this concerns my father's safety, I wouldn't be willing to become enemies with Miss'! Now that your father is alright, you are still holding us captive, how shameless! You…" she originally intended to continue mocking Ling Tian but her mouth was immediately sealed by Ling Tian's sharp gaze! Ever since she was slapped and scolded by Ling Tian, this little lass was truly afraid of him.

Ling Tian only responded with a perfunctory tone, "Did I say that before? With my bad memory, perhaps I really said that. However, it seems like only both you master and servant pair were present at that time. No matter what, you guys hold the advantage in numbers and I may have been coerced at that time! With the power of the Shui Family, how would a small family like my Ling Family dare to provoke you? Even a lass dares to scold the host, and the prestige of your Shui Family can be seen!"

The thickness of Ling Tian's skin was indeed unprecedented!

Shui QianRou didn't bother to quibble with him and said with a snicker, "Justice is in the heart of everyone. How would you be able to rule the world without trustworthiness?! Since young noble said that he didn't say it, we will just take it that young noble didn't say it. However, how long does young noble Ling plan to play host to us? We have left our home for a long time and even if the Ling residence can treat us like family, we still miss our home. Can young noble please give us an exact time?"

Ling Tian responded with a sneer, "I thought that only your brother knew how to joke but never expected Miss to be even more humorous. With Miss's status, you can naturally stay for as long as you want. However, even if you don't want to stay here any longer, you should still seek the approval of the host right? This host hopes that I can have both of you here for a good three to seven years!"

Shui QianRou's gaze turned cold immediately. "Young noble Ling, let us all be open with each other! Don't forget that you are holding someone from the Shui Family captive! You should be clear of what the consequences are!"

Ling Tian rubbed his chin as he sat with his legs crossed. "Of course I am clear, I have been clear from the very start! I am indeed holding someone from the Shui Family captive. At the same time, the people that I killed on the battlefield also belonged to the Shui Family. But so what about that? The feeling of killing them is about as wonderful as slicing up watermelons! Killing them is no different from killing anyone else!"

"You killed my Shui Family members?" Shui QianRou became nervous, "Who did you kill? How many did you kill?"

"Don't worry, I didn't kill your beloved brother, Shui QianHuan! I didn't kill too many of them, just a dozen or so." Ling Tian shook his head in disappointment, "However, they were far too weak and there wasn't any thrill at all."

"You! Young noble Ling is trustworthy indeed! I have finally seen your true appearance!" Shui QianRou's eyes narrowed to a slit, "Ling Tian, do you know that you have offended the Shui Family greatly! Wait for the bloody revenge of our Shui Family! Facing our enemies, we never show any mercy! There hasn't been an exception in a thousand years, and your Ling Family wouldn't be the first one either!" Just a dozen? There weren't many who came to the Heavenly Star Continent in the first place! Shui QianRou was angered to the point she began to shiver.

"I'm scared! I'm really scared!" Ling Tian said with a playful tone and shrugged his shoulders, "I am afraid to the point I'm trembling."

Shui QianRou let out a helpless sigh. If Ling Tian was really afraid of her threats, he wouldn't hold her captive. Those words of hers certainly wouldn't have any effect!

In this period of time where she was held captive, Shui QianRou constantly wondered about what kind of a person Ling Tian was. To say that he was a low profile individual, he was indeed more low profile than anyone else. With his unrivaled talent and exceptional martial arts, he was actually willing to have the title of number one silkpants for over ten years. To say he was a careful individual, it was indeed the truth as well. He was far too careful indeed! With his current strength, there was no longer a need for him to be so careful. To say that he was arrogant, there was probably no one more arrogant than him! Of the two most powerful families in the world today, he had offended them both. He killed the elders of the Yu Family without any hesitation, and the experts of the Shui Family were like ants in his eyes. Even the little princess of the Shui Family was held captive by him. Even though the process of her being held captive was pretty complicated.

This fellow was indeed a reckless individual!

Chapter 346: Condition of Release

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

The two thousand-year-old families aside, he was originally enemies with the Yang Family already, enemies who wouldn't rest unless in death. Recently, he had another blood feud with the XiMen Family as well! At the same time, he was trying to plot against the NanGong Family and keeping his guard up against the Xiao Family. Of the Eight Great Families of the Heavenly Star Continent, he had offended four families in one go, and this didn't include the number one financial magnate, the Xiao Family. Now, he had also offended the Shui Family! If it was anyone else who had so many enemies, he probably would have suffered a miserable death already, but Ling Tian was still able to lead a carefree life!

Was he crazy? With so many enemies and the mere strength of his nouveau riche Ling Family, he was actually able to remain indifferent! He was actually able to gain the upper hand against his many enemies! Just how did he do that? Was this something a human could accomplish?!

After letting out a sigh, Shui QianRou gathered her thoughts back. "Young noble Ling's thoughts are as deep as a ravine and this little girl shall not attempt to make a fool out of myself. Can I ask young noble Ling just when you intend to let us out? I hope young noble Ling can give me a clear date!"

"That would depend on yourself," Ling Tian chuckled. "What are you going to do for me to let you out?"

Shui QianRou's gaze lit up immediately. Ling Tian's words indicated that it wasn't impossible for her to be set free and that Ling Tian didn't have the intention of holding her captive for life. The only problem was whether or not she could offer Ling Tian something that he couldn't resist. Realizing this, Shui QianRou fell into deep contemplation. She didn't have the confidence that she would be able to offer Ling Tian something irresistible. After all, her present resources were far too limited…

"Mmm, right, I need to remind Miss Shui about something," Ling Tian said with a smile. "You don't need to attempt to seduce me. Although all heroes will find it difficult to disregard a beauty, while this young noble is a hero, I am also a gentleman. I will definitely not succumb to the skirts of a lady. Furthermore, this young noble's standards are very high and there is no need to make a fool of yourself with ordinary makeup!"

Shui QianRou immediately gnashed her teeth in anger! What a despicable individual! Bearing with her injuries that were yet to be healed, she dolled up herself meticulously for a full three days! For what? So that she could awe Ling Tian with her beauty when he saw her! No matter how beautiful the ladies around you are, I am sure that I am not the lesser of any of them! At the very least, you should feel some pity towards a lady, right? Shui QianRou was betting on that fact for her to give out her conditions and possibly form an alliance with Ling Tian. It would be best if both their families could reach a win-win outcome with everyone happy.

Shui QianRou had even considered what Ling Tian would say, what reaction he would have, and how she should respond to him. She had already made many possible conjectures but never expected Ling Tian to render her preparations completely useless with just a few words! Furthermore, Ling Tian had also shattered her confidence! Unbearable!

"I'm really flirting with a blind man!" Shui QianRou hatefully retorted, "I've chosen the wrong image to show this time!" She was irritated over having wasted her time dolling up, and this immediately included that unromantic and crass man in front of her!

"Erm…" Ling Tian scratched his head a little in embarrassment, before smiling and replying, "Actually… Miss Shui is mistaken. I, Ling Tian, can definitely see that you're flirting. It's just that… while you're definitely better than all the ladies in Smoky Thea Tower, your expression has somewhat of a hint of killing intent… This… this would probably scare away everyone that you look at. Let's not even mention having a charming and gentle look…"

This sentence angered Shui QianRou so much that her old injuries flared up, causing her to vomit out blood. Ling Tian, you're good, to actually compare my beauty with courtesans, how vicious can you be!

"Alright, alright." Shui QianRou knew deep in her heart that she was not Ling Tian's match when it came to shooting off her mouth, and could only lower her face in defeat. "Young noble Ling has such a sharp tongue. This lady here will admit her defeat. But what exactly do you want, please state all your conditions! What I can promise you, this lady here will not shirk from it, but if I really can't do as you say, then I can only accept my fate of being a guest here for eternity. Please don't play hard to get with me anymore!"

Ling Tian smiled at that, "Miss, you're indeed decisive. Then Ling Tian here will be direct as well. I don't have any long-lasting hatred with you and the Shui family, and while I feel that whatever Miss Shui has done was overboard, in your eyes, the same applies to whatever I've done. However, if we were to exchange roles, I believe that we would both be capable of worse things, don't you agree Miss Shui?"

Shui QianRou thought for a moment before replying with a dazzling smile, "That's right, your words make sense. However, what I want to hear is your next sentence!"

"Good, then since already have this consensus, and that I have also kept Miss Shui trapped in here for so long, this will be a pickle for me to solve." Ling Tian's face looked quite uncomfortable. "After all, even though you might be married off one day, but as of now, you're still the untainted princess of the Shui Family. If I were to release you, and you go back and leak even a sentence, then the entire Water of Heavenly Wind would know that I've laid my hands on you. Regardless of my motive at that time or how well I treated you since, they would still seek me out for revenge, isn't that right Miss Shui?"

"That's right!" Since the truth was as such, Shui QianRou saw no reason to hide it. If she tried to do so, then there wouldn't be any point.

"The second point is that even the Yu Family has been involved." Ling Tian's expression looked as though he wanted to cry. "That time, I was so concerned over your survival that I didn't notice and killed the two Yu Family elders! A dead man can't be brought back to life, so as long as Miss Shui goes out and proclaims it a little, I believe even the Yu Family would come seeking revenge. Both the Yu Family as well as the Shui Family are the same, they're all hegemons that I can't afford to provoke! And there's still Yan'er who will be angry with me…"

"What nonsense is this!" Shui QianRou couldn't help but retort. "That time, the Yu Family were obviously running away, but you mercilessly went after them to ensure that they died! This has nothing to do with saving me, don't try to be hypocritical and blame it on trying to save me. There's always been the blood of both Yu and Shui Family on your hands, so don't try to twist the facts!"

Ling Tian laughed at her outburst. "This young lady here, your joke is a little too cold! My feelings for Yu BingYan are almost known throughout the world! If not for Miss Shui, then I would've long ago invited the two elders back to my house to properly attend to them! After all, they're Yan'er's clansmen. But because of you, I had to send them over to King Yama instead. While I didn't intend to kill them, it's true that they died for me. In the end, it was because of you, Miss Shui. You can't just shirk responsibility just like that."

"Hmph!" Shui QianRou snorted coldly. Right now, Ling Tian's tone was a little out of sorts, making her feel uncomfortable.

"The third point is that in the battle to protect my father, I killed many of your family's experts. Now this is a great blood feud." Ling Tian sighed out loud, "I'm actually a benevolent person by nature, even avoiding the ants when I sweep the floor. To have killed so rampantly, this really is a sin among sins."

Shui QianRou was stunned beyond words. This was bringing shamelessness to a whole new level! To say such words and not even be a little bashful! She really wanted to kneel down in respect.

"The last matter is regarding Miss Shui staying here. While I can protect my secrets now, but once Miss Shui gets out, your mouth belongs to yourself, and thus I can't stop you from saying anything! Don't you agree?" Ling Tian looked more and more depressed by the minute. "Don't even mention about an oath or something, that's for silly people! I'll never buy it. Anyhow, how can you actually guarantee your silence? And furthermore, if I release you, what benefits do I gain? Hais, so many points to consider. While I aspire to be a hero, I'm after all still an ordinary mortal. Since things have reached such a stage, I can only beg for forgiveness from you."

Once this fourth statement had been spoken, Shui QianRou was shaken. Of course, she could guarantee her silence, but how could she prove it to Ling Tian? And that jerk even said it clearly that he wouldn't believe in oaths.

How could someone like him exist? Shui QianRou wanted to hug her head and scream out. She was left without a choice!

At this point, Die'er who was originally silenced with a look from Ling Tian suddenly came forward, whispering something to Shui QianRou. This was followed by Shui QianRou's eyes lighting up, as well as a light blush appearing on her cheeks.

"We're all direct people, and thus little sister also has no way to convince you. But I have a makeshift solution." From her bosom, she withdrew a piece of jade, saying, "This jade pendant is something that has never left my side, a pledge of love that my mother once gave to me. This is the heirloom of our Shui Family, the Heaven's Heart Jade. My mother mentioned this before, that whoever I give this to, will be my husband in the future! This concerns my lifelong happiness, so does young noble Ling think that this is good enough to serve as a promise?"

Ling Tian accepted it and felt a cold wave travel through his hand. This was actually a rare Yin-type jade! He didn't even look at it, instead placing it in his pocket, laughing out, "Whether I believe in it remains yet to be seen, but at least this can help me to avoid the current hot weather!"

Chapter 347: Spring Autumn Soul Locking Pill

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

Shui QianRou's face turned completely red and she looked as though she couldn't stand the embarrassment. To a female chauvinist like herself, this was undoubtedly a rare expression. "Since young noble Ling has already accepted this jade, you should believe this little sister's sincerity already, right?" As Shui QianRou said that, her head was lowered and she did not even dare to face Ling Tian. At the same time, her cheeks were a shade of rosy pink.

"Believe you? Nope." Ling Tian said with an incredulous tone, "Since when did I say that I believed you? This is no more than a jade which is just a precious stone! Not to mention an agreement, even if we were husband and wife, Miss Shui would probably not hesitate in the slightest if killing me was in the interest of your family. I believe that is considered placing family before righteousness! Just like what Miss Die'er said previously, Miss Shui was already deeply in love with me but still didn't hesitate to become one with the sword to assassinate me at the Smoky Thea Tower! If not for me having some skill, I would probably be dining with King Yama right now!"

"You!" Shui QianRou was angered to the point she started to tremble and her face turned pale. She had already given Ling Tian the Heaven's Heart Jade which symbolized her lifetime happiness, and Ling Tian had still said such words! My goodness! Ling Tian, are you even considered a man?!

"Besides, I already have a few lovers and even if they don't mind and I don't despise you, there should still be an order of who came first, right? Miss Shui, ah ah, sorry for being rude, but would you be willing to become my concubine?" Ling Tian asked in a sincere tone.

"Despicable! What are you thinking about?!" Shui QianRou said with embarrassment and anger.

"Ling Tian! Who do you think you are?" Die'er could no longer reign in her anger and charged over with indignance, "You dare to let the little princess of our Shui Family be your concubine! Are you dreaming? Even if she was your first wife, you would not be worthy of her!"

Ling Tian was not angered in the slightest and only shook his head, "So, I don't have the intention of reaching for something out of my reach. Besides, your little princess falls far short of my expectations for my future wife!" As he said that, his expression turned solemn. "Besides, Miss Shui has always acted in the interests of her family and childish emotions will not be able to restrain Miss Shui! While I will never be unduly humble, I also admit that I do not have that charisma! So, if Miss Shui wants to leave this place and wants me to be at ease, there is only a single solution."

Hearing this, Shui QianRou who was originally in despair raised her head up and saw Ling Tian taking a small jade bottle out of his bosom. "This is the Spring Autumn Soul Locking Pill and it was specially refined by me. As the name suggests, this is an extremely potent poison! The words Spring and Autumn means that this poison can hide itself in a human body for a year without acting up. However, if the antidote isn't consumed in time, the soul of the individual will definitely be destroyed and the process will be extremely wretched. At the end, the individual would not even be able to maintain his consciousness, and he would not be able to control what he does. Right, young noble XiMen had taken this pill back then and I sped up the outburst of the poison by other means. I believe Miss Shui witnessed the potency of the poison for yourself."

As Ling Tian said that, Shui QianRou and Die'er's faces were both ashen as they trembled. Back then, they had personally witnessed the unsightly things that XiMen Qing did in the Smoky Thea Tower. How would they not be in shock? If such a thing were to happen to themselves… they didn't dare complete that thought…

"As long as Miss Shui and your maid can take this pill, I will set both of you free immediately! Both of you can leave anytime you want!" Ling Tian then raised up two fingers, "I only want two years. As long as Miss Shui doesn't reveal anything for the next two years, we can definitely form a sincere partnership. Of course, I will definitely not make Miss Shui do anything against the interest of your family, Miss Shui can be assured about that. Even if I, Ling Tian, am not a good person, I will definitely not resort to such unscrupulous means. I will give Miss Shui an antidote every year and the poison will be completely removed two years later. Only if you take the pill will I be able to believe Miss Shui completely. If Miss Shui believes me, please take the pill. If you cannot believe me, then Ling Tian will not force the matter on you and take my leave!"

Shui QianRou began to frown as she thought to herself, If I were to take this pill, won't that mean that I would become his slave? If he doesn't give me the real antidote two years later and continues controlling me, what should I do?

Seeing Shui QianRou's doubts, Ling Tian let out a sigh, "I am also forced by circumstances. Including your brother, your Shui Family already has the intention to form an alliance with me. My present strength is weak indeed with my foundations thin, and it is difficult for me to fight with a thousand-year-old family. Naturally, I would also have the intention to borrow the strength of your Shui Family! However, why are we both not requesting an alliance? It is because we don't trust each other and lack the opportunity to work together! With the addition of Miss Shui, we would be able to form a good relationship and there would definitely be the possibility for a sincere cooperation. Furthermore, there will no longer be a need for us to try and outwit each other in future and this is definitely a win-win situation."

As though she didn't hear what Ling Tian said, she looked at Ling Tian and said with heartbreak, "You… do you really want me to take this pill?"

Ling Tian suddenly felt a strange ache in his heart and an unknown sense of pressure. For some reason, he didn't dare to look at Shui QianRou's heartbroken eyes and even had the urge to snatch the poison back. In the end, Ling Tian's rationality prevailed and he looked off to the side while saying with a cold tone, "Miss Shui, there are tens of thousands of lives in my hands and I do not have a choice but to be careful. I hope Miss Shui will understand me!"

The moment Ling Tian turned his eyes away, Shui QianRou's eyes twinkled and she seemed to be beaming with radiance again. She then nodded and said slowly, "Alright! I will eat it!"

As these words left her lips, the other three people in the room looked at her with shock. Even Ling Tian never expected her to be so resolute.

Shui QianRou then picked up a pill with a mournful smile and studied it for a moment before placing it in her mouth calmly. After sucking on it for a moment as though she was tasting it, she swallowed it without hesitation.

"Princess!" Die'er cried out in shock.

Ling Tian felt his heart tremble; that heartbreaking gaze, mournful smile… at this moment, Ling Tian suddenly felt that Shui QianRou didn't consume the poison because she desired freedom! Then what was the reason? Could there be something he missed?!

"While Die'er is a servant, I am willing to go through life and death with the princess!" Tears flowed down her cheeks and she swallowed another pill resolutely. After swallowing the pill, she plunged into Shui QianRou's embrace and burst out crying. She could feel the pain and heartbreak Shui QianRou felt when she accepted such a condition. She wasn't lamenting her fate but lamenting the fact that her own beloved man would deal with her using such means!

Ling Tian then stood up and said coldly, "Three days later, the medicinal effect will spread across your bodies and the both of you will feel as though your whole body is on fire. A red mark will then appear on your inner cores, but it will fade away after a few days. I will give the both of you a single month to find anyone to cure the poison! If both of you think that it is impossible to cure the poison, then I hope that the Ling and Shui Family can form a temporary alliance. As for the person in charge of our correspondence, I hope that it will be Miss Shui and not anyone else." Ling Tian stood up and walked to the door. When he was about to leave the room, he suddenly stopped and said to Shui QianRou, "From now on, both of you can leave if you wish." As he said that, he walked away without turning back.

"Ling Tian." Shui QianRou's voice sounded behind him, "I am very disappointed in you." Her words were filled with thick resentment and disappointment!

"Likewise!" Ling Tian paused for a moment before replying.

...

Ling Chen asked with doubt, "Young noble, why haven't I heard young noble mention that weird poison before? You didn't feed this pill to XiMen Qing, right?" In truth, Ling Chen felt that something was wrong the moment Ling Tian took out the bottle. However, she also knew what not to say and what kind of expression she should make to coordinate with Ling Tian.

"Ah ah, of course you haven't heard of it before," Ling Tian said. "That was a secondary pill I made when experimenting with the Great Cyclic Pellet."

"Then young noble, that pill should be…" Ling Chen blinking her eyes.

"Mmm, not only is there no poison, it is extremely beneficial to a lady's body." Ling Tian blinking his eyes, "Before I came here, I added a few more herbs to it including a deer's antler, a deer's womb…" He then whispered into Ling Chen's ears, "It is said that it can make the few days of the month not so painful for a woman."

"You! Annoying!" Ling Chen's face turned red as she whined with embarrassment, anger, and happiness. "Then why did you still say that a red mark will appear after consuming it?"

Ling Tian then said with a mysterious smile, "That is because I added another herb called the blood toad gravel. This blood toad gravel has a special function. If it is dripped on the body of a virgin, it will not fall off even in death. It is called the 'Chastity Protecting Sand' but is different from an ordinary Chastity Protecting Sand. After consuming it, it will return to the inner core after a full circulation of inner qi. Regardless of man or woman, a red mark will appear on the inner core temporarily. Furthermore, after the blood toad gravel is mixed with the snow lotus herb, it would make one feel like his body is on fire after consuming it, as though they had taken an odd poison. Such a feeling will persist for a full month until the medicinal effect is completely dispersed. Hehe."

Chapter 348: Mysterious Heavenly Sword, Complete!

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

Ling Chen had an epiphany, chuckling as she replied, "No wonder young noble gave her the time limit of a month to cure the poison, so that was the case. Young noble, you're really too bad!"

"I had no other alternatives left to me." Ling Tian sighed once as he shook his head. "Against someone like Shui QianRou who is dead loyal to her family, I had no other choice. Even this decision of mine may not be the best."

"I'm not sure why, but I keep feeling that this Miss Shui is actually quite the pitiful person." After walking for a while with Ling Tian, Ling Chen felt his heavy emotions and finally couldn't keep her thoughts to herself.

"Pitiful?" Ling Tian coldly replied, "A pitiful person is so because there is a point that people hate! She's not pitiful at all, for she is placing her family's benefit above all else! Just like a crazed devout believer, ready to sacrifice all they have for what they believe in. She completely does not know what actually she wants, and what she needs to do! Such a person is not pitiful, but rather foolish! Extremely foolish!"

"Chen'er, as a woman, you can go wild, go crazy for the man you love, and you can also sacrifice yourself for your family, your relatives. However, the point I can't accept is a woman sacrificing herself in the name of her family! What does a family stand for? It's merely a rotten and old-fashioned way of showing one's reputation! In the business area, women sacrifice themselves in order to obtain benefits for their family to survive, and in the imperial court, men use women to exchange for favors to ensure their meteoric rise in their careers. Across countries, emperors use women to exchange for temporary world peace. Hahaha, bullsh*t! All these matters are supposed to be achieved by your own hands, and to think that you do that by exchanging women? They should be ashamed of themselves! Men who treat women as objects don't deserve to be men! They should just castrate themselves and live their lives as eunuchs!"

"As for those women who willingly sacrifice themselves for their family and clans, they might never get to understand just what they have traded their life for! What they get in exchange is just the contempt of the clan! Other than her parents, no one will think about the woman's future or happiness! Thus, is her sacrifice really worth it?"

"One should always take their life in their own hands. Be it man or woman, there is no difference!" Ling Tian harshly spat out. "One can work their tail off for the family, but they should never have to sacrifice themselves for the family! A family clan is just like a country. Those who sacrifice themselves for it should be men and not have them hide behind a woman! As for the women, they should be cherished and loved, and not sent out to be a shield for the family!"

"Young noble's words might make sense," Ling Chen slowly responded, after pondering about it, "but Chen'er feels that there is nothing wrong in the woman giving up her life for the family. To protect the clan should not just be the responsibility of the men. A woman should have equal responsibility."

Ling Tian laughed out cheerfully. "To hear you say this makes me very happy. However, this is my own deep-rooted problem. I know that I might be a little chauvinistic at times, but this is something that I've never been able to live with, even since I was young."

Lightly leaning against Ling Tian, Ling Chen voiced out softly, "Young noble is a hero of this present age, and of course will not be able to accept this act of trading women or children for benefits. However, Chen'er dares to confirm something." At this point, her face revealed a mesmerizing smile.

"What are you sure about?" Ling Tian asked.

"If a girl could be the woman of someone like young noble, that would be the most blissful thing in her entire life. I don't doubt it!" Ling Chen giggled.

Ling Tian stood in shock for a while, before sighing and saying, "That might not be true. There are no absolutes in life! In the end, I'm still a man, and I will have problems, like being unfaithful, or not being able to control my desires. When I see a pretty girl, I can't help but take a few extra looks. I'm just not good at controlling my desires. Chen'er might be my favorite woman, but this doesn't mean that I will not love anything except you!"

A sweet smile blossomed upon Ling Chen's face, "So long as I'm young noble's favorite, that's enough for me. Young noble is also too modest, for someone of your stature, how could there not be many women throwing themselves at you? If it was some other young noble, he would have long ago married and set up a family. Young noble is already being very disciplined! In the eyes of Feng Mo and the rest, they respect you for this point!"

"Hahaha," Ling Tian chucked at her speech. "little lass, how would you know. I would rather have a fresh and juicy peach like you, than to eat a mushy and wrinkled dried apricot!"

Ling Chen's face reddened, and she pretended to stomp her feet in anger. Suddenly, she turned and blew lightly in his ear, whispering, "Young noble, then…. this fresh peach here… was it sweet?"

Ling Tian's eyes lit up, and as his eyes roamed over her svelte body, he subconsciously stretched out his tongue, licking his lips hungrily as he nodded his head. "Sweet! So sugary, that this young noble's teeth are all dropping out!"

"You're so naughty!" Ling Chen's face turned completely red and she immediately ran forward in a hurry.

"Young noble Ling, Lady Ling Chen." From up ahead someone approached them. It was Meng LiGe.

"Mister Meng," Ling Tian greeted him with a smile. "May I ask where is Mister Meng headed to today?"

"I've something to discuss with young noble." Meng LiGe stared at Ling Tian with his bright eyes, bearing a solemn expression.

"Please tell me, Ling Tian is all ears."

"I feel that your remarks and opinions today might not be appropriate." Meng LiGe spoke with a heavy expression, "If young noble's aim is to protect your family and place well, then that is naturally not a problem. But if young noble would like to conquer all under heavens, that might not be a good thing."

"Oh? Let's hear the details." Ling Tian smiled.

"Even in the ancient times, the saying goes, 'Having the heart of the citizens equals obtaining all under heaven'! However, young noble's cruel way of treating the soldiers is poles apart from what the sayings follow, and this is a violation! If you want to achieve something bigger, then you need to be magnanimous and treat everyone well. Only then will you achieve their undying loyalty to you." Meng LiGe gabbled non-stop, obviously a little unsatisfied at how Ling Tian was not living up to his expectations.

Ling Tian now looked at Meng LiGe with a weird look. "Mister Meng, Ling Tian actually thought that having read through all the classics, you would have long understood their underlying meanings and not blindly believe in what they have said. However, I found out today that even someone of your caliber is still restricted by conventions!"

Meng LiGe flared up, "Young noble, are you just refusing to listen to the bitter truth?"

Ling Tian shook his head in response, "It's not that I can't listen. I also understand the meaning of bitter truth. Regarding this matter on governance, in my opinion, the sentence of 'Having the heart of the citizens equals obtaining all under heaven' is just a mistake!"

"Mistake?!" Meng LiGe's rage shot up, and he boomed out, "This is the great way of governing all under heaven, set by all our ancestors a long time ago. How could there be a mistake?!"

Ling Tian only smiled mysteriously. "Let's put it this way. I'll trouble Mister to return and browse through the ancient records. I'll gift you with a sentence, and if Mister thinks that Ling Tian is wrong, then Ling Tian will gladly accept punishment. How about that?"

"Good!" Meng LiGe forcefully spoke.

"However, if your scrutiny proves that Ling Tian is correct, then what will you do?" Ling Tian looked at Meng LiGe with the kind of expression a fisherman would have when setting a bait to reel in a fish.

"If that's the case, then I would be willing to strive to my utmost to contribute to young noble's cause! I'll even offer my life to your cause!" Meng LiGe was decisive, and knowing what Ling Tian wanted, he immediately laid down his cards.

"Good!" Ling Tian praised.

"Then may I ask young noble, what is the sentence that you wish to give me?" Meng LiGe asked.

"Simple, it is to reverse whatever that has been said." Ling Tian enunciated every word slowly, "To, control, all, under, heaven, is, to, obtain, the, citizens', hearts!"

Ling Tian then laughed as he walked away, with Ling Chen tagging along behind him. He left behind a ruminating Meng LiGe, his head lowered as he pondered Ling Tian's words. As Ling Tian walked away, he recited, "Before conquering all under heavens, I only need to utilize, to guide the hearts of the citizens and their grievances. That is enough! If my heart is not stable, what right do I have to talk about the hearts of the citizens? Only after I've conquered all can I begin to focus on getting the hearts of my people, only then can my governance last. At that time, it will really be called achieving the hearts of the citizens! Thus, the meaning of knowing the hearts of all under heaven is actually just listening and knowing what the masses want!"

Meng LiGe raised his head up, looking at the back of Ling Tian walking into the distance. He sank into deep thought at Ling Tian's speech.

Just as the various leaders of the Ling Family Courtyard sat down with Ling Tian for a meal, someone came up to report to Ling Tian, saying that Shui QianRou had already left. Ling Tian only nodded and gave an instruction to Ling Feng and Ling Yun. The two of them nodded, immediately setting off.

Ling Chi was still leading the new law enforcement squad members to clean up the surrendered members in the battlefield. Inside the Courtyard, a strong smell of blood could be noticed from a long ways away! In the distance, one could see cartloads of bleeding corpses being sent out.

The gentle and soft-hearted Ling Chen furrowed her brows, unable to eat anymore. Seeing this, Ling Tian lightly squeezed her hand, sending an apologetic look to her.

Ling Chen tucked her head down in embarrassment but still allowed him to continue holding her hand. At the same time, she felt that the reek of blood was not that unbearable any longer.

Ling Jian spoke at this time, "Young noble, Ling Five has already sent over that completed black iron sword that you asked for. Without your instructions, we didn't dare to move it, and we left it in the secret chamber. Does young noble wish to have a look at it?"

Ling Tian immediately felt a rush of excitement, exclaiming, "That's definitely something I need to see. Alright, let's head there immediately." As he spoke, he was already standing up. While the rest knew that this was a plan from Ling Tian and Ling Jian to help Ling Chen, how could they still let go of such a good opportunity to have a meal with Ling Tian? Thus, someone suggested, "How about we bring some wine and dishes there, sampling wine while observing a sword, that's a great joy in life. Young noble, please agree!"

Ling Tian smiled in agreement, leading everyone to begin packing up.

The secret chamber was bereft of furniture, with only ten odd-looking swords hung on the wall. This was how Ling Tian had requested it, without embroidery and pretenses, just a black forest of weapons, emitting waves of killing intent!

Ling Jian stepped forward, grasping one of the swords in his hands. With a shrill sound, the sword was pulled from its sheath. Those present immediately felt a drop a temperature as a wave of light refracted off the sword body, illuminating the room without restraint.

"This sword 2 feet, 9 and ¾ inches long, weighing 3.85 kilograms. The sword body has been refined and smelted a hundred times, consisting of steel mixed in with the inkblack steel. This sword can cut through metal like mud!" Ling Jian pulled out the sword on his waist with his other hand and swung it towards the black iron sword!