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Chapter 365: Furious Pursuit

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

Justice let out an 'oh' sound and buried his head back in his noodles. Suddenly, he felt as though he could not swallow his food properly, as his heart started to feel uneasy. Something felt off somewhere, as though he had come close to figuring out the truth, but was covered by one final veil. A perplexed look surfaced on his face.

At that moment, he heard the old man Huo YuanJia speaking hurriedly, "Enjoy your food, friend. This old man is going to bring my wife to see the physician, ah, I thank this younger brother for once again bestowing such a great gift upon me."

Justice suppressed the frustration in his heart as he smiled, "Go ahead, this matter shouldn't be delayed. I hope that this brother can successfully invite a famed physician and nurse your wife back to great health."

"Your kind words are etched in my heart." The old man smiled in a weird manner and walked outside.

Justice grabbed a piece of beef with his chopsticks and slowly chewed on it. He could not help but let out a sigh as he thought, With so many people stricken with problems in the world, even if one is a saint, he or she cannot save everyone.

Seeing the waiter of the wine shop staring blankly at him, Justice could not help let out a laugh as he thought, How could this country bumpkin understand what I'm talking about? As he thought about this, his enthusiasm waned, and he waved at him, asking, "Friend, how far is it from here to the Immortal Gathering City?"

The waiter immediately rolled his eyes at him. "It's really far, at least twenty to thirty kilometers. Customer, are you planning to go to the Immortal Gathering City? If you are, then you had better bring more food along. For that entire journey, there will not be a single person along the way, let alone a tavern!"

Justice smiled at that, about to reply, when suddenly his face contracted. "Nobody at all for the whole journey? Then where's the nearest village from here?"

The waiter sighed as he replied, "Customer, I've already told you that there will be no one for the next twenty kilometers or so, so how would there be a village?" As he spoke, he looked at Justice in a different light. No wonder this person was so generous, immediately taking out a large silver ingot. So he was actually a fool.

Justice was stunned on the spot, and he finally asked in a pained voice, "That old man just now… have you seen him before?"

The waiter rolled his eyes once again. "This master must be joking with me. Such aged people will never walk along this route, or at least they will not have escaped my eyes! But I've never seen this old man before! The number of people around these areas has always been few…"

"Peng!" A loud noise was heard as the entire table was pulverized into sawdust. The waiter only saw a blur before he realized that the green-robed man had vanished in front of him, just like a ghost and demon from the legends.

"F**k me!" The waiter immediately kneeled on the ground as he kowtowed in the direction, his entire body trembling. No wonder the fortune teller told me that my eight character s 1 are weak and susceptible to evil influences. This sort of matter, if it's not a demonic encounter, then what else could it be?!

Before he could even climb back up on his feet, a whistling sound could be heard, and a huge ingot of silver flew from afar and landed before him. He exclaimed in surprise, and thought again, Could it be that I did not have a demonic encounter, but rather met the fortune deity himself?!

Justice's face looked like a thunderstorm right now, and his eyes looked as though they could spit out flames at any time! He just realized that that Huo YuanJia was just a character that Ling Tian had made up! Having thought about this, he naturally understood why he had constantly felt uneasy. It was because his target was in front of him all the time! And he had even cheated an ingot of silver from him!

What a good Ling Tian, to actually disguise as an old man to fool me!

He had spent so much effort to chase down his target, but was unable to recognize Ling Tian even though that target was sitting in front of him! He had even allowed that little brat to call him 'little brother'. Justice now felt like pulling Ling Tian's tongue out! A small brat of only sixteen or seventeen years old, and Justice had even cheerfully called him 'old brother'...

A real scoundrel, this brat is asking for death!!! Justice was apoplectic with rage! In his entire life, he had never been so angry, but right now, Justice felt as though he could swallow Ling Tian whole if he caught up to him! The advice he previously told himself, to calm down, had long been thrown out of the window!

With his superior movement techniques, and under the full urging of his internal energy, Justice's speed was shocking! In a blink of an eye, he had already passed over five kilometers, and turning around another bend, he saw a primitive jungle as far as his eyes could see, which made him even more depressed! Coupled with the thought on how Ling Tian dressed up as an old man to cheat him, he could not hold in his anger anymore!

He caught sight of a tiny black dot far ahead from him, and Justice could see clearly that it was the old man Huo YuanJia... oh no, it should be Ling Tian! That sixty to seventy-year-old looking man was actually literally flying across the plains!

Justice shouted in fury, "Ling Tian! You darned brat, why don't you change your profession to be an actor instead!"

Ling Tian still had on that distressed expression of an old man, and turning back and seeing Justice catching up to him, he could not help but guffaw in laughter, and picking up his speed, he jeered, "Little brother, this old brother is going to visit the physician, are you coming along with me?

The veins in Justice's temples started jumping as his eyes turned bloodshot. He yelled, "Ling Tian! I'll skin you alive! Stop running if you dare!"

With a loud laugh, Ling Tian appeared in front of the forest, and his voice could be heard from afar, "Little bro, I'll wait for you in the forest!"

Justice let out a loud snarl as he chased close behind, smashing headlong into the forest. Twigs and branches were smashed apart along the way, without any resistance as he barreled towards Ling Tian.

Going 100 feet into the jungle, the traces of Ling Tian disappeared once again. Justice panted heavily as he surveyed his surroundings. Even if he were to use all the water from the three rivers and five lakes 2 , he would still not be able to wash off his shame today. The humiliation he received today surpassed his entire lifetime's worth, causing him to almost go mad!

The sound of startled birds continuously rang out within the forest for a while, and it was only after a long time that Justice finally managed to calm himself down. In his surroundings, other than the sound of panicked animals fleeing from the aura he exuded, there were no other noises. Suddenly, Justice began to laugh once again. Hadn't he reminded himself again and again not to fall for Ling Tian's tricks? The kid seemed to have some power to drive someone crazy. He already witnessed it first hand and continuously warned himself to keep a lookout for any possible ambushes, but how did he know that Ling Tian was also well-versed in disguising himself?! This was the blind spot brought about by his vision and reality, that even if he was in peak form, he might still end up overlooking! Ling Tian could be considered lucky to have escaped his clutches again today!

However, can luck follow a person forever?

The sky was already darkening, and as the last ray of light disappeared, darkness once again embraced the land. In this eerily quiet forest, one could not see their hands stretched out in front of them!

Justice suddenly had a thought: In these sort of circumstances, with Ling Tian not possessing greater strength than him, and with similar night capabilities, he had an advantage against Ling Tian!

With no signs of movement in the surroundings, Ling Tian was definitely still within the forest. And with Justice hot in his trails, there could be no way that Ling Tian would have traveled far! Thus, he had to be around somewhere, and was holding his breath and hiding!

In order to hide from Justice, one not only had to hold their breath but also seal all the pores on their body, to prevent any leakage of their aura! However, to do so would require heaven-defying internal energy to maintain for long periods of time! Even for Justice himself, the longest he could maintain this form was for a whole night, let alone Ling Tian whose endurance was way below his!

Justice let out a smile on his face and sat down cross-legged as he slowly exhaled. He unhurriedly circulated his energy, his spiritual sense pouring out in torrents like mercury around him. With his position as the focal point, he slowly released his sense farther outward, as though he could search the entire world by doing so...

So long as Ling Tian was still within the forest, any movement he made, even if it was his heart slightly beating, he would be able to detect it, and under cover of darkness, one's internal strength would be the deciding factor here!

Let us see who can endure longer!

Ling Tian was really seated under a tree not far ahead, his back leaning upon the tree without a single movement. He seemed to have melded into the tree, the forest, and even the entire night.

2 hours passed… 4 hours passed…

There was still no movement between the both of them, and the entire forest was silent like a grave. The only sound came from the crickets which were still unaware of the situation.

Ling Tian could not help but groan inwardly. He had actually planned with full confidence that given enough time, Justice would start to become suspicious of his own decisions and continue to chase him. To think that Justice could have such determination in his decision, even being so steadfast after being tricked so many times. In contrast, his method, while allowing him to hide completely, was the most strength-sapping. If he were to continue doing so, he would eventually tire out and reveal his location. By then, if he still wanted to escape from Justice's hands, that would be nothing but a pipe dream!

But if he were to attempt to run now, in this patch of darkness, it would be a simple matter for Justice to catch up to him! Caught between a rock and a hard place, he could only cry out in anguish, did he underestimate this number one expert after all? Ling Tian's brain begun to whirl as he tried to come out with ways to escape his predicament.

Before Ling Tian could come out with a plausible plan, Justice had moved on his side. After all, the initiative lay on his side.

As it turned out, Justice had unknowingly stuck his hands into his chest pocket out of boredom, but he came across a small item. This gave him great joy when he realized how he could force Ling Tian out of his position! Furthermore, it was something obtained from Ling Tian! At this point, he almost wanted to burst out in laughter. Ling Tian, Ling Tian, this is called paying for your crimes! To be able to get one up Ling Tian this time, Justice was immeasurably satisfied.

What Justice was holding now was precisely what Ling Tian had left in the earlier forest, the Pistil of Serpent's Spit!

Chapter 366: Payback Time

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

The item which Justice had felt in his embrace was the Pistil of Serpent's Spit which Ling Tian had previously used against him.

Being a medicinal expert in the world, Justice naturally knew the usage method of the Pistil of Serpent's Spit. Breaking a finger-long piece into ten small segments, he lit them all up and threw them in different directions. With his powerful inner qi, each and every section was thrown a few hundred feet away and surrounded the whole area! According to Justice's guess, Ling Tian would definitely be within this area! Thinking about the pitiful looks of Ling Tian upon being surrounded by snakes, Justice could not help but feel delighted in his heart as he let out a snicker.

Justice's guess was indeed correct, and Ling Tian was in this area!

As Ling Tian was observing his surroundings, he suddenly saw a flint sparking in the distance and a small flame being thrown near him. Then, he could smell a fishy smell and immediately knew what was going on!

With this item being present, the snakes in his surroundings would definitely become agitated and come to surround him. Although the snakes wouldn't pose any threat to him at all, he couldn't even move right now! As long as he made the slightest movement, Justice would definitely spot him!

However, how could he remain still if thousands of snakes were to climb onto him?

Ling Tian could not help but be filled with anxiousness! Will I fall prey to my own methods?!

What is this?! As the number one expert in the world today, why are you learning how to use such strange things? Furthermore, how can you act like a scrap collector, collecting the thing I left behind to harm you! Ling Tian could not help but be speechless. An unparalleled expert was different indeed, not letting go of any item that could possibly be of use to him.

Rustling sounds could already be heard in the bushes and while it was sparse, it was a sign that the snakes had already picked up the scent of the pistil.

Justice could naturally hear the snakes as well and could not help but smile with delight. This sound which had almost angered him to death earlier this afternoon now sounded like a heavenly tune in his ears! Ling Tian, enjoy the gift that you gave me! Haha.

The rustling sounds became louder and louder, and more and more densely concentrated. It was as though all the snakes in the forest were being attracted to Ling Tian and he could already hear the hissing sound of the snakes. The air was filled with a fishy stench which would make one gag upon smelling it. Ling Tian was not Justice, and he could not block his senses and become one with the world!

I can't wait any longer! If I continue to stay still, I will end up as the supper of these snakes! In the darkness, many pairs of green glowing eyes were already nearing Ling Tian.

Just when he wanted to stand back up, an idea flashed past in his head and his eyes lit up. Justice obviously didn't have much of the pistil and the single stick which he threw was already about to be burnt up. However, Ling Tian still had another full two sticks in his embrace! This could definitely be a game-changing move, if…

Thinking about this, Ling Tian hesitated no longer and darted into the air. With the flash of his blade, he darted further into the forest and dismembered all the snakes in his way!

The moment Ling Tian made a move, Justice discovered him and let out a hearty laugh, "Ling Tian, do you still think you can escape? How does it feel to fall prey to your own technique?" With a swing of his arms, Justice darted into the air like a swallow and gave chase like a bolt of lightning.

At the instant Ling Tian took into the air, he took out another stick of pistil from his embrace and crushed it into dust with his hands. Then, he lit it up and threw it behind him. The next moment, a thick fishy smell filled the atmosphere.

The snakes, all attracted by the smell, shot towards the place where the smell was the thickest!

Right when Justice shot into the air and arrived at Ling Tian's previous location, the snakes had just sprung into the air and had not landed! They were all hanging in mid-air and formed a wall of snakes, blocking Justice's way!

The accuracy and timing of Ling Tian's action were too astounding!

If he was slightly earlier, the snakes would have already landed on the ground and he would definitely be caught up in the resulting mess. If he was slightly later, Justice would definitely have left already! Only by grasping the exact timing would he be able to block Justice's way with the wall of snakes! This small delay in time was just what Ling Tian needed!

If Justice was blocked, he would definitely have to kill the snakes first! If not, he would have to wait for the snakes to land before giving chase to Ling Tian! Regardless of his choice, he would definitely have to slow down for a moment! At the same time, Ling Tian's movement technique would be unleashed at the full speed, and he would have accelerated fully!

This was the instant which he wanted to grasp!

The moment Justice slowed down, he would definitely take time to accelerate to his full speed again! Just this slight delay in time already determined the fact that he wouldn't be able to catch Ling Tian!

With a large screen of sword light flashing in the air, the snakes in the air were all dismembered into pieces. The bloody smell filled the forest and completely covered the previously fishy smell!

A shining blade light then shot into the air and landed on the branches of a tree. Justice's body stood steadily on top a thin branch as he looked into the horizon.

However, Justice was not frustrated in the slightest and even let out a smile as he muttered, "A peerless talent indeed! I myself probably wouldn't be able to make such a swift adaptation in such a short time! However, even if you can escape, how will you be able to escape from my grasp? I'm enjoying this cat and mouse hunt more and more!"

Cat and mouse hunt? However, who was the cat, and who was the mouse between the both of them?

***

The second afternoon after Ling Tian left the Ling Residence, the Yu Family's First Elder, Yu ZhanShui, and Third Elder, Yu ZhanKong, arrived at the Sky Bearing City!

Hearing this piece of news, the whole Ling Residence was stunned silly because the Yu Family's purpose of this visit was actually to send their dowry! Both their families had only confirmed the engagement two days ago and the Yu Family had already sent the dowry over. According to their traditions, their actions were far too improper and not befitting of the actions of a thousand-year-old family!

For a huge aristocratic family like theirs, no matter how anxious they were about the marriage, they should at least go through the proper rites before confirming the marriage. However, their birth charts had not even been matched, and the Yu Family had actually sent Yu BingYan's dowry over already! The whole Ling Family could not help but feel that something was extremely odd! Furthermore, the luxury of the dowry was also unprecedented!

Top grade silk from the Southern Ocean: 500 meters of red, 500 meters of purple, 500 meters of black, 500 meters of green, and 500 meters of blue. A full three chests of top-grade jewelry, and five carriages of top-grade sandalwood… a whole fifty carriages were required to carry the dowry. This could no longer be called a dowry, it was no different from the Yu Family shifting house!

With their in-laws right at the doorstep, their Ling Family couldn't possibly not go out and receive them, right? Along the way, Old Madam Ling thought about the dowry and said thoughtfully, "Ting'er, did you notice that the so-called dowry items are all extremely heavy and space consuming? Although they are all valuable items, the actions of the Yu Family this time really aren't befitting of the number one family in Heavenly Star. This old lady thinks that there is something strange about this dowry."

"Mmm," Chu Ting'er's brows were also furrowed, "I have never heard of something so odd before and I also feel that something is wrong here. However, it won't be easy for us to guess the intention of the Yu Family, so it is best for us to be careful. Also, Tian'er going out on a trip with that expert also seems far too rushed and the date of the dowry arriving is far too coincidental…"

"That's right, while there should be some security to escort the dowry, the number of people the Yu Family sent is a little exaggerated. On the Heavenly Star Continent, who would dare to touch the Yu Family in their territory…" Old Madam Ling was filled with worry. "Just what does the Yu Family want to do? Why do I have a feeling that the Yu Family is hiding their malicious intentions?"

"I have long heard of First Elder and Third Elder's heroic name. It is indeed better to see someone in person then hear of his legends and seeing the both of you today is indeed our honor. Our Ling Family is truly grateful for the trouble the both of you went through to personally send the dowry." After finally being free from his previously mummified state, Ling Xiao was extremely energetic and full of smiles. With his fists cupped, he recited the words which Chu Ting'er had forced him to memorize under her supervision. But while the words were all recited without error, his tone was completely monotonous as though he was a child reciting his dictation.

"You're too polite, for General Ling to personally come out to fetch us, this old man is overwhelmed by this favor." The one who replied was the First Elder, Yu ZhanShui. He was sixty-plus years old with a snow-white beard, green robes, and a scholarly appearance.

"Please!" Ling Xiao stretched out his arms.

"Please!" The both of them walked side by side.

As the Yu Family's huge troops entered the city, Old Madam Ling carefully observed the Yu Family's troops through the window. The more she looked at them, the greater her worries became.

All of them were experts! Any random person chosen would definitely be much stronger than the guards in their Ling Family and those dressed in white were obviously a notch above those dressed in purple. At the same time, the gazes of those in purple were obviously filled with respect and fear when they looked at those dressed in white. These troops were probably no weaker than Ling Tian's forces in the Ling Family Courtyard, right? However, they were all here as mere guards for the dowry. With the fame of the Yu Family, would they require a thousand experts as guards? Was there really such a need? Probably a dozen of purple dressed experts and three white dressed experts would be more than sufficient. However… Old Madam Ling could not help but be alarmed as her brows were furrowed.

Chapter 367: Taking Advantage

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

A short while later, the troops of the Yu Family had arrived at the Ling Family. After the accommodations of the Yu Family troops had been arranged, both the Yu Family elders were seated in the hall with the members of the Ling Family. After the maids served tea, every single person in the hall was obviously filled with their own worries and the whole hall was filled with an awkward silence.

"I believe Family Head Ling is probably wondering why our Ling Family is so anxious about Miss BingYan's marriage." Yu ZhanShui said with a chuckle and broke the icy atmosphere, "Since we are already in-laws, there is no need for me to hide anything. Our Yu Family will be having a life and death battle with our arch nemesis, Water of Heavenly Wind. However, victory is still up in the air, and things are not looking too optimistic at this moment."

Yu ZhanFeng let out a long sigh before saying solemnly, "Thus, my family head wants to arrange the marriages of the younger generation before the battle. Ah ah, as for the dowry, it is just a matter of time and so we decided to send it over earlier. It is just some material possessions and isn't much to the Ling Family. It is just a small token of the sincerity of our family head."

These words were what the elders had come up with after some discussion to dispel the wariness of the Ling Family. Truth in the lies and lies in the truth. The true art of lying is to have 90% truth and 10% lies. While these words spoken by the Yu Family weren't 90% true, it was a good 50% true at the very least. Even if the Ling Family didn't believe them completely, at least some of their doubts would be dispelled.

However, both Old Madam Ling and Chu Ting'er were frowning in thought and both Ling Zhan and Ling Xiao were already laughing heartily and warmly.

"I wonder where our Third Master and little princess are staying at now? This old man has to visit him to hand him something. The one in charge of the engagement would still be Third Master Yu." Yu ZhanShui said in a dignified manner.

"The Third Master and little princess are staying at the back courtyard. Men, bring the two elders to Third Master Yu." Old Madam Ling commanded.

"Thank you, Madam!" Both the Yu Elders said with their fists cupped and left.

In the hall, Old Madam Ling let out a long sigh and looked out with worry, "I haven't seen Tian'er for two days already, where exactly is he? How can he be missing at such a time?"

Chu Ting'er replied, "Chen'er said that he went out for a vacation with the two seniors from Beyond Heavens. With two peerless experts by his side and Tian'er's own martial arts, he would definitely be safe and back in a few days. While Tian'er is extremely mature, he is still a 15 to 16-year-old teen. Now that the matters back home are finally settled, it is normal for him to go out for a breather. Tian'er has been carrying far too many worries these few years and it isn't a bad thing for him to be a little playful."

Old Madam Ling shook her head and said with a low voice, "Not necessarily! Not necessarily!" However, who knows whether she was referring to Ling Tian not necessarily being out for vacation or him not necessarily being playful.

At the same time, Chu Ting'er suddenly felt her heart throbbing as Ling Chen's red and swollen eyes appeared in her mind. All of a sudden, she was filled with frustration and anxiety.

"First Elder, Third Elder, the both of you are here." Yu BingYan said with a calm tone without a trace of joy.

No matter what, these two elders were here to send her dowry and Yu BingYan should be filled with excitement and shyness. Even if she wasn't excited or shy, she should be polite at the very least. But the moment Yu BingYan thought about how Ling Tian's life and death was still unknown, she just could not bring herself to be excited or shy.

"Is the little princess accustomed to staying here? Where is Third Master Yu?" After sending away the maids and ensuring that there wasn't anyone in the surroundings, he asked with a mellow tone. However, not a single trace of concern could be felt in his words, and they were instead slightly chilly.

"Third Uncle was injured from sparring with someone and is resting in his room." Yu BingYan sat down on a chair and actually didn't bother ordering the maids to prepare tea. Both the First and Third Elder were from the ambitious faction of their Yu Family and had unscrupulous means. In the family, they didn't place anyone in their sights apart from the family head, Yu ManLou. Even in the face of her father, Yu ManTang, the both of them were not the slightest bit respectful. Thus, Yu BingYan never had any goodwill towards either of them and even slightly detested them.

"Third Master is injured?" the Third Elder, Yu ZhanKong, said with a trace of obvious mockery, "Was he injured in the hands of Beyond Heavens' Justice? He really overestimates his own capabilities and doesn't know how to think before acting! It's about time for him to be taught a lesson!"

Hearing these words of mockery, Yu BingYan couldn't help but be incensed. "That's right, Third Uncle lost because he was inferior. I believe that when Third Elder faces Justice, the outcome will definitely be completely different. However, Third Elder's ability to predict what has happened is amazing indeed."

As she said that, she suddenly realized that Yu ManTian was injured by Justice a mere two days ago. However, both the elders should be on their way to the Ling Residence at that time. So how did they find out about that? Unless they had already… Yu BingYan's face turned chilly as her heart sank.

Yu ZhanKong snorted and his face turned ashen. While he was conceited, he wasn't blindly arrogant and was aware of his own capabilities. In the world today, there probably wasn't a single individual who dared to say that they could win against Justice. In fact, not to mention facing Justice, he wasn't even confident of winning against Yu ManTian.

Yu ZhanShui said with displeasure, "Why is there a need to concerned about such small affairs? As a member of the Yu Family, the family has an important mission for you and you have to put your heart into the matter." With a single phrase, he changed the topic and ignored Yu BingYan's words.

Yu BingYan felt her heart shake as she asked, "What important mission?" At the same time, she knew that this was probably the true reason for her family sending the dowry and could not help but be anxious.

Yu ZhanShui let out a chuckle and said coldly, "Ling Tian is being chased by Justice from Beyond Heavens and his death is certain. At the earliest, news of his death will be passed on in a day. At the very latest, news of his death should be made known by two months. Presently, you are the only lady who Ling Tian has given a proper status and so you will be the only person left in the Ling Family when Ling Tian dies! You must definitely make use of your status to grasp the strength of the Ling Family and submit to our Yu Family. If this matter is accomplished, you will have the greatest merit!"

"The greatest merit?" Yu BingYan let out a dismal smile as her hands were clenched tightly into a fist and her face turned red.

The words spoken by Yu ZhanShui thundered in her ears and Yu BingYan felt like her world was crumbling and her eyes blacking out. The humiliation she felt made her feel like pulling out her sword to commit suicide!

Beyond Heavens and Martial Order Medallion had always been the biggest taboo of the Yu Family. These two phrases were something that even the thousand-year-old family, Jade of Heavenly Star, didn't dare to provoke! If anyone from the Yu Family were to provoke them, the Yu Family wouldn't stand up for them but would immediately distance themselves. In fact, the Yu Family might even take the initiative to exterminate them in exchange for their peace and security. The only reason why the Yu Family had not replaced Northern Wei for the past hundreds of years was because of the existence of the Martial Order Medallion! Thus, Yu BingYan knew that despite being the number-one family in Heavenly Star, their Yu Family was still fearful of Beyond Heavens!

There was only a single outcome in provoking Beyond Heavens: Death!

Now that Ling Tian had met with such a hopeless situation, she would still be able to understand if her family wouldn't lend a helping hand. However, she never imagined that her family would make use of this chance to usurp power from the Ling Family! This was no different from taking advantage of the Ling Family's demise and hitting them when they are down! Such actions were just despicable to the extreme!

The most infuriating thing was the fact that they were making use of the only girl in her generation to be a sacrificial pawn in this plan! Her lifetime of happiness, chastity, reputation… were all made use of by her family!

All these for the greatest merit?

"First Elder, BingYan has a question and I wonder if I should ask it?" Yu BingYan tried her best to suppress her fuming anger but her voice started to tremble and her whole face turned ashen!

"Shoot away." Yu ZhanShui sat down on a chair indifferently with a calm expression.

"Ever since I was young, BingYan has been taught that a lady should submit to three people. Submit to my father when I am at home, submit to my husband when I am married and submit to my son if my husband is dead." Yu BingYan took in a breath of cold air, "Now that the engagement is confirmed, BingYan can be considered a member of the Ling Family. For the family to make such a decision, are they considering the fact that I would be placed in a spot? Doess father have anything to say about this?"

"Second Master naturally agrees to this." Yu ZhanKong snickered, "This is a matter which concerns the ambitions of our Yu Family, so why would Second Master disagree? As for the engagement with the Ling Family, it is no more than a scheme; how can it be treated seriously? Even if you have to sacrifice a little for the family, so what about that?!"

"No more than a scheme? Cannot be treated seriously?" Yu BingYan's lips began to tremble, "The whole world knows that I am going to be married to Ling Tian and with the influence of both our families, the whole continent would probably be informed of this matter! It actually cannot be treated seriously??? Do you guys have any face?"

"Preposterous!" Yu ZhanShui shouted as he said with an icy expression, "Little princess, as long as you are the little princess for our Yu Family for a day, you will always be the little princess of our Yu Family! No matter what, the little princess of our Yu Family belongs to the Yu Family! It is your honor to make sacrifices for the family! How can you be so preposterous!"

"I am no longer the little princess of the Yu Family!" Yu BingYan raised her head up proudly, "I only have a single status now: the daughter-in-law of the Ling Family! Ling Tian is the man I love and nothing can change that!" As she said those words, a look of happiness and satisfaction filled her face.

Chapter 368: My Surname is Ling

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

"Nonsense!" Yu ZhanShui hollered, "As a member of the Yu Family and the only daughter of your generation, you actually dare to utter such outrageous words! You have truly forgotten your roots, your conduct is immoral and you have no sense of shame! Do you know what is the meaning of shame?"

"Shame? To think that First Elder still knows that there is a word called shame! First Elder is just too righteous, and BingYan does not wish to argue with you needlessly. However, there is something that I have to make clear! Yu BingYan is no longer part of the Yu Family!" Yu BingYan's eyes shone with determination.

"I am the woman of my most beloved man! I am Ling Tian's woman!" The last few words of hers were spoken with all the strength she could muster!

"Even if I die now, the engravings on my tombstone can only be 'Ling Family; Maiden name: Yu'. It will never be Yu BingYan of the Yu Family!"

"The celestials will not be able to change that!"

"No one can change that!"

Yu BingYan glared at the two elders stubbornly with the flame of hatred burning in her eyes. "The estate of the Ling Family belongs to my husband, Ling Tian! If anyone wants to snatch it over, that person will be the enemy of me and the Ling Family!"

With a deep breath, Yu BingYan added on with determination, emphasizing every word she said, "NO, MATTER, WHO, HE, IS!"

Yu ZhanShui's eyes were chilly as he looked at Yu BingYan. "If that's the case, the Family Head has on order. Regardless of whether or not you are willing, you have to accept the arrangements of the family and put in an effort for the family! If you do not comply, as the First Elder of the Yu Family, I will have the authority to carry out the punishment! Little princess, you better think things through clearly! I do not wish to shed all cordiality with you!" While Yu ZhanShui's words were soft, they were filled with immense pressure.

"I wonder how First Elder will punish me?"Yu BingYan said with a frosty tone.

"Hehe, the Family Head says that the little princess has been bedridden for many years and after bearing with her illness for many years, it is time for a relapse. The little princess has always been frail, and I believe that no one would have any doubts, right?!" Yu ZhanShui took a step forward with a menacing glare in his eyes. "Since the little princess does not want to choose the easy path, this old man can only serve the wine of punishment to the little princess!"

Yu BingYan never imagined that her First Uncle would be so heartless, giving such an order! Yu BingYan's eyes were filled with heartache but she didn't take a single step back, walking in front of the First Elder with her eyes shut. "Even if I die now, I will not have any regrets! I am already Tian'ge's wife!"

"I will not let you die! Little princess, it is only a wine of punishment. I will only let you sleep for a month and when you wake up, the world will be a completely different place!" Yu ZhanShui said with a sinister tone as he approached Yu BingYan!

"Wine of punishment? This daddy here loves to drink wine the most. Regardless of what kind of wine it is, this daddy here wants to try them all!" A voice filled with killing intent boomed in the room, "First Elder, how does your wine of punishment taste?"

The faces of both the Yu elders changed as they both looked towards the door.

Yu ManTian's burly figure was right at the doorstep with his burly figure blocking the sunlight! Looking over, that figure seemed so enormous! Both his eyes were glaring at the two elders with a violent killing intent emanating from his body!

"Third Master, I heard you were injured. How are your injuries?" Yu ZhanShui managed to force out a smile and welcomed Yu ManTian.

Yu ManTian took a step back and avoided Yu ZhanShui's hand that wanted to feel his pulse. At the same time, his eagle-like eyes were fixed onto Yu ZhanShui. "First Elder, I am waiting for your wine of punishment!"

"Err, this…" Yu ZhanShui stammered for a while and decided to recount the matter honestly. If Yu ManTian were to fly into a rage, the whole Sky Bearing City would definitely find out about the matter for sure!

"Third Master, this is the Family Head's intentions! If Third Master has any doubts, I have an order personally written by the Family Head!" As Yu ZhanShui said that, he took out a letter from his bosom.

Just when he had taken it out, Yu ManTian snatched it over with a 'swish' and sent it into Yu BingYan's hands. "Yan'er, read it to your Third Uncle."

Yu BingYan scanned through the letter once and her countenance lost color as she said with a trembling voice, "For all the members of the Yu Family, after seeing this letter, they must listen to the orders of the First Elder, Yu Zhan Shui, and the Third Elder, Yu ZhanKong! No one will be allowed to defy their orders or they will be punished with the family laws! The 39th head of the Yu Family, Yu ManLou!" after reciting the letter, Yu BingYan looked up at Yu ManTian with her heart in a complete mess.

"Third Master, did you hear that?" Yu ZhanKong said with a sinister tone. He had never gotten along with Yu ManTian but had never been able to win against him. Now that he could witness the beautiful display of the different colors on Yu ManTian's face, he felt extremely pleased as though his anger was finally vented.

"Scram! Does this daddy not have ears?!" Yu ManTian was filled with frustration already and after hearing Yu ZhanKong's sinister voice, flew into a complete rage. How could he still be bothered with whether or not Yu ZhanKong was his senior?

Yu ZhanKong shouted in return, "Yu ManTian, is this how you talk to your senior? If you are going to be so rude, this old man will teach you a lesson on behalf of the Family Head!"

Yu ManTian sneered and he began digging his nose, "Senior? Dammit! Why don't you tell me how you have been acting like a senior for the past ten years? Teach me a lesson? With just you? Pi!" Yu ManTian let out a mouthful of spit at the unguarded Yu ZhanFeng. With a face full of Yu ManTian's spit, Yu ZhanFeng flew into a rage and wanted to pounce forward.

"Stop fooling around!" Yu ZhanShui barked, "Do you guys think that we are at home? Do you guys think that you can fool around as you like? Third Master Yu, both of us brothers are acting in accordance with the Family Head's orders and Third Master is also a member of the Yu Family. Are you going to go against the Family Head's orders?"

Yu ManTian retorted, "What you guys want to do is your business! However, BingYan is this daddy's blood niece! This daddy was the matchmaker for their marriage! If the both of you dare to touch her, don't blame this daddy for not showing you two any face! If things were to blow up, the plan will fail at the very most! If big brother wants to find fault, the both of you will not be able to escape blame either!"

Looking at the both of them, Yu ManTian continued, "Don't think this daddy here doesn't know. The Yu XiaoChun from three years ago whom second brother's Enforcement Hall punished was your grandson, right? You are obviously trying to make use of this chance to take revenge for your private affairs! Big brother only asked the both of you to act at your discretion and never asked you to touch BingYan! Where did the both of you old men find the guts to do that? On whose authority are the both of you acting on?!"

Yu ZhanShui felt his body trembling as he forcefully suppressed his anger, "If Third Master insists, we can only let this matter rest. However, Family Head's mission cannot be ruined. What if the little princess spread this matter? Third Master, even you wouldn't be able to shoulder such blame right?"

"Do what you guys want, and I will not interfere in the slightest. This daddy here is from the Yu Family as well. Even if I don't like you, I will not ruin your plans!" Yu ManTian said in a proud manner. "However, do not go too far. If a single person from the Ling Family is injured, this daddy here will not let the both of you go! As for BingYan, the engagement is already confirmed, and BingYan already belongs to the Ling Family! She can do whatever she wants, and that is the affair of the Ling Family. Not to mention the fact that I as her Third Uncle have no rights to interfere, even if her father was here, he wouldn't have the rights to interfere either!"

"I can promise both of you!" Yu BingYan suddenly said, "I will not divulge your secret."

As Yu BingYan said that, even Yu ManTian was completely bewildered. This wasn't Yu BingYan's character at all. Just what was going on?

Both Yu ZhanShui and Yu ZhanKong let out a sigh of relief. Yu BingYan was still a member of the Yu Family after all. As long as she made such a promise, she would definitely keep her word. If not, she could have definitely chosen to reject the both of them with Yu ManTian as her backing! While this ending wasn't perfect, they would still be able to barely maintain it until the point they seized authority.

At the same time, Yu BingYan's eyes were filled with a gaze as though she had been relieved from a burden. Just when she wanted to reject the Yu elders previously, Ling Chen's buzzing voice sounded by her ears, "Yan'er, you can agree to their request. Don't worry, young noble has already made his arrangements. Rest assured and don't be rash." Only then could Yu BingYan finally be at ease.

Since Yu BingYan had agreed to their request and Yu ManTian was obviously unwilling to listen to their commands, there wasn't a point for them to stay any longer. Exchanging a glance, Yu ZhanShui and Yu ZhanKong both bade their farewell together. Yu BingYan's head was lowered without saying anything and Yu ManTian ignored them completely with his head facing the sky. Despite the anger in their heart, the both of them could only swallow their anger and take their leave.

After seeing the both of them leave, Yu BingYan said with a serious tone, "Third Uncle, you have to go back at once."

"Eh? For what?" Yu ManTian asked with doubt.

"Third Uncle, I am afraid that Father and First Uncle will…" Yu BingYan said with worry as she looked at Yu ManTian with pleading eyes, "Father will definitely not agree to First Uncle's decision but there isn't any news from Father until now… Third Uncle, if Father and First Uncle were to break out into a fight… only you would be able to mediate the fight."

"Alright! I will go back today!" As Yu ManTian heard that, he couldn't help but be anxious as well, hating the fact that he couldn't grow wings to fly back, "Honestly, your First Uncle's decision really places me in a difficult spot! Dammit, making me become the matchmaker for both of you so he can seize the estate of the Ling Family! Dammit, how unlucky! If I were to remain here, the Ling Family would definitely be at a disadvantage and this old man wouldn't be able to face my conscience. But if our Yu Family were to be at a disadvantage, I wouldn't be able to watch that and be comfortable. Why don't I just go back and forget about everything?! Dammit! I must definitely have a good fight with your First Uncle when I am back! Too much! I look down on him!"

Chapter 369: Ling Jian Out of Seclusion

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

Just when Yu ManTian wanted to take his leave, he suddenly remembered something and asked, "What will you do if I leave? What if those two old fogeys come and find trouble with you and force you to drink the whatever wine of punishment? What a headache! How about you come back to the Yu Family with me?"

Yu BingYan shook her head, "Third Uncle, Tian'ge's life or death is still unknown, so how can I be at peace? Besides, our Yu Family is here this time to usurp the authority of the Ling Family, and I must definitely stay to the very end. If I were to go back to the Yu Family now, it would be impossible for me to come here again! Furthermore, sister Ling Chen is still here, and I can go to the Ling Family Courtyard if things take a turn for the worse. As long as I do not make any rash moves, I believe that they won't do anything to me."

Yu ManTian nodded his head and replied without hesitation, "Alright then, I will be leaving now. If something happens, I will definitely send news to you. Mmm, there also isn't a need for me to pack anything up. If I were to see those two old fogeys again, I would definitely get angry again!" With a laugh, he turned around and left in a carefree manner.

Seeing her Third Uncle rush off, Yu BingYan felt a little more at ease. Then, she felt a rustling sound behind her and Ling Chen's dainty figure appeared beside her with a bright smile.

At this moment, Yu BingYan had a strange feeling in her heart. While the person in front of her was obviously Ling Chen, she no longer felt like Ling Chen. With the smile on Ling Chen's face, it was obvious that Ling Chen was pleased with the way she dealt with the two Yu elders. But for some reason, Yu BingYan felt the temperature around her drop by a few degrees with her heart being filled with coldness. Such a feeling dissipated Yu BingYan's original intention to pounce into Ling Chen's embrace and cry her heart out.

Looking at Yu BingYan stare at her with a slight trace of shock, Ling Chen let out a calm smile and said, "Sister BingYan, the Yu Family brought their troops here and it isn't convenient for you to join in this matter. I think that you should go to the Ling Family Courtyard temporarily to let loose for a while and not bother about these troubling affairs. Regardless of how the matter develops in the future, you will definitely feel frustrated."

Yu BingYan let out a melancholic smile, "Sister Chen, I know I am useless and have brought the Ling Family a huge trouble."

Ling Chen replied in a cool-headed manner, "You do not have to blame yourself for this. Even without you, the Yu Family would eventually seek trouble with us! What has to come will come!"

Yu BingYan responded with a soft 'Mmm' before lowering her head, "How can I hide in the Ling Family Courtyard with the present situation being so delicate? The First Elder will definitely not allow me to leave their sights."

However, Ling Chen replied with a confident smile, "Didn't Yu ZhanShui just say that it was time for sister BingYan's illness to have a relapse?"

Yu BingYan felt her heart shake and she let out a smile. She suddenly felt that the Ling Chen in front of her was giving her an extremely foreign feeling. Regardless of whether it was her cool-headed attitude in dealing with matters or her calm and unflustered bearing, it was as though there was another Ling Tian standing right in front of her!

Especially since Ling Chen's gaze would be occasionally chilly, almost exactly like Ling Tian! However, this was not Ling Chen intentionally imitating Ling Tian but just her being extremely similar to him! It was as though this was her natural bearing. If she could emanate a dense killing intent, her demeanor would definitely be exactly like Ling Tian's!

However, why would this feel extremely foreign to her? Because it was Ling Chen with such a bearing?

"There shouldn't be any troubles today and you should prepare to feign illness. Remember, your illness is a result of anger! I have to rush back to the Ling Family Courtyard." Ling Chen said with a warm smile, "It is probably time for Ling Jian to exit seclusion! I wonder how his comprehension of the sword is? If this fellow finds out that something has happened to the young noble, he will definitely go crazy! If I am not around, I am sure that no one will be able to rein him in! If something were to go wrong, things would be bad!"

As she said that, Ling Chen's gaze began to grow distant as she looked to the sky, Young noble, are you alright? Do you know that there are many people missing you here?

***

In the Ling Family Courtyard; a secret chamber where it was impossible for others to spy on!

In front of the secret chamber, both Ling Lei and Ling Dian stood there straight without any movement. However, their faces were filled with worry and depression!

In the past three days, not a single sound could be heard from Ling Jian who was in the secret chamber, and they couldn't help but be worried about Ling Jian's safety! After three days without food and water, no matter how profound Ling Jian's inner qi was, it wasn't a small matter. Just what should they do if something were to go wrong? If anything untoward were to happen to brother Jian…

Especially the fact that the life or death of their young noble was still undetermined. Even if all of them had absolute confidence in their young noble, they couldn't help but be shaken by the frightening martial arts displayed by the green-robed expert! Can their young noble really escape alone?! The assassins of the First Pavilion were all waiting for Ling Jian to come out to make a decision. If not for the fact that they were usually bound by strict rules and the orders left behind by Ling Tian before he left, they would have definitely chased after Justice already! For their young noble, death was nothing!

So what if their deaths were certain?!

In the secret chamber, a loud whooshing sound could suddenly be heard! At the start, the wind was like the comfortable spring breeze and it gradually evolved into the autumn breeze, before turning into the frigid winter winds and finally transforming into a huge hurricane! This process lasted for a full four hours before the winds finally stopped.

As Ling Lei and Ling Dian nervously looked at each other, the door to the secret chamber opened up!

A shabbily dressed Ling Jian walked out with fatigue all over his face but his body still standing up straight!

In Ling Jian's hand was a sword, a sword that was completely intact! The black iron sword! Looking at this sword, both Ling Dian and Ling Lei were filled with ecstasy!

Ling Tian had once said that if Ling Jian couldn't break through to the next realm, he would never allow Ling Jian to wield a complete sword! Now that Ling Jian walked out with a black iron sword, they knew that Ling Jian had not let Ling Tian down! He had indeed broken through to the realm of 'Sword Soul'!

Ling Jian turned around and looked at the secret chamber behind him with respect in his eyes. "When I first saw young noble, he was only six years old but helped me to solve all the problems I couldn't solve! From then on, young noble became the only master in my life! From the moment I took my revenge, I knew that my whole life would be spent serving the young noble! Apart from accomplishing the missions he has given to me, there will no longer be a second purpose in my life!"

Ling Jian then let out a long breath and said in a voice that only he could hear, "Ever since I had some accomplishment in my martial arts, I always had a strange thought. Every time I achieved a breakthrough, I would feel as though young noble's realm was getting further and further away from me! I would feel as though young noble's strength was at an unfathomable level! Especially how young noble allowed me to comprehend the essence of my sword way with just a few words! My only regret is the fact that there are some enemies that I cannot deal with and have to trouble the young noble!" Ling Jian's eyes glowed with worship. "Young noble should probably be nearing the realm of a celestial right? Is there anyone capable of being his match?"

As he said that, he turned around with a rare smile and realized that the two brothers behind him had an odd expression. Thus, he couldn't help but be stunned as he asked, "What's wrong? What's with your expression? Did something happen?" At the same time, he couldn't help but have a bad feeling as though something big had happened. He then took another step forward and questioned, "What happened?"

Ling Dian and Ling Lei were both stumped for a moment. They were extremely aware of how close the young noble was to Ling Jian. However, wasn't it the same for them? Tears filled their eyes and almost streamed down their cheeks as their lips began to tremble, "It's… it's young noble… something happened."

Ling Jian was shocked, and he grabbed Ling Lei up by his neck, with his eyes becoming bloodshot as though he had turned crazy. "Nonsense! How can anything happen to the young noble? Young noble's wisdom is like a celestial being, how can anything happen to him? Explain yourselves clearly!"

His voice sounded like thunder, with soil being dislodged in the cave.

"Young noble… he is being chased by Justice from Beyond Heavens. Brother Jian, Justice is that green-dressed expert that we faced outside the Smoky Thea Tower. Young noble already left Sky Bearing alone and his life or death is unknown!" Seeing how Ling Lei was choked to the point he couldn't speak, Ling Dian quickly explained.

PENG!

Ling Jian slammed Ling Lei to the wall and Ling Jian glared at them coldly with killing intent emanating. "Beyond Heavens? Justice?! Green-dressed expert?! So what! Good! What good brothers the both of you are! To protect us, young noble purposely led the enemy out of Sky Bearing with his life or death unknown! However, you two b*st*rds do not know how to repay the young noble's kindness with death and have the cheek to stand here like statues! Have your consciences been eaten up by the dogs?!"

Both of them stood up straight and did not dare to say a single word. In fact, the both of them did not know what to say at all…

Ling Jian grunted and did not pause for a moment, disappearing like a bolt of lightning!

Chapter 370: Ling Chen Making Decisions

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

Young noble is in danger! Young noble needs my aid! With a breakthrough in my strength, I can use my life in exchange for the green-robed expert's injuries! I will be able to help the young noble to seize an opportunity! Ling Jian thought this to himself as he accelerated at full speed and disappeared like a wisp of smoke!

"Where are you going?" A frosty voice sounded by his ears. While the voice wasn't loud, Ling Jian stopped immediately upon hearing it.

"Lass Chen!" Ling Jian turned around, "Good that you are here! I am going to help the young noble, and our chances will be bigger with you around!"

"You are going to save the young noble? I think you are going to harm the young noble!" Ling Chen snorted as she said with a fierce glare, "Is there any meaning for you to go? With your martial arts, what can you do even if you find young noble?! Aren't you only capable of being a burden and creating trouble for young noble? Stay here in the courtyard, and you are not to go anywhere without my orders!"

"Bullsh*t!" For the first time in his life, Ling Jian scolded Ling Chen and flew into a rage. "Lass Chen, what do you mean by that? Did young noble bring us up for nothing? Are we supposed to watch by the side when young noble is facing a life or death tribulation? Especially you! You are young noble's most beloved lady but you are actually asking me to ignore young noble at such a time?! What are your intentions?!"

PA!

With a swing of her arms, Ling Chen sent out a lightning-fast slap and Ling Jian did not even have a chance to react! Ling Chen's frosty voice then sounded, "Ling Jian, do you still know that I am young noble's beloved woman? Isn't young noble my most beloved man as well? However, being rash isn't the way to solve our current problem! If we had a chance to beat Justice by gathering all of our forces, do you think that young noble will take the risk to leave Sky Bearing? If you are going to act so willful all the time, you will definitely eventually ruin young noble's plans! Let me ask you, who did young noble once say should be in charge when he isn't around?!"

Ling Jian held onto his right cheek that was slapped by Ling Chen with an incredulous expression. Is this still that gentle Ling Chen? Is this still that lass who would tremble when seeing blood? She actually dared to slap me in public? Ling Jian was stunned silly and did not hear what Ling Chen said.

"Are you deaf?!" Ling Chen shouted, "I am asking you, if young noble isn't around, who is in charge?"

"You will be in charge, but young noble…" Ling Jian snorted and turned around.

"What if someone defies my orders?" Ling Chen asked in a threatening manner.

"Kill without mercy!" Ling Jian lowered his head.

Looking at his expression, Ling Chen finally felt her anger dissipate slightly, "At least you still remember! Do you know why young noble would take such a huge risk to lure Justice away? Do you know what kind of a crisis our Ling Family and Ling Family Courtyard are facing right now? Do you know what young noble's orders were before he left? Why aren't you talking? You don't know anything! You only know how to be rash! You, you have really disappointed me! But it doesn't matter if you disappoint me, do you know who you have disappointed the most? Young noble!"

"I…" Ling Jian lifted up his head and saw Ling Chen's frosty gaze. He then lowered his head and realized that he really didn't know anything at all. He only wanted to help his young noble with the hot blood he had! However, just what could he do to help his young noble?

Using his life? Even if he wanted to die, that wasn't the way! His life only belonged to the young noble! Just what was he thinking?

Only now did Ling Jian feel the stinging pain on his cheek. As Ling Jian rubbed his right cheek, a sudden thought appeared in his head, This lass has changed! Be it the way she talks or her actions, they are all exactly like the young noble! She has transformed into the young noble because he has left! She is indeed young noble's most beloved woman! Ling Jian could not help but respect Ling Chen in his heart.

Seeing Ling Jian calm down, Ling Chen began to describe everything that happened in the past few days to him. Finally, Ling Chen said calmly, "Before young noble left, he emphasized the fact that this will be the biggest challenge that we have faced! For himself, for the Ling Family, or for the Courtyard! The crisis that young noble is facing alone is also the most dangerous crisis! So, we must ensure that nothing goes wrong on our side so that the young noble doesn't have to be distracted. We can't give the young noble any additional burdens! Everyone must listen to my orders and no one is to act out of line! Anyone who goes against my orders will be punished severely!'

Then, Ling Chen glanced at Ling Jian, "If anyone makes a rash move and spoils young noble's plans, he should know what outcome awaits him!"

Ling Jian could not help but be drenched in cold sweat! He then let out an awkward chuckle and rubbed his right cheek, "Since young noble left behind a complete plan, I will definitely listen to all of your orders. But Lass Chen, this slap of yours is really vicious!"

Ling Chen glared at him and grunted, "If this slap of mine doesn't hurt and can't wake you up, there will be more for you to suffer! The most important thing for us to do now is to collate our forces. Apart from the few squadrons nearest to us, there isn't a need to contact the rest. The Yu Family has already entered the Ling Residence and is eyeing on us covetously. They have already disrupted our ordinary operations and if they were to find out about our forces in the periphery, they will probably be able to take care of them easily."

"Second, after the situation in Sky Bearing stabilizes, there is an important mission for your First Pavilion. I believe all of you will be extremely excited! It seems like your First Pavilion has not had any major operations for a long time already!" As she said that, a dense killing intent shot out from her eyes.

"It has really been a long time since our last major operation. What kind of a mission is that?" As Ling Jian heard that, he was immediately excited.

"According to what I know, young noble's current crisis is because of the Northern Wei's crown prince using the Martial Order Medallion to make a request. All of our troubles are a result of that, including the crisis our Ling Family is facing!" Ling Chen said with a cold sneer, "Since Wei ChengPing dares to do that, he will have to endure the revenge of our Ling Family. At that time, your First Pavillion will be in charge of slaughtering the members of the Northern Wei Imperial Family. You must not miss a single one!"

Ling Chen's tone was extremely cold and calm, as though she wasn't the one giving out such a cruel order, "If a single person is left out, you will be letting down the young noble for his many years of training! I will not say anything more."

"Yes!" Ling Jian's face contorted in a vicious manner, "Don't worry, there won't be a single survivor in the Northern Wei palace!"

The sound of galloping horses could be heard and Ling Two sped over with an anxious appearance, "Sister Chen, brother Jian, young madam's illness had a relapse and she is currently unconscious. The many physicians are all helpless and Old Madam commanded me to summon you back!"

Ling Chen let out a smile. Who would have thought that BingYan would be so anxious? It seems like she really doesn't want to see the disgusting faces of those from the Yu Family.

In the main hall, Old Madam Ling and the other members of the Ling Family were filled with worry. Even Yu ZhanShui and Yu ZhanKong's expressions were heavy. Both of them could not help but feel that something was odd about Yu BingYan's relapse. Before they even had the chance to deal with her, why would her illness have a sudden relapse? Could there be something fishy going on?

Frantic footsteps sounded from the outside and a servant reported, "Reporting to Old Madam, Miss Ling Chen and Ling Jian request an audience."

Old Madam Ling's frown eased up a little as she replied, "Let them come in." Then, she said to the two Yu elders with a smile, "These two people, one of them is Tian'er's maid and the other is his follower. Although they do not have any abilities and are slightly versed in medicine, they are absolutely loyal to Tian'er."

As she said that, Yu ZhanShui and Yu ZhanKong both let out relaxed smiles as they thought, So they are just two servants, nothing to worry about.

Under the gazes of everyone present, a young man and lady walked in. Seeing so many people in the hall staring at them, they seemed extremely nervous as they knelt down and said, "Paying our respects to the Family Head and Old Madam."

Old Madam Ling responded with an 'Mmm' before saying, "Rise. What has happened to BingYan?"

Ling Chen took a step forward and said anxiously, "Young madam's mood seems to be a little down and it seems like she suffered from a shock recently. Together with the fact that her body is weak, it's best… it's best that she recuperates in a location with a good view and fresh air."

"Oh." Old Madam Ling nodded her head and instructed, "If that's the case, bring BingYan to the Ling Family Courtyard for recuperation. Bring her back to the residence when she is feeling better. Tell those at the Courtyard to take good care of young madam. If anything were to happen to her, all of them will be executed!" Old Madam Ling said sternly.

"Yes! We obey Old Madam's orders." Ling Chen kowtowed and wanted to take her leave.

"Err, Old Madam, isn't this a little inappropriate?" Yu ZhanShui stood up, "Our little princess isn't feeling well and her illness is one that she has had since she was young. It isn't good for her to travel long distances, and it is best for her to recuperate in the residence. If she were to leave the city and anything happened, it wouldn't be good if there are any delays."

"First Elder is unaware," Old Madam Ling said with a kindly chuckle, "that the number one physician of our Sky Bearing City, Ye TianNan, stays near the Courtyard. If BingYan stays at the Courtyard, it would be easier for her to receive treatment." She then waved her hands towards Ling Chen and Ling Jian, "Are you not going to send young madam to the Courtyard? What are you waiting for?"

Chapter 371: Shocking White Jade

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

Both of them fearfully acknowledged the orders and quickly took their leave.

Yu ZhanShui and Yu ZhanKong exchanged a glance before looking back at Old Madam Ling. Yu ZhanKong then said with a smile, "Old Madam, if that's the case, then can we send a few guards to escort our little princess? The little princess is the beloved of our Yu Family and if… ah ah, Family Head will end up blaming us for not guarding her well. These few people are all the servants who usually serve the little princess and it will be convenient to have them around."

Both of them had the same thought: Might as well make use of this opportunity to see the strength of the mysterious Ling Family Courtyard.

Old Madam Ling considered for a moment before agreeing.

The large troop surrounded Yu BingYan's carriage and left the southern gate slowly.

Apart from Ling Chen, Ling Jian, Ling Feng, Ling Yun and the rest, there were ten white jade, twenty purple jade, and a large crowd following behind the carriage. Along the way, they looked extremely careful as though they might face an enemy attack at any time.

The willow forest was right in front of them and the Ling Family Courtyard's buildings could be seen on the horizon. Under the reflection of the sunlight, the buildings looked as though they were all glowing and golden in color. The thirty experts of the Yu Family immediately revealed a fascinated expression as they thought, Is this the Ling Family Courtyard that the Family Head instructed us to pay attention to? Just what is the Ling Family Courtyard like? What is special about it?

All of a sudden, the carriage stopped and when everyone was in doubt, a white-dressed teen walked over and said to the Yu Family members coldly, "The Ling Family Courtyard is right in front and I thank everyone for guarding our young madam. Without the orders of our young noble, nobody will be allowed to enter the Courtyard. We will ensure the safety of our young madam, and I invite the rest of you to leave."

"Invite us to leave? You must be joking!" A white jade expert leading the way sneered, "This is the little princess of our Yu Family and we must definitely escort her into a safe place. We can only leave after ensuring her safety. What are your intentions, asking us to leave now?"

"If I ask you to scram, all of you better scram! If you frustrate this daddy here, I will dice all of you up and dump you in the ocean!" A violent voice sounded and the whole forest was filled with a killing intent. In that instant, all the Yu Family members felt a layer of frost over them.

While Ling Jian was still standing there without a change in his posture, his aura had changed completely. Despite still wearing the attire of a servant, the aura emanating from him had the prestige to destroy the heavens and earth! Under the pressure from his aura, the thirty experts of the Yu Family subconciously took a step back with perspiration all over their heads!

"It's you!" The white-dressed man in the lead looked at Ling Jian without backing down, "Friend, what fabulous martial arts! Are you really called Ling Jian? Are you really a servant of the Ling Family?" The way he saw it, such an expert was definitely a world famous character. How was it possible for him to be a mere servant of the Ling Family? However, the name 'Ling Jian' was completely unknown and thus such a question. As long as they knew his true name, they would naturally have a way to deal with him.

His tone was cold and expression stern with his tone neither too servile or overbearing. The white-dressed man was certain that the way he carried himself did not insult the name of a white jade expert of their Yu Family. However, even he didn't realize that under the prestige of Ling Jian's aura, he inevitably felt a subconscious fear towards Ling Jian! As for Ling Jian's humiliating words, he didn't even dare to retort at all!

"It is your honor for all of you to hear my real name!" Ling Tian snorted with unconcealed killing intent in his eyes, "If all of you are not going to leave, it will really be your misfortune."

"Misfortune? This Yu wants to see how it will be our misfortune!" Even a man made of clay will have anger, not to mention a white jade expert of the Yu Family! Despite feeling a strong pressure from Ling Jian's aura, this white dressed man could no longer rein in his anger and issued a challenge!

With a loud 'shiiiing', he pointed his sword at Ling Jian, "If you can defeat me, we will leave obediently as per your orders. But if you cannot win, then you better make way!" Although he was angry, he still left a way out for himself and his subordinates.

Ling Jian snickered and placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. With his eyes staring at the white dressed man coldly, a thunderous roar sounded in the forest! It was Ling Jian pulling out his sword slightly, imbuing his inner qi within the body of his sword and causing it to shake within its sheath. The resulting sound from the friction sounded like thousands of soldiers charging down a battlefield!

The skies were filled with an abundant sword qi being emanated from Ling Jian's sword which wasn't even fully out of its sheath! Ling Jian stood there like a mountain and looked as though he was a precious sword that was unleashed from its sheath!

The black iron sword was only unsheathed half a foot, shining resplendently in the sun!

Before the sword was fully unsheathed, the members of the Yu Family were all defeated mentally! Fear could be seen in all of their eyes as their faces turned pale and they lost all will to battle!

Before they even exchanged a single blow, victory had been determined!

The expert leading the Yu Family let out a sigh as his body deflated and spat out a mouthful of blood. While Ling Jian did not make a move, he was standing right in front of Ling Jian and had to circulate all of his inner qi to block Ling Jian's aura. At such a level, life and death could happen in an instant with the strong surviving and the weak perishing. His meridians were already injured by Ling Jian's formless sword qi and his life was hanging by a thread!

Pin drop silence!

With a loud clang, Ling Jian's sword returned to the sheath and silence returned to the forest. Ling Jian's cold gaze swept past the Yu Family experts and none of them dared to even raise their heads.

Ling Jian let out a sneer before shouting, "Leave!"

The carriage started to move again and the members of the Ling Family followed behind it. Under the setting sun, the thirty members of the Yu Family stood there in a daze. The shadows cast by the setting sun had an inexplicable desolate feeling!

Before they arrived, who would have thought that the thirty Yu Family experts wouldn't even dare to unsheath their sword when facing Ling Jian?

The curtains of the carriage were lifted and Yu BingYan's head stuck out, "Have they left?"

Ling Chen smiled and said, "Rest assured sister BingYan, everything is in our control."

Yu BingYan let out a melancholic sigh, "Sister Chen, for such a thing to happen, this little sister is truly ashamed. I have let you down, I have let the Ling Family down, and I have let Tian'ge down…"

Ling Chen paused for a moment before saying, "Sister BingYan, do you know that young noble had already predicted the Yu Family's actions before he left? If he knew the choice that you made, he would definitely be very gratified."

Yu BingYan let out a long depressed sigh as she forced a smile, "Choice? I have not made any choice and cannot make any choices. If both families were to fight in the open, I may not have helped any sides. However, such a despicable action is not something which I can accept and I will only stand on the side of my beloved!"

Ling Chen responded with an 'Mmm' before continuing, "Just relax and everything will be over soon. Young noble also wishes for you to grow quickly so you can be of aid to him."

Yu BingYan nodded her head obediently and suddenly asked, "Sister Chen, there is something that I have never understood. Isn't the Sky Bearing Imperial Family already destroyed and remains in name only? As an empire, shouldn't Sky Bearing have a Martial Order Medallion as well? If Tian'ge took out the Martial Order Medallion, wouldn't he be able to avoid his crisis? Why didn't Tian'ge do that?"

Ling Chen let out a dim smile, "I asked Mister Ye about this after young noble left. Mister Ye said that the Martial Order Medallion can only be used in the hands of an imperial family member. If someone of another surname were to use it, it would only result in a calamity! If not, with the many experts in the world, wouldn't the eight Martial Order Medallions end up falling into the hands of the pugilistic world?"

As she said that, she looked at Yu BingYan with a smile, "If not for this restriction, with the strength of the Yu Family, wouldn't it be an easy task to gather all eight medallions? If that's the case, wouldn't Beyond Heavens turn into the slave of the Yu Family?"

Yu BingYan nodded her head and was enlightened, "I see!"

Ling Chen let out a sigh, "What a pity, there isn't anyone left with Long Xiang's blood in Sky Bearing and Princess JiaoYue is a lady. If not, as long as we resorted to some means, this crisis would be averted!"

Yu BingYan fell silent for a while before letting out a sigh and returning to her carriage.

Ling Jian rushed forward silently and walked beside Ling Chen.

Ling Chen looked at Ling Jian and was reminded by Ling Jian's previous performance, "Ling Jian, have you broken through and felt the feeling of being one with the sword? Do you feel as though you are at the peak of the sword way?"

Ling Jian paused for a moment and answered honestly, "That's right, I do have such a feeling! I feel as though there isn't anyone in this world capable of fighting me and no one I cannot kill! That is also the reason why I wanted to help young noble. While that green dressed expert is frightening, I believe that if I sacrifice my life, I will be able to seriously injure that Justice!" As he said that, he looked at Ling Chen. Up until now, he was still brooding over the fact that Ling Chen stopped him from saving Ling Tian. However, he did not dare to throw a fit because of Ling Tian's orders. Now that Ling Chen was asking him about his martial arts progress, he wanted to make use of this opportunity to say his piece.

"I knew that you would definitely be unconvinced." Ling Chen let out a bitter laugh and looked towards Ling Jian with a teasing look, "When you entered into seclusion, I asked young noble something."

Ling Chen paused for a while and saw that Ling Jian's face grew serious, "At that time, young noble said that if you can achieve a breakthrough in your seclusion, you will be able to truly enter the entrance of being one with the sword! Mmm, just the entrance."

Chapter 372: Seeking a Breakthrough

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

"The entrance?! Just the entrance?" Ling Jian was completely dumbfounded and his eyes almost popped out, "This is being one with the sword, the legendary peak of swordplay! Why did young noble say that it was only the entrance? Did young noble really say that?" After achieving a breakthrough, Ling Jian felt as though he was invincible apart from the young noble. However, he never imagined that this was merely the entrance in the eyes of the young noble! How could Ling Jian not be shocked?

"Mmm," Ling Chen said as she recalled, "Back then, young noble had said that there are two higher realms after being one with the sword! That was the true way of the sword and the true realm of an expert!"

"What realm?" Ling Jian asked impatiently.

"I don't know either." Ling Chen smiled, "Young noble didn't mention it. It seems as though he has not reached that realm yet either. However, that green-robed expert has! Thus, you would only be seeking your death to try and save the young noble! Additionally, the young noble would also be placed in a spot if you were to go!"

"..." Ling Jian lowered his head in a deflated manner as he thought, This Ling Chen, bringing me up to a high and mercilessly slamming me back into hell! To think that she gave me such an answer at the very end! Ling Jian could not help but sigh to the heavens , What a vicious lady!

"Err, also, why didn't you allow me to kill those brats just now?" Ling Jian suddenly thought about this and asked.

"Are you pig-headed?! Young noble isn't wrong to scold you as such!" Ling Chen scolded, "Since the Yu Family wants to swallow our Ling Family, why can't we make use of the opportunity to plot against them? Since they are now in the position of power!" Ling Chen let out a mysterious smile, "Besides, you revealing your strength would be akin to revealing the tip of the iceberg to the Yu Family and they would definitely place their focus on our Ling Family Courtyard! If that's the case, it would be extremely beneficial to your First Pavilion's plan in Northern Wei!"

Ling Jian looked at Ling Chen dumbly and felt as though the one standing in front of him was Ling Tian. The familiar strategies and the familiar feeling of being unable to see through the plan completely. To think that he would have such a feeling again because of Ling Chen!

Shaking his head, Ling Jian took a few steps forward and only left behind a single phrase, "Lass Chen, it is time for you to kill and come into contact with some blood."

Ling Chen only let out a smile but did not say a word. She did not agree with Ling Jian but also did not reject him like she usually would.

Above the Sky Bearing City in the night, countless messenger pigeons took to the air and flew off in all directions.

As for Ling Tian at the moment, his footsteps had never slowed down as he traversed the earth like a strong gust of wind. The moment one caught a glimpse of him, he would disappear the very next moment! The frightening speed that he displayed made one gasp in admiration!

If a normal person could maintain such a speed for a short while, he would be considered a movement technique expert. However, Ling Tian had already maintained such a speed for a full four hours!

Throughout the five days of him escaping, Ling Tian was completely unable to escape from Justice's furious pursuit despite using the many techniques from his previous life and mystical concealment techniques. If it were any other person, he probably would have been killed by Ling Tian's many sure-kill techniques. But in front of absolute strength, all of his so-called techniques were no different from paper tigers. At every single moment every day, Ling Tian could clearly feel the prickling cold killing intent at his back as though there was an ice-cold snake slithering around behind him. Furthermore, this ice-cold snake had the ability to easily take his life!

In the five days of the chase, Ling Tian had already exhausted his inner qi twice in order to escape! Despite using all of the various means and ideas he had, Ling Tian was never able to gain more than a 6 hour lead over Justice!

Furthermore, Ling Tian would have to lead such a life for a full half a year! At the same time, Ling Tian was beginning to run out of fresh ideas and he did not dare to use the same technique in front of Justice twice!

Such a nasty scenario was something that Ling Tian had never imagined! While he did place Justice's martial arts in high regards, he never imagined that Justice would be so frightening and that he would be reduced to such a pathetic state! It was still acceptable if the only outstanding thing about Justice was his martial arts. However, his will was firm, he was wiser than his peers, and was a medicinal expert! Such a character did indeed live up to the name of being the Martial Order Medallion owner, the number one figure in the world!

Ling Tian had already tried to escape into a city numerous times as he was certain that his chances to escape would be much higher the moment he entered the city. However, Justice had found out about his intentions and purposefully sealed off any routes that would lead Ling Tian to the city. Ling Tian had already circled the city twice but did not have a chance to enter the city at all. If he were to take a risk to enter the city, it was very likely that he would be slaughtered by Justice!

After knowing that Yu BingYan was suffering from Divine Black Negative Meridians, this was the first time Ling Tian felt the urgent need to increase his strength! Absolute strength would be his only reliable trump card! The moment Justice was to familiarize himself with Ling Tian's escaping techniques, Ling Tian's death would be certain if he didn't raise his strength!

However, how could it be an easy thing for him to increase his strength? Especially the fact that Ling Tian's martial arts realm was already extremely high. For him to take another step forward, how could that be an easy affair?

Just like the saying, huge pressure would definitely cause one to unleash their potential. However, despite the pressure on Ling Tian being high enough, his potential might not be unleashed! While Ling Tian was still carrying two Great Cyclic Pills on him, Ling Tian would never dare to consume them right now. It was less than a month since he last consumed the Great Cyclic Pellet and taking another one now would definitely cause him to die a horrible death from the rupture of his meridians! This was something without a doubt.

Thus, Ling Tian could only use the most foolish method!

Every time his inner qi was completely exhausted, he would feel a small improvement when he recovered his inner qi! In the realm of sports science, this was called breaking through a person's limits! After breaking through the limits of one's body, he would definitely feel a significant increase in his speed and strength!

At the same time, Ling Tian knew that this so-called limit was actually the second limit! In other words, after breaking through the limits, the human body would have a sudden feeling of being refreshed from fatigue. At this time, the human body would be temporarily recovered. When the body was once again exhausted, that would be the true limit of a human body! That was the time when the human body would not have a single ounce of strength left!

Only by recovering at such a moment could one achieve an improvement in their inner qi! This would also help to stabilize the growth of one's limits!

Ridges after ridges were left behind him and Ling Tian's route was extremely odd. He went to the left sometimes and would suddenly turn to the right. After entering a valley, he would suddenly exit it immediately. At times, he would leave his aura in all directions but not choose a specific direction to go towards. This was a method which combined all of Ling Tian's knowledge from his previous life. While such a method would be completely ineffective when used against an ordinary person and would only serve to slow himself down, it was extremely effective against someone like Justice whose six senses were extremely acute. Ling Tian was certain that Justice was definitely having a hard time chasing after him in the past few days! For an expert like Justice, he was extremely used to using his six senses to feel the presence of his opponent. However, for every advantage, there would definitely be a disadvantage!

According to Ling Tian's estimate, his own speed was definitely slightly slower than Justice's speed. If not, it would be impossible for him to be almost caught a few times. But in a cat and mouse chase like this, the one escaping had the advantage as he could plan his own route. At the very least, Ling Tian was certain that he would be able to gain a four hours lead. However, he required a full twelve hours to fully restore his inner qi. Thus, if Ling Tian wanted to find a way to achieve a breakthrough, he would have to make use of his lead to find a safe hiding spot for himself. Only when he was able to recover his inner qi at ease would he have the chance to escape from his present predicament!

If he were to be disrupted when cultivating, he would definitely enter into cultivation deviation and die on the spot if it was serious!

This was a huge gamble, but Ling Tian had no choice but to make such a gamble! He would only have a chance to win a bet if he took this gamble! If he couldn't increase his speed, Justice would eventually catch up to him and he would lose the half year bet for sure!

Ling Tian sped up again and entered the densely packed ridgeline. After making a round in the ridgeline, he exited the ridgeline and landed by the side of a protruding rock. This protruding rock was a few thousand catties heavy and had a small concealed space underneath it. At the same time, there were dense bushes made of weeds and huge pine trees in front of the rock. When Ling Tian had entered the ridgeline, he had already discovered this wonderful hiding spot.

Ling Tian unsheathed his sword and dug out a small crater where he could hide himself in and piled up the resulting soil by the entrance of the crater. He then carefully shifted a layer of grass from a distance and used it to cover up the pile of soil before tidying up the surroundings.

After ensuring that everything melded into the background perfectly, Ling Tian raised his head up to the sky and concluded that it was about time. With a smile, he ducked into the crater and circulated his inner qi. With a deep breath, the small pile of soil was sucked to the entrance of the crater and completely blocked the entrance to the space under the rock. If someone from the outside were to look at the rock, he would definitely think that underneath the rock was originally a pile of soil with weeds growing all over it. The pile of soil blended into the surroundings perfectly with nothing standing out!

The soil loosened slightly with the movements so slight that no one could detect it. At the place where the vegetation was the densest, a thin reed pipe stuck out from within the soil…