469 - 473
Chapter 469: Difficulties of the Heart
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: Rock, DavidT
"All of this will have to wait till we return to Sky Bearing. If your little lovers are all too difficult to get along with, I'll naturally let them feel how much worse I can be. However, if they're all reasonable, do you think I'll be the sort of person to provoke them?" Li Xue bit her lips as she spoke.
Ling Tian nodded his head in reassurance. "They will not disappoint you." Ling Tian was extremely sure that with Yu BingYan and Ling Chen's temper, the chances of them provoking Li Xue would be close to zero. So long as Li Xue herself didn't purposefully find fault, it wouldn't be long before they all became bosom friends. That was the ability of Ling Chen.
As to why Ling Tian chose this sort of arrangement, it was also to secretly build a foundation for the future. No matter when it was, the Courtyard couldn't afford to break out in this sort of fiery war.
"The sky has brightened. Everyone, begin your operations!" Ling Tian concluded the discussion with this sentence.
No one would probably think that in a few years in the future, that these few random orders coming out of Ling Tian's mouth today would cause the entire continent to thoroughly sink into a mushy mess much like porridge!
The rest went out to prepare, only leaving Ling Tian and Ling Jian in the room. After treating Ling Jian's wounds for the last time, he solemnly stared at Ling Jian as he spoke, "Any thoughts about receiving such a heavy injury?"
Ling Jian only smiled as he winked, "To jump in and out of the gates of hell seven or eight times in a night, this sort of feeling is really fantastic!"
Ling Tian grinned widely in response, "Hmm, not bad. To be able to experience the miracle of life and death still shows that you're not too stupid." Ling Jian bitterly smiled in return.
Ling Tian stopped his jokes, speaking in a grave tone, "It is only through lingering near life and death that one will be able to break through in the truest sense. Furthermore, while we use the same cultivation, the comprehension and realization of each person who undergoes samsara will all be different. In this area, nobody is able to guide you, and I can only leave you with a sentence as a reference."
Ling Tian's eyes were bright as he slowly enunciated every word. "Ignore all others, follow your heart. Walk, understand, comprehend. This is the most orthodox method."
Ling Jian sunk into deep thought, slowly nodding his head as he replied, "Many thanks to the young noble!"
Ling Tian only smiled.
In reality, these life and death experience were a great opportunity for Ling Jian. If he could comprehend anything from this, then a breakthrough for him would be a piece of cake! With Ling Jian at the periphery of the next boundary, Ling Tian had immediately chosen to feed him with this tranquilizer. With this sentence to guide him, Ling Jian wouldn't have to fumble around blindly in the dark.
Gazing at the retreating shadow of Ling Tian, Ling Jian's eyes were filled with respect and gratitude.
"Have they all left?" Xiao YanXue sat on the bedside, playing with the edges of her clothes as she softly whispered. Her voice was thick with the sense of sadness.
No matter how she viewed Ling Tian as her own, right now, in Ling Tian's eyes as well as his subordinates, she was merely an outsider! No one would bother with her existence and would even overlook her. Upon knowing that they would be leaving, the original lively atmosphere quickly dissipated into the void and made a sort of loneliness surface involuntarily within her. This was especially so for the feeling of distrust they had in her, making this haughty little princess extremely uncomfortable at this very moment.
Ling Tian slowly walked over, sitting beside her on a chair as he lowly grunted in assent.
Xiao YanXue let out a mocking smile, "Your subordinates, be they men or women, are all outstanding. This is especially so for the one currently bedridden. Such experts probably couldn't be found even if you searched the entire earth, but your Ling Family actually possesses them in extravagant numbers!"
Ling Tian paused in shock, before smiling as he replied, "You really know quite a bit. But they didn't seem to have done anything in front of you, so how did you come to that conclusion?"
With her head still lowered, she whispered, "Different people will have different forms of temperament around them. In this chaotic scene currently, those with higher martial arts capabilities will definitely feel even more confident. Be it their expressions or their actions, one can easily tell that this is a person who belongs to the upper echelon of the food chain, holding power over those below. This point can't be faked, and while your subordinates didn't display anything, their temperaments were clear to see. Furthermore, the bedridden Ling Jian's temperament is the most distinct, and looking at how those younger experts treat him, his identity and capabilities need not be mentioned at all."
Ling Tian broke into laughter while nodding, "Not bad, I'm sure you've seen quite a lot of people with such temperament, right? Or else how could you be so experienced?"
"Are you trying to get something out of me?" Xiao YanXue raised her head in resentment, "Did you know that the last time I returned from Sky Bearing, the heads immediately started interrogating me, asking me how many people do you have by your side? How was your military strength, and they even asked me how those people in the Ling Family were like. Do you know how I replied them?"
Ling Tian suddenly felt as though his lips were dry. Licking his lips, he turned his face away and spoke in a softer voice, "What did you say?"
Xiao YanXue replied in a proud tone, "I didn't wish to betray someone I cared about, so the only thing I replied was 'I don't know'. No matter who came to ask me, I've always said the same thing. This is also one of the reasons as to why the entire family isn't too pleased with me, to the point that no one wanted to help me to avoid my plight with the marriage proposal."
She then stared at Ling Tian, determinedly saying, "If you ask me how much strength the Xiao Family possesses, its wealth as well as experts, the only answer I'll give you is the same as what I've given my family." She smiled apologetically, "I don't know!"
Ling Tian fell into silent contemplation, before quietly replying, "That's to be expected. Thank you, for placing me on the same ranking as your own family."
Xiao YanXue smiled, albeit a little distressingly as she continued, "And I thank you for your understanding. However, within your subordinates, the one that I pay the most attention to was not the injured one, but rather the peerless beauty, who I totally can't read!"
A ray of light flashed past Ling Tian's eyes. "Oh?!"
Xiao YanXue murmured, "Not only is she a peerless talent, with elegant bearing and a temperament surpassing the bedridden person, no, those two actually can't even be compared on the same scale. Among those I've seen, I'm afraid only you, Ling Tian, can even be mentioned on the same scale as this lady called Li Xue! While she might not be on par with you, she isn't far."
Upon hearing her evaluation, Ling Tian was struck dumb. He was not shocked over the fact of Li Xue being rated highly, in his own rankings, Li Xue would definitely be placed third, after Justice and Yu ManLou, and this was because Li Xue didn't have an organization or family behind her!
He was shocked at the fact that YanXue was able to pinpoint in such a short time, the rough abilities of a person. How fearsome! Just this ability of spotting talents was already worthy of praise!
Xiao YanXue smiled with a hint of melancholy, as she replied, "You don't need to feel too shocked. I've already come in contact with the three religions and nine schools [1] since I was young, and have seen all walks of life, so my ability to judge people is not surprising. I can see that sending your subordinates away, despite Bright Jade City being a place of danger where help is urgently required, means that there must be something important. On this point, I can guess even if you don't say anything. I believe that once this group of people leaves, the entire continent's situation will drastically change, right?"
"Miss Xiao speaks too gravely." Ling Tian lightly brushed it off. "From the start, no plan has ever been implemented immediately, we must always prepare for the rainy days."
Following which, the two of them seem to have run out of topics to talk. For a long moment, the room was filled with an unbearable silence, causing an awkward atmosphere to form.
It was only after a long while that Ling Tian couldn't bear it any longer, and spoke, "In such chaotic times, how can those who are aware only strive to protect themselves? Going against the current is the real way to seek shelter. If I was born in a peaceful time, even if my ambition was ten thousand fathoms deep, I could only resign myself to becoming a profligate for my lifetime. Everyone has their stand, and for my family and myself, I choose to gamble on this. Even if I fail, I won't have lived for nothing. And what they're about to do is simply to ensure our survival. You should also be aware that even if I have heaven-gifted intelligence, my family background is only such. To have an expert like Ling Jian assuming command is already a luxury and it is impossible to match the huge backgrounds of the old families. As such, only by preparing early, and if my conscientiousness still leads me to failure, then I die with no regrets."
These words of Ling Tian seemed to have been spoken carelessly but also seemed to be his heartfelt thoughts. This speech was deliberate, the tone sorrowful, as though lamenting about his fears and him being unresigned. However, his true meanings still remained a mystery.
If Li Xue was present and heard his speech, she would definitely point at Ling Tian's nose after it ended and scream, "Did you have any sense of shame when you were spewing those garbage!"
However, Xiao YanXue was no Li Xue, and her petite body trembled, before she worriedly raised up her head, biting her lips as she softly replied, "Heaven will always leave one with a path of escape. Before this whole thing has yet to begin, before everything is set in stone, why are you so pessimistic? Nothing is impossible in this world!"
Ling Tian only let out a mocking laugh as he replied, "It hasn't started yet? Nothing is set in stone yet?! No! Today's outcome is merely a result of the various infinite possibilities, and it all started decades ago. Miss Xiao, let's not talk about the other families and just focus on yours. Counting till today, they have roughly prepared for over two decades, right? Hehe…" Ling Tian indifferently waved his hands. "Everyone is well aware, and they need not deny. The truth is as such, and my Ling family is merely struggling to survive."
Xiao YanXue lowered her gaze as she replied, "Then why do you need to do it this way? Even if your strength is insufficient, based on the relations of our two families, would the Ling Family be lacking a role to play?"
"I would rather die than be under someone's rule!" Ling Tian coldly smiled as he straightened his body. "Besides, it was your Xiao Family that first brought up the matter of annulling the marriage, completely severing all ties between both our families. At the moment of the annulment, my Ling Family had already been pushed into an endless abyss of no escape. Added on to that was the auction, consigning our family to eternal damnation. The hidden meanings behind both incidents, if Miss Xiao were to say that she wasn't aware, then I would be terribly disappointed."
"Regarding the auction at Sky Bearing, it was indeed our Xiao Family making use of your Ling Family. On this part I am very clear. If I were to continue to deny it at this point, not only am I insulting your intelligence, it's also something I can't bring myself to say." Xiao YanXue was a little angry and puzzled as she interjected, "However, regarding the annulment of the marriage that year, wasn't it because of your profligate behavior that my grandfather decided to withdraw it? Since that was the case, how would you go about explaining the fact that we pushed you into an abyss of no return?"
"Haha…" Ling Tian laughed out sarcastically, "couldn't stand my profligate behavior? May I ask Miss Xiao, at that time, I was only five years old, how promiscuous could I be? Weren't you there too at that time? Ask yourself, how much could a five-year-old understand or do? Oppressing women? Treating human lives as grass? Not likely! At best, it was a mischievous kid up to no good. If we were to use mischief as an excuse to annul the marriage, then there would be hundreds if not thousands of cases in a year!" Ling Tian seriously spoke. "That wasn't the true reason; the reality was something else." Shooting her a look of ridicule, Ling Tian continued, "Miss Xiao, politics, benefits, and opportunities are the true reason and driving force. You are still too young, or if I were to put it more bluntly, you're too inexperienced!"
Xiao YanXue's heart was immediately thrown into disarray. She replied in panic and fright, "Don't tell me… no! I refuse to believe! Grandpa annulled my marriage that year for my own happiness!"
Ling Tian laughed out loud, even as a crafty light shone in his eyes as he cruelly replied, "He saw your misfortune from when I was five years old? To the point of cutting ties with decades of brotherhood?! Ignoring the benefactors who had saved his life, his elder brother and elder sister-in-law, just for a mischievous five-year-old boy? Miss Xiao, you're no longer the immature child of yesteryear. Go and recall this incident, would you still believe in it yourself? Furthermore, if your grandfather was really concerned about your lifetime happiness, then why would you run away? What are you even doing here?!"
Hong! Ling Tian's words shot like a sharp sword straight into the consciousness of Xiao YanXue.
"If your grandfather was really concerned about your lifetime happiness, then why would you run away?"
"If your grandfather was really concerned about your lifetime happiness, then why would you run away?!"
Could it be that, from start to end, my marriage, happiness, and life turning point were all just bargaining chips for my family? Could it be, that I was always a chess piece? Don't tell me, all the love and care they showered me with were all fake?? All to use me to exchange for the greatest benefits?!
Ling Tian's cruel words thoroughly shattered the final shred of illusions in Xiao YanXue's heart. At that moment, she felt her entire worldview overturned and annihilated! Xiao YanXue's eyes stared straight ahead, full of despair. Suddenly she grabbed her head and let out a shrill scream, before collapsing unconscious.
The drop from heaven to hell!
Ling Tian finally could bear it no longer, giving himself a tight slap to his face! His moves were too despicable, too shameless! To actually resort to using such cruel methods to attack a defenseless young girl who held affection towards him, he was no better than a beast!
After a short moment, Xiao YanXue woke up, before starting to bawl loudly.
Ling Tian could only sigh to himself and console her, "Maybe I was wrong all along. The truth might not be as such, as after all these are just conjectures. Without any evidence, why act like this? Take it as I was spouting rubbish or sowing dissension! Don't cry anymore!"
However, Xiao YanXue only vigorously shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks as she replied, "No! What you said was all true. I originally always felt and could feel that whatever you've said was true, wuwuwu… For all these years, all the family has been concerned about was my abilities, and how much money I could earn for them. Other than my mother, no one has ever cared about what I thought, and what I cared about. I… wuwu… I am just a tool… a money making tool for my family…" Her defenses thoroughly shattered, Xiao YanXue started crying like pear blossoms dripping water after a downpour, as though she was about to die.
Ling Tian sighed as his opened up his arms to cradle her. His hand softly patted her back, while his heart ached for her. However, deep inside, he asked himself, was it worth it to have so cruelly destroyed her illusions just so he could achieve his objective? Was that too inhumane?
Xiao YanXue tightly clutched onto Ling Tian's body like a drowning man grabbing onto the last piece of wood to save his life. Her body trembled violently as she cried out, stuttering in her words, "I also know that… maybe… maybe there will come a day… where the family would require me to sacrifice myself for their existence… I've thought about it a lot of times, but I never thought that… when such a day came, they could actually be so… decisive and indifferent about it! I… I… feel so hurt! Ling Tian, I'm really hurt!"
Ling Tian could only sigh once more. Being born in the richest aristocratic family in the world, she had received only the best since she was young. Even a random ornament on her hair was probably something that a commoner wouldn't be able to afford even if they were to save up for their entire lives. In the eyes of an outsider, such a life was basically perfect. However, who could imagine that, being a member of such a family, what sort of burden they had to shoulder?
Just like how a common lady in a normal household would need to sacrifice and toil her entire life in order to feed her family, a lady from a wealthy family would need to sacrifice her body, her own will to love, in order to obtain the greatest benefits!
As the saying goes, 'there are two sides to a coin'. This has been an unshakable fact since the ancient times, that if you gain something, you will definitely lose something in return. There has never been the case of a free lunch in this world! Whatever you want, you need to obtain it at a cost!
Enduring past poverty will bring you happiness, but having tasted fortune and luxury you will then have to pay the corresponding price. It was just like how one would view the beautiful crimson skies of sunset, but be greeted by a never-ending expanse of darkness after!
No one was an exception to this. Be it a saint, a venerable, a hero, an influential figure, or even the commoners!
Xiao YanXue finally got tired of crying, but still remained in Ling Tian's embrace, refusing to get up. Her eyes shone bright like diamonds, at times bewildered, at times seemingly in pain, and at times in joy. Finally, it settled down into a determined look. Suddenly, she raised her head and spoke, "Ling Tian, your subordinates have all gone to perform their tasks, and furthermore important tasks, but you're prepared to allow me to continue to laze around here?"
Seeing Ling Tian opening his mouth, about to refuse her, Xiao YanXue suddenly stretched out a finger and lightly pressed it against his mouth as she spoke in a serious tone, "Although my purpose for finding you was to avoid my own difficulties, I don't expect you to feed me without repaying you. Since you've done so much for me, I definitely have to do something in order to be worthy of your protection! While I don't have much ability, fortunately, you seem lacking in manpower right now, so I can help to shore up some areas to allow you to feel safer. Do you really have to make me say it before you'll agree?"
Ling Tian remained quiet. He suddenly felt as though his heart was in a tangled mess, unable to make anything clear at the moment.
All the words spoken today were of a single motive. That was to change the viewpoint of Xiao YanXue such that she would become a force for Ling Tian instead, and in anticipation that one day she would be able to take over the finances of the Ling Family Courtyard.
It is easy to raise an army of a thousand, but difficult to find one good general! Once the situation became hard pressed, even the sound of the wind whistling through the grass would result in all arms of war being raised… it would result in a domino effect where the price of commodities would increase at a terrifying speed. The longer the war fought, the more miserable the continent would be, and the higher prices of everything would go! Ling Tian knew that the last few years, practically almost all of his profits had gone into stockpiling all these commodities, to the point of almost draining half of the funds available in his family. The total figures had long reached a frightening amount, and with the increasing pace of earning money and stockpiling, the number was still growing ever larger...
In what way was he then able to grasp onto the best opportunity to benefit from this required a huge amount of brainpower. Furthermore, the person making the decisions on his behalf had to be a professional talent, able to handle all sort of situations, a seasoned veteran! In addition to that, the said person also had to possess acute senses, not only penetrative but also an original sense of foresight. To that point that if Ling Tian was not able to be present, they had to be able to make a final decision, being the sole controller of whether the price would rise or fall. All would be held in the palm of said person, and no matter which decision made, would incite a huge wave of commotion!
Ling Tian's mother, Chu Ting'er was no doubt a top-notch candidate. However, she also had to manage the Ling Family's huge supply chain and couldn't devote much attention towards the affairs of the Courtyard. If the accounts of both sides were to fall under her jurisdiction, then even if she was all-knowing under heaven, she would still be unable to see the full picture. Furthermore, this was his mother, Ling Tian would never subject her so something so tiring!
However, there was really no one else capable rather than her. No matter Li Xue nor Yu BingYan, none of them had this ability. Furthermore, both had their own matters to settle. In the end, Ling Tian directed his gaze towards Xiao YanXue, the person who was crowned together with his mother, both known together as the 'North-South Fortune Deities'. However, Xiao YanXue was the granddaughter of Xiao FengHan...
As such this happened...
However, after putting in so much effort, Ling Tian felt vacant. Could it be that he really had to resort to such a method? Even if he succeeded in the end, and Xiao YanXue were to work for him, how could she face her family in the future? Or even face her own conscience? Did he have to use such despicable methods, just to achieve his own objectives? Because of this, when Xiao YanXue took the initiative to mention working for him, Ling Tian remained at a loss. For the first time, he felt shame for using his current method, felt despicable. Ling Tian could only shake his head bitterly in the end and say, "For this matter, let's leave it for the future."
"You don't trust me?" Xiao YanXue's expression looked as though she had been dumped, staring at Ling Tian with a dejected and listless expression in her eyes. She continued, "My family does not want me, does not care about me. Now, even you don't trust me? Do you really think that I'll be a traitor in your ranks?"
Her voice was mournful, and her gaze despairing as she continued to gaze at Ling Tian. However, her eyes were unfocused, as though she had already given up on all will to live!
[1] The Three Religions are Daoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism, while the Nine Schools cover Confucianism, Legalism, Taoism, Mohism, Agriculturalism, Diplomatists, Logicians, and Militarists.
Chapter 470: To Lie for a Lifetime
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: Rock, DavidT
"It's not so!" Ling Tian gazed at her softly. Right now, Xiao YanXue was in an emotional state of mind, and she couldn't be provoked any further. "The reason why I can't decide right now is because of three things. First, your emotions are not stable yet, and I'm afraid that you will regret this decision in the future. Second, you should also be aware that your identity is too sensitive. The moment it gets leaked, then you will receive the condescending stares from the rest of the world. Can you bear with that? Would you be willing to? As for the last point…"
Ling Tian took a deep breath, as though finding a way to phrase it. After frowning for quite a while, he finally spoke with difficulty, "The last point, regarding this matter, while the Xiao Family did sacrifice your happiness, I'm also the same by throwing stones at you while you're down, attempting to create a rift between you and your family. While my words might have been real, but my motive is indeed to destroy your relationship between you and your family. That much I will not lie."
Xiao YanXue opened her eyes wide, staring at Ling Tian. Upon hearing his last sentence, her eyes started to gleam.
After speaking, Ling Tian felt as though his heart was opened up. "As such, I really don't dare to use you! I'll give you some time, think over it carefully before making a decision. I will never force you. If after considering it thoroughly you still have the same choice, then I'll be very happy."
Stroking her silky hair, Ling Tian smiled tenderly at her. "Little lass, there are some things that can't be put down so easily. You might not have considered it clearly, but while your family looks as though they have abandoned you, harming you, they are in the end your blood relatives. You helping me is akin to pitting yourself against your own family. This sort of torture, if you're not prepared for it, will drive you crazy. I indeed hope that you will be able to help me, but I'm not prepared to make you suffer a lifetime as a consequence!"
Tears dripped down from Xiao YanXue's face, but the look in her eyes had already calmed down a lot as compared to before. Looking at Ling Tian with gratitude, she hoarsely enunciated word after word, "Thank you for your candidness, Ling Tian!"
Ling Tian warmly smiled, stretching out a finger and dabbing on her nose as he replied, "Once all is clear, you will feel comfortable and I will also feel happy. Days that are spent scheming and plotting against one another are the worst to go through. I understand that, and I'm sure you do too, right?" He then sighed, posing exaggeratedly as he continued, "Seems like being a nice person is better, at least you feel so much more comfortable in your heart."
Xiao YanXue only let out a small smile, as she held on to one of Ling Tian's finger. She whispered, "After we bade farewell that day at Sky Bearing, I never thought of scheming or plotting against you anymore. To hear you say that actually fills me with happiness." Pausing for a moment, she broke into a cheeky smile as she continued, "Seeing you speak so frankly, aren't you actually scheming something? It's just that your scheme this time is a flawless one if you're able to perform as such."
Ling Tian laughed out. Thinking about it, YanXue's words really made sense. Right now, given that her mood was at rock bottom, his explanations would give her a sort of reassurance in her heart.
Ling Tian let out a self-mocking laugh, "It seems like I have been scheming too much. Any casual statement of mine has such a deep scheme hiding behind it."
Xiao YanXue pursed her lips and grunted, "You are not a good person at all; a big baddie from head to toe." She then let out a bright smile, "Actually, ladies need to be coaxed. As for coaxing them, it is actually no different from lying to them. However, if you can lie to a lady to bring her joy for a lifetime, even if she knows that you are a liar, she would still be willingly lied to. If you are able to achieve that, you would undoubtedly be an accomplished liar."
As she wiped away her tears, Xiao YanXue was suddenly in a great mood and she pecked Ling Tian on the cheek before saying shyly, "Ling Tian, I am truly happy. Even if you want to lie to me, lie to me for a lifetime." She then let go of Ling Tian and lowered her flushed head.
Ling Tian was filled with warmth in his heart. Xiao YanXue was probably glad about him not scheming against her right? After patting her head lightly, he walked out without saying a thing.
Closing the door, he could hear Xiao YanXue's lovable whining, "Pig head! A pig head who doesn't know how to read the atmosphere!"
Ling Tian couldn't help but stumble as he grumbled in his heart, I have already been holding it in for a few months and you still dared to entice me as such. It is not that I don't know how to read the mood but the moment I start, the heavenly lightning would definitely descend and the earthly flames will burn. At that time, your chastity would definitely not be kept. Do you think the matters between a man and a woman are just kissing each other on the cheeks?
After Ling Jian and Li Xue left, Ling Tian couldn't help but feel a sense of loneliness. However, he also had fewer burdens to be concerned about. As such, he immediately began his operation.
Everything had to be completed before that third young noble Yu steals the Snow Jade Sky Reversal Pellet if he wanted to watch a good show. If their deal is completed, the people from Above Heavens would definitely escape and he would lose his protagonist for the show!
...
Second young noble Yu walked out of the room comfortably as he stood in the courtyard with a set of pristine white robes. Thinking about the wild night he had last night, the soft body in his arms, the fragrant aroma… that pleading sound filled with ecstasy… Yu LiuFeng couldn't help but replay the many scenes in his head and he suddenly felt a wave of heat in his abdomen. He couldn't help but have the urge to charge back into the room and go for a second round.
A black-robed figure walked over and stood behind him.
"What's the matter?" Yu LiuFeng didn't turn back and plucked off a wooden hibiscus from the tree in front of him as he thought, If I placed this beautiful flower in front of Chun Xiang, would the flower or human be more attractive?
"Third young noble Yu returned extremely late last night and actually beat Old Seven Lu up. Not only was his arm broken, his nose was also fractured." The black-robed man hesitated for a moment before replying.
"What was the reason behind beating up Old Seven Lu?" Yu LiuFeng's eyes gleamed, and he unknowingly crushed the flower in his hand. "Where did third brother go? Why was he back so late?"
"Third young noble probably went to his Jasper Flower Courtyard. On the way back to the Yu Residence, Old Seven Lu wanted his signature and he… However, in the past few days, third young noble didn't stay the night in the courtyard." the black-robed man said respectfully.
"He didn't stay the night?" Yu LiuFeng raised his eyebrows and said doubtfully, "He is like a hungry ghost among lechers and he can actually hold himself back?"
The black-robed man couldn't help but be filled with awkwardness. He looked at his young noble who had obviously just come out from his beauty's embrace with a trace of lasciviousness still lingering in his aura, yet had the cheek to say that his brother was like a hungry ghost among lechers.
"These two days, there have been many people coming in and out from second young master's residence. Third young noble had requested to search them but was rejected by the Head Deacon." The black-robed man lowered his head and said, "Thus, third young noble has been extremely displeased with the black-robed disciples of the Deacons Hall and thus found an excuse to vent his anger…"
Yu LiuFeng sighed and the look of viciousness between his brows grew. "What did Head Deacon say?"
"Head Deacon didn't say a thing and there isn't anything to say in the first place." The black-robed man raised his head, and a tinge of dissatisfaction could be seen in his eyes.
"Of course I know." Yu LiuFeng waved his hands, "Little Madam's relatives from the countryside are here to find a job. They are only ordinary folks, and third brother will never be able to topple me with this small reason. What an idiot."
The black-robed man didn't leave and after hesitating for a long while, he finally said, "There seem to be unknown characters entering and leaving the Jasper Flower Courtyard… however, we aren't very certain. Perhaps we made a mistake or perhaps the martial arts of the unknown individual is too high."
"Eh?" Yu LiuFeng's lit up for a moment before pacing around in thought, "I understand."
The black-robed man then bowed respectfully and took his leave. As Yu LiuFeng looked at the black-robed man's departing figure, a strange glow shone in his eyes as he clenched his fists as though he made a resolute decision.
Yu LiuFeng then waved his sleeves and left hastily.
A long while later, a figure shook in the shadow of the bushes and Ling Tian's smiling face gradually appeared. A petite figure then walked out of the room and after the both of them looked at each other and gave each other a nod, Ling Tian broke out into a bright smile and disappeared again.
The sun was setting and another day went by. Darkness then gradually ate away the sunlight.
In the room, Ling Tian held onto a strange item and his right hand was holding onto some flour-like substance, both soft and sticky. It was as though he was sticking something onto Xiao YanXue's face before carefully sanding it smooth. A short while later, Xiao YanXue's face became puffy and chubby. Her originally slim and narrow jawline turned into a watermelon. Her lipid eyes were also turned into vicious looking triangular eyes under Ling Tian's makeup.
Finally, Ling Tian took out a small jade bottle from his bosom and poured out a bit of powder from it before keeping it away in a treasured manner. He then added some water to the powder before applying it to Xiao YanXue's face, arms, neck and any place where her skin would show.
Xiao YanXue sat there with shyness as she felt Ling Tian's gentle movements and his warmth on her face. The warmth of his arms seemed to have permeated through her skin and warmed her soul… She couldn't help but shut her eyes and let out soft moaning sounds as though she was muttering something.
However, Xiao YanXue never noticed that wherever Ling Tian's palm rubbed across, her skin would turn dark and crude. A beautiful lady had turned into a completely ugly lady who a beggar wouldn't even take a second glance…
Ling Tian then stood up and took two steps back to admire his own piece of work with satisfaction in his eyes. This made Xiao YanXue feel even more embarrassed as she thought to herself, Looking at the admiration in his eyes, I should probably be extremely beautiful at this moment…
Chapter 471: Mystifying
Translator: DavidT Editor: Rock, DavidT
Ling Tian responded with an 'oh' and as though he thought about something, he dug into his embrace and took out a small jade bottle. After pouring out a bit of powder from the bottle, he scattered it onto Xiao YanXue's bright hair and blew a few breaths onto her hair. Xiao YanXue could then feel a slight burning sensation on her scalp.
The next moment, her hair began to dry up and turn yellow, and lost its former glow…
Xiao YanXue allowed Ling Tian to do as he please as sweetness filled her heart. She then thought about two lines of poetry: A dolled up lady would ask her husband meekly; is my makeup considered fashionable? Thinking about that, her face could not help but burn up from embarrassment. However, this poor lass didn't know that Ling Tian had dolled her up to the point where every lady would feel proud of themselves upon seeing her and every man would raise up their defenses upon seeing her…
Finally, Ling Tian clapped his hands and said with a bright smile, "Mission accomplished!" He then stuffed a pill which he had prepared beforehand into Xiao YanXue's mouth.
The moment Ling Tian got up, Xiao YanXue could not help but spring up excitedly as she rushed in front of the mirror to see just how gorgeous she was now after her beloved had dolled her up.
"AHHHH!~" A miserable shriek broke the silence of the night. Xiao YanXue looked at the lady in the mirror who could not be any uglier. That yellow and dirty hair, triangular eyes, puffy and yet extremely tan face had squeezed her nose to the point it almost disappeared… Her lips were dry to the point they were about to peel… looking down, her originally snow-white skin was already a miserable shade of black!
As Xiao YanXue shrieked and slapped her palms on the desk, she realized that her hands were also extremely tan and looked as though they were dried up chicken claws…
Xiao YanXue let out a mellow groan and collapsed onto the ground weakly.
Behind her, Ling Tian's voice could be heard, "What do you think? The effects are ideal, right? I have already told you that my face concealment techniques are…"
Before he could finish his sentence, Xiao YanXue had already pounced onto him like a mad tigress as she growled with an enraged voice, "Ling Tian, I will kill you! I am going to kill you!!! Ahhhhhh!"
In this instant, the amount of killing intent given out by Xiao YanXue was no less than Ling Jian! No, Ling Jian couldn't even hold a candle to this! Even Ling Tian at his peak wouldn't be able to give out such killing intent!
Ling Tian was still feeling delighted with his piece of work and felt a sense of satisfaction in his heart. Who would be able to turn a heaven-defying beauty into such an ugly duckling that no one would be able to recognize? Who would be able to have such a mystical and perfect face concealment method? Who? Hahaha, only me, Ling Tian! Even Li Xue would be far from being a match!
Ling Tian was waiting for Xiao YanXue's astonishment and her look of reverence or even thanks. With Xiao YanXue's current appearance, even if Ling Tian wasn't by her side and the city was a thousand times more chaotic, Xiao YanXue would still be extremely safe even if any patrol guard sees her. There would definitely not be anyone interested in her at all. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that there wouldn't be anyone with the courage to take a second glance at her! Just this appearance of hers would grant her a sacred protective shield!
However, Ling Tian forgot about something and his carelessness caused him to suffer from Xiao YanXue's flames of rage!
Ling Tian was too careless as he didn't consider the importance a lady placed on her appearance. Especially a country toppling beauty like Xiao YanXue. The gigantic shock of turning from a beauty to ugly duckling is something which no woman would be able to accept!
As such, just when Ling Tian was waiting for Xiao YanXue's praise and admiration with a face full of delight, Xiao YanXue unleashed her flames of rage on him.
Punches, kicks, knees, elbows, claws, bites, hammers… countless different attacks that Xiao YanXue had never learned before were spontaneously created and unleashed at this moment. If Justice were by the side, he would definitely exclaim about how this lady, who had never witnessed these attacks before, was able to connect every single attack flawlessly and unleash them like a flowing river. He would definitely exclaim about how creative Xiao YanXue was and be dumbfounded at how there could actually be such a martial arts talent capable of shattering the heavens. At this instant, Xiao YanXue had undeniably exceeded Ling Tian who had trained from is mother's womb!
Ling Tian felt as though he was being attacked by a thousand experts at the same time! Xiao YanXue's speed and frightening attacks could be easily imagined! At the same time, Ling Tian's look of shock did not have the time to fade away…
Just when Ling Tian was feeling grieved and puzzled about Xiao YanXue's unreasonable actions, Xiao YanXue suddenly stopped all her actions and bit down hard on Ling Tian's shoulder.
"Ouchhhhhhhhhh!!!" Ling Tian let out a miserable shriek and felt a tinge of fear towards this crazy and unreasonable lady. This was the first time Ling Tian felt fear towards someone in both of his lives…
The last strategy of the 36 stratagems: make a tactical retreat. Ling Tian fled like a stray dog in complete defeat…
This was the first time Ling Tian was reduced to such a pathetic state! He wasn't even reduced to such a state in the face of Justice. Ling Tian felt that his legendary reputation had been completely destroyed at this moment!
She was still shy and tender a moment ago… the next moment…
Crazy lady! Ling Tian rubbed his shoulder and wanted to cry!
In the room, Xiao YanXue rubbed the dark makeup on her arms but no matter how much strength she used, that disgusting color would not come off. Even the use of water was completely useless. It was as though it was her natural skin tone and after failing multiple attempts of removing the makeup, Xiao YanXue began bawling her eyes out.
In actuality, this wasn't anything surprising either. These colored makeup were the peak accomplishment from his previous life, so how could it be washed away by water so easily?! Xiao YanXue didn't know that if there were a concealment expert here who witnessed these concealment tools, he would definitely be completely dumbfounded. Ling Tian's methods and tools were too perfect. It was perfect to that point it was frightening! He was actually able to destroy the looks of a country toppling beauty without any trace of her former beauty being left behind. This was the very peak of face concealment techniques!
Xiao YanXue naturally didn't know about this and she was only afraid that the disgusting things which Ling Tian had applied to her would stick to her forever. If that was the case, she would rather die!
To a beautiful lady like Xiao YanXue, she was afraid of being killed, afraid of being raped, but her true fear was the fear of losing her beauty! This was the biggest fear of any lady!
As she cried, she realized that her throat was also extremely hoarse, as though sand had filled up her throat. Her sweet voice was no longer there and her current voice was extremely dry. She sounded no different from a hundred-year-old lady who lost all of her teeth… She then suddenly thought about the pill that Ling Tian stuffed into her mouth in the end…
"That darn Ling Tian! That darn pig head! Dammit dammit dammit dammit!!!" Xiao YanXue began cursing like an old witch and a ferocious bestial glare could be seen in her eyes. If Ling Tian had not run away at this moment, he would have probably been scared out of his wits…
A woman would definitely fight with her life for her appearance!
While Ling Tian had already unleashed his movement techniques to escape, he still felt a chill by his back. He could not help but sneeze continuously and after a few sneezes, the dogs surrounding him began to bark and attract the Yu Family's patrols.
At the same time, a bright firework shot up into the air and exploded into a big flower.
Ling Tian stuck out his tongue and thought, Women! I must definitely remember not to provoke them in future. Because Ling Tian received a report that third young noble Yu would definitely take action tonight to investigate his second brother's courtyard, Ling Tian had no choice but to disguise Xiao YanXue up to ensure her safety if she was found. With Xiao YanXue's current appearance, even a starving man would probably lose all of his appetite and think about self-defense!
Was I wrong? Ling Tian thought to himself in indignance. Where was I wrong? If I were to doll you up like an angel… no, I don't even need to doll you up as an angel. Even if you were average looking, your stunning figure would definitely attract the attention of the guards. At that time, those lechers would definitely find a problem even if there is no problem at all! You have really taken my goodwill for granted! You really do not know how to recognize my goodwill! Just see how this young noble will settle this score with you in future!
However, settling the score is in the future. The problem now was the numerous experts chasing behind Ling Tian at this moment. Ling Tian could not help but be depressed. I only came out a little bit early and have not begun to attract all of you yet. Why are you guys following me for? Didn't I only sneeze a few times? Is there a need to make such a huge fuss?
All of a sudden, a thought flashed past Ling Tian's mind. Didn't I come out to do something? Didn't I want to coordinate with Yu LiuFeng's actions? While he definitely wouldn't thank me. While it is a little bit early now, if I can create some trouble now and attract the bulk of the troops in the city, there would be another benefit that comes along with it. Those fellows from Above Heavens would probably end up canceling their mission right? If that's the case, I will be able to truly give them a lightning strike and earthly fire. Hehe…
Ling Tian let out a cunning chuckle and took out a black cloth from his embrace to cover his face. Then, a thought came into Ling Tian's mind, If that's the case, perhaps the effect would be better?
Right when he was proceeding forward at full speed, Ling Tian suddenly stopped atop a roof. He then stood with one leg forward, another leg back and placed his hands behind his back as he looked up towards the moon with an extremely 'cool' and carefree posture. Then, Ling Tian bent forward slightly and a tyrannical aura exploded from his figure and all the barking sounds in the surrounding disappeared completely as though a knife had sliced through the throats of the dogs!
Feeling the pressure emanating from Ling Tian, the experts chasing after him could not help but stop far away and form a large circle around him. At the same time, their eyes were filled with shock.
This person was actually able to stop indifferently despite being pursued by numerous experts. Was this something that an ordinary person would do? Furthermore, they were in Bright Jade City which was the territory of the Yu Family! Could it be that this person disdained the strength of the Yu Family?
"The moon is the same, but everything in the world has changed! This old man has not appeared in the pugilistic world for decades, but I never imagined that a few little brats would dare to follow me! You guys are really seeking death!" Ling Tian was extremely satisfied with the effect he had just created as he snorted with an old voice, "Who dares to follow this old man in the night?! Do you guys really think that I wouldn't dare to kill? Could it be that the Yu Family of Bright Jade City has fallen to such a pathetic state?"
As these words were said, everyone could not help but be dumbfounded, F**k, just who is this fellow? How can he talk so big? What an old and decrepit fellow! The Yu Family is like the bright sun in the sky right now and this fellow actually called it pathetic?! Everyone could not help but swallow down the curses that were about to explode forth from their mouths as they felt that the man standing in front of them might be a true otherworldly expert.
"Sir, who are you?" The white-robed man in the lead looked at Ling Tian with a solemn expression and his tone no longer had the usual arrogance of a Yu Family disciple. Instead, it was extremely careful and filled with respect with even a tinge of fear. Upon coming into contact with Ling Tian's eyes, the white-robed man could feel a powerful wave of killing intent that made all of his hair stand up on edge! The white-robed man could not help but be in shock, My goodness, how many people must he have killed in order to develop such a killing intent? This person must definitely be a respectable elder. Although the Yu Family seems to be prospering on the surface, we are currently plagued with troubles and it would be best to not provoke an additional enemy.
"Sir?" Ling Tian sneered and bent forward slightly as though he did not place the white-robed man in his eyes. He then said with a tyrannical and unreasonable tone, "Do you think 'Sir' is something that you can call me? Only Yu TianShan in your Yu Family has the right to call me that!" He then snorted, "Why did you guys follow me for nothing? Spill the beans!"
Yu TianShan!
The seven to eight Yu Family White Jade experts took in a breath of cold air. Yu TianShan was the grandfather of Yu ManLou, and also the Family Head from two generations ago. He was a stunning figure in the Yu Family but has already passed away more than twenty years ago. Could it be that this old man belonged to the same generation as their ancestor?
They had truly kicked an iron plate!
The Yu Family experts looked at each other with a bitter expression. Just what should they do?
The White Jade expert in the lead said in a respectful tone, "May old senior calm down, all of us juniors are only carrying out our responsibilities. Enemies have infiltrated into the city recently, and we are under orders to apprehend the culprit." At the same time, he thought to himself, So it turns out that he was a friend of our old Family Head.
Ling Tian let out an unhurried 'oh' before continuing, "I see. I was wondering; the Yu Family has a thousand years of tradition and should definitely have a good upbringing and discipline. Why would they go around biting others like a bunch of rabid dogs? It turns out that it was a misunderstanding."
Everyone didn't know whether to laugh or cry as they heard that. As they heard the first half of Ling Tian's words, they felt extremely comfortable. However, However, they never expected the next sentence of his to turn in the opposite direction. The White Jade expert in the lead immediately responded upon hearing the first half of Ling Tian's sentence, "Old senior is wise." At this moment, it was far too late for him to take his words back, and he felt a wave of depression in his heart. The other party called him a 'rabid dog' and he had actually praised the other party for being wise.
F**k! This old fellow is too cunning!
Hearing the tone of the old senior ease up slightly, the White Jade expert in the lead asked, "May I ask for old senior's name? May old senior allow us juniors to appreciate senior's greatness."
Ling Tian cast a glance at him and snickered, "A little brat like you wants to know this old man's name?"
The White Jade expert quickly made a bow and said with an apologetic smile, "It is our responsibility and I plead for old senior to be understanding. Old senior is magnanimous and will definitely not lower yourself to our level."
Ling Tian then muttered, "This little brat's words sound pretty good. Alright then, this old man will not make things difficult for all of you. If that old fellow Yu TianShan asks, you can just report this old man's name."
That expert in the lead quickly responded with a bright smile and nods but cursed in his heart, How do you expect me to report anything if you haven't said your name yet? Besides that, the old Family Head has already passed away for almost twenty years. If you want me to report your name to him, aren't you cursing me to die an early death?
"It has been almost forty years since I last used this name of mine. Time truly flies." Ling Tian lamented, and the other White Jade experts could not help but straighten their backs in respect! An old senior indeed, to think that he had not appeared in the pugilistic world for forty years.
After which, Ling Tian faced the sky and said with a reminiscing tone, "Back then, the experts in the pugilistic world were engaged in a brutal battle under the lead of Yu TianShan and Shui QingYun. This old man was unable to put up with it and decided to interfere. At that time, they gave me the nickname of…"
Ling Tian then paused as he continued to stare at the moon. In the eyes of the White Jade experts, the old senior was obviously reminiscing about old times, and they would naturally not dare to interrupt him. Yu TianShan and Shui QingYun engaged in brutal battle? Interfering with the matter because he couldn't put up with it?! Everyone could not help but be filled with reverence as they stayed silent in fear. However, they never imagined that this 'old senior' in front of them was still thinking of what his name should be.
Ling Tian pondered for a while before finally thinking of a name, "Back then, that 'immortal-like, deity-like, devil-like, unprecedented expert who grasped the three islands, five mountains and everything in all directions' was this old man! " 1 A majestic aura then shot out from Ling Tian's eyes, "Remember this old man's name. This old man is surnamed Qin and I am called Qin ShiHuang!" This sentence of his was earth-shattering and full of majesty . 2
In truth, Ling Tian truly respected Emperor Qin who swept through the whole of China and united the nation under a single dynasty. As he proclaimed his 'name' an excerpt from a song came to his mind: 'Who was the one who flattened the six nations? Who was the one who ruled the world? Who's battle contributions were higher than mine?
Everyone was completely bewildered! Was there ever such a character in the pugilistic world? The long nickname of this old senior in front of them had truly stunned them all silly.
"Err… so it is old senior Qin." That White Jade expert said with a doubtful look, "Can I ask old senior Qin if you are here in Bright Jade City to see our Old Family Head?"
"If this old man isn't here to visit Yu TianShan, could it be that I am here to visit you juniors?" Ling Tian rolled his eyes, "In this city, could there be anyone else worth me making a trip apart from Yu TianShan? After being alive for a hundred years, one should have a few friends at the very least. But even after being alive for a hundred years, death is still inevitable. This old man wants to visit my old friends before I pass on!"
That White Jade expert was stunned for a moment and rolled his eyes immediately as he thought, If you are here to find your old friend, you would have to die first. Just when he wanted to say something, a few swooshing sounds could be heard and another three figures shot over like a shooting star. After being unable to catch anyone of importance despite a full day and night of searching, the Yu Family's experts were all extremely agitated. Seeing the fireworks in the sky, all of them fought for the opportunity to charge over.
The person in the lead was a white-bearded old man with a sinister aura and eagle-like eyes. His gaze swept past everyone present coldly and asked calmly, "Is it this fellow? Why haven't you apprehended him?" He then pointed his chin towards Ling Tian in an arrogant manner. However, he immediately felt the oppressive aura being given out by Ling Tian the next moment and could not help but grow wary.
Ling Tian let out a dissatisfied snort and the White Jade expert by the side quickly explained, "Head Deacon, this is… old senior Qin."
"Old senior Qin?" the Head Deacon asked in a depressed tone, "What old senior Qin?"
Ling Tian's black robes fluttered in the winds and an imposing aura emanated from his figure. The moment the White Jade expert called out 'Head Deacon', Ling Tian could not help but be depressed. Why did I attract him here? I am only trying to attract some attention to facilitate Yu LiuFeng's actions and to make preparations for the dog-eat-dog show later. Didn't the intelligence report say that the leader of Yu LiuFeng's forces was this Head Deacon? Why is this old man still outside at this time? Furthermore, he was actually attracted by me!
If this old man were to stay behind because of him, wouldn't his plan be foiled?
The White Jade Expert said respectfully, "This is old senior Qin, Qin ShiHuang, from forty years ago who was the 'immortal-like, deity-like, devil-like, unprecedented expert who grasped the three islands, five mountains and everything in all directions'." After finishing his sentence, he took in a deep breath of air. It was truly a challenge for him to say so many words together at once.
Chapter 472: Taking Action Together
Translator: DavidT Editor: Rock, DavidT
"Wha….at?" The Head Deacon was completely baffled before flying into a rage, "B*st*rd! This old man was in my prime forty years ago and roamed the pugilistic world for decades, so why have I never heard of that name? Who in the world would dare to have such a nickname?!"
He then glared at Ling Tian with rage, "Brat, just who are you? You actually dare to come and play a fool in Bright Jade City? How bold! Apprehend him! If he dares to resist, kill him without mercy!" The final part of his sentence was an order given out to the Yu Family experts.
"Compassion is in my heart and killing is sinful. I didn't want to engage in killing, but all of you want to force my hand!" Ling Tian's old voice sounded, "Forget it, why is there a need to talk to all of you juniors? This old man shall take my leave!"
Ling Tian then turned around heavily like an old general who spent his life in the battlefield being forced to leave the battlefield, with his heroic career ending in loneliness and desolation. Anyone who saw this heavy figure of Ling Tian's would definitely feel their hearts turn heavy.
Ling Tian had already made a decision in his heart. If all else fails, he would have to take personal action to lead the Yu Family experts over.
"Stop him!" The Head Deacon roared.
"But… old senior Qin…" that White Jade expert was still in a daze.
"Pa!" A crisp slapping sound could be heard and the Head Deacon was enraged to the point he trembled, "Pig head! What old senior Qin? He is no more than a spy! Why can't you have some brains? If he was truly a friend of the Yu Family, would he come in the night sneakily without daring to show his true appearance? Darn b*st*rd!"
"Those who block me will die!" Ling Tian's voice changed and was filled with boundless killing intent. His advancing figure suddenly stopped and he made an action. His hand came out from his sleeves and after circulating his Divine Shocking Dragon Formula, it turned into a pure Yang cultivation formula. All of a sudden, his palms seem to be giving out a strange glow which gradually grew brighter and brighter like a miniature sun in the darkness.
Everyone stopped in shock. Just what kind of a martial art is this?
Ling Tian raised his hand up into the sky and with a swing of his arm, the fireball was shot out and a huge hole was blasted in a gigantic tree 30 feet away. Following that, black smoke could be seen coming out from it and it burst out into bright flames but shockingly remained standing.
He was actually able to send out fire from his palms! Not to mention seeing it before, none of them had even heard about such an ability!
What shocking martial arts!
The Head Deacon felt his face cramp up and a look of disbelief could be seen in his eyes. If one's own martial arts achieved an extremely profound depth, one would naturally be able to create fire by touching wood. This was something that the Head Deacon knew as a martial arts expert. Besides that, he himself would be able to set dry wood on fire if he touched the wood with his palms. However, which expert in the world would be able to set a tree on fire with a palm strike from 30 feet away?
This impossible miracle had happened right before his very eyes!
Even the publicly acknowledged number one expert in the world probably wouldn't be able to perform such a feat! However, this black-masked man in front of him was able to light up the tree with a flip of his palms. Furthermore, as the Head Deacon thought about the glowing ball of light on the black-masked man's palm, he couldn't help but be filled with unease. Could this black-masked man truly be a hidden martial arts expert?
If this black-masked man was truly an expert who secluded himself from the world, regardless of whether or not he knew their old Family Head, it was definitely not wise for them to offend him. Thus, the Head Deacon was rooted to the spot and didn't know what he should do.
Ling Tian lowered his palm down and the few thunderbeads had been kept back into his embrace. This was something which Ling Tian had extorted from Li Xue. This lass had specially created the Tang Sect's thunderbeads and in his world where gunpowder had not been discovered yet, no one would even imagine that firearms such as thunderbeads would exist. Thus, the Head Deacon of the Yu Family would suspect that he is an otherworldly martial arts expert. However, Ling Tian was extremely dissatisfied with the invention of the gunpowder. While it was a great mark of the progress of human civilization, it had also caused a frightening calamity to the human race.
If this world had gunpowder as well, it would definitely be like his previous life, where more and more destructive weapons were created one after another, causing a greater number of casualties in wars.
Ling Tian was never an individual who would be concerned about the wellbeing of the commoners. He would make use of the knowledge and experience from his previous life to ensure that he could enjoy the largest number of benefits. However, this gunpowder that every transmigrator would create was something that he strictly prohibited. As long as gunpowder appears, the technological advancement of gunpowder would take place in a short few decades. At that time, the world would definitely shift towards feudalism and slavery, leaving no way out for the commoners.
There were still swordsmen who would roam the pugilistic world to get rid of evil right now but when gunpowder or cannons are developed, an ordinary individual who has not trained in martial arts before would be able to kill an expert like Justice under certain conditions. Furthermore, gunpowder would definitely end up in the hands of those with authority.
At that time, what would be the point of bitterly training in martial arts for decades? From a certain viewpoint, Ling Tian absolutely hated the invention of gunpowder. If not for gunpowder making the Chinese feel that martial arts were useless, how would a China filled with experts ever suffer from the Eight-Nation Alliance humiliation? How would the darn Japanese be able to invade their nation for a full eight years? The decline of martial arts and the rise of gunpowder had caused millions of their Chinese comrades endless suffering!
While not all of these were caused by gunpowder, and it was also because of corrupt officials and incapable politicians, it was undeniable that gunpowder had caused Chinese martial arts to wane over the years.
Thus, Ling Tian had decided. Even if gunpowder would eventually be invented in this world, it must not come from his hands. Since he was in this world, he should at least keep to the rules of this world and respect the effort that thousands of years of experts had put into the refinement of their martial arts!
Thus, Ling Tian had very seriously warned Li Xue to not create anymore thunderbeads or any gunpowder related weapons. Mmm, if she were to accidentally make a batch in future, only Li Xue and Ling Chen would be allowed to use it. No one else would be allowed to use it or even come into contact with it. Because of this, Li Xue had looked at Ling Tian at disdain and cursed that he was trying to act so angelic despite trying to fight a war of hegemony. The outcome: Ling Tian spanking Li Xue in a fit of rage.
However, taking the gunpowder out at this moment was truly effective in scaring the Yu Family experts.
Looking at the nervous Yu Family experts in front of him, Ling Tian put on the demeanor of an otherworldly expert and said with pity, "It is best for all of you to not follow me. This old man truly does not want to kill anyone from the Yu Family." At the same time, he thought to himself hatefully, While this daddy here really wants to kill all of you guys from the Yu Family, I can't do that now!
"I hope that Sir will give our Yu Family some face when you are in the city. At the very least, please give the late old Family Head some face. If not, even if we know that we aren't a match for Sir, we will have no choice but to fulfill our responsibilities." After witnessing the heaven defying martial arts of the 'senior' in front of them, the Head Deacon gave in. Even if he had some doubts about the status of the person in front of him, his attitude took a huge turn.
Even if he knew that the other party was lying to him about being a friend of his Old Family Head, it was best to just play along with the other party. After all, Bright Jade City was currently in a mess and if they were to provoke this expert in front of them, the consequences would be unimaginable! Offending such an expert would spell endless troubles for their Yu Family!
"En? That old man TianShan has passed on already?! This old man feels that I can stay alive for a few more years. Why did he go onto the next life first?" Ling Tian lamented.
The Head Deacon replied respectfully, "If Sir a friend of our Old Family Head, you are naturally someone who has great fate with our Yu Family. Since you are here in Bright Jade City, allow us to play the part of a proper host!"
Ling Tian didn't give a reply and his figure drifted into the air like a feather in the wind. Only when he was in midair did his voice travel over, "What kind of fate do I have with you guys? Since Yu TianShan is no longer around, this old man has no more friends in Bright Jade City. If you want this old man to give your Yu Family some face, your Yu Family will have to show this old man some face first!" Ling Tian's voice resounded in the ears of the Yu Family experts but his figure had disappeared from their sights.
The Head Deacon looked at the direction where Ling Tian disappeared towards as he lamented over Ling Tian's unbelievable palm strike. To think that such frightening martial arts would actually exist in the world! He then turned around and asked, "Li Gang, who did you say he was?" Li Gang was the White Jade expert in the lead.
Li Gang hurriedly took a step forward and said respectfully, "This old senior Qin did indeed say that he was a friend of the old Family Head. His nickname is even more shocking: 'Immortal-like, deity-like, devil-like, unprecedented expert who grasped the three islands, five mountains, and everything in all directions'. This subordinate does not know if it is true or false."
The Head Deacon responded with an 'Mmm' before saying seriously, "He is truly an otherworldly expert and it is best for us to not become enemies with him. Continue your patrols and this old man will go back to the Yu Residence. An expert suddenly appearing in the city is something that I must report to the Family Head immediately." As he said that, he was about to leave.
"Head Deacon," an old man who followed the Head Deacon hurriedly called out, "If Head Deacon is going back to the Yu Residence, should our plan tonight…"
The Head Deacon pondered for a moment before replying, "How can we ignore second young noble's detailed plan? Delay the plan for two hours and this old man will be back soon." With a flash, his figure had appeared in front of the previously burning tree and after staring at it for awhile, he disappeared into the night sky.
After traveling a short distance, Ling Tian looked behind and there was indeed no one following behind him. He couldn't help but let out a delighted smile as he thought, I wonder how Yu ManLou will react to this matter? I wonder if this identity that I spontaneously created will be of any use? Or perhaps I can use it further…
After deliberating for a moment, Ling Tian took off his black mask and retrieved a human mask from his bosom. After putting it on, he flew towards the direction of third young noble Yu's courtyard.
The Yu Family.
"Qin ShiHuang?" Yu ManLou's brows were furrowed and his eyes were in deep thought. After a long while, he shook his head, "Old Family Head's friend? Furthermore, his martial arts have achieved such a height? This old man has not heard of someone like this in the world. Could it be a fake name?"
As though he was reminded by Yu ManLou, the Head Deacon slapped his thighs, "That's right, Family Head's vision is truly sharp. This old man had racked my brains just now but was unable to come up with anything. Family Head is brilliant indeed. Ah ah."
Yu ManLou looked at the Head Deacon with a smile and was seemingly unmoved by his flattery. However, this glance from the Family Head made the Head Deacon's face burn in embarrassment.
Yu ManLou paced around and asked, "Burning wood with his inner qi from thirty feet away. Furthermore, it wasn't dry wood but fresh living wood. Head Deacon, with your understanding of martial arts, just what kind of heights must one achieve in order to perform such a feat?"
"What kind of heights?" The Head Deacon frowned and said with difficulty, "According to what this old man knows, there isn't a martial arts realm capable of performing such a feat. Perhaps this old man is ignorant and has never heard of it."
"Ignorant?" Yu ManLou's voice was slightly chilly, "Head Deacon has studied martial arts for plenty of years and has studied countless cultivation techniques in the world. You entered the Deacon's Hall ten years ago and have studied those martial arts that exist in the legends. I believe that even Beyond Heavens wouldn't have a larger martial arts collection than our Yu Family. If Head Deacon is ignorant, then there wouldn't be anyone worthy of calling themselves knowledgeable in martial arts!"
Yu ManLou turned around and placed his hands behind his back as a smile surfaced onto his lips, "I wonder if Head Deacon has thought of the matter from this angle: if this person is truly able to light up a tree from 30 feet away, he would probably be considered an immortal and far superior to the Martial Order Medallion owner, Justice. How would it be possible for such a heaven-shaking figure to be completely unheard of in the world? Doesn't Head Deacon find this matter strange?"
"Perhaps he has appeared before but used another name? Or perhaps…" The Head Deacon's voice became softer as he understood what Yu ManLou meant. Regardless of what his identity was, such a character would definitely be world famous. As long as he had previously appeared in the world, even if he did not leave behind his name, he should still be remembered by the world.
However, there had never been such a figure who appeared in the past thousand years. What did this mean?
Yu ManLou smiled and came to a conclusion, "Thus, this person must definitely be someone we know who is trying to play us like a fool. As for burning the tree from 30 feet away, while it seems like an impossible feat, it would be achievable if he made some tricks on the tree beforehand. There isn't anything impossible in the world. I would never believe that someone would be able to achieve such martial arts height in the world!"
Yu ManLou paused for a moment and looked at the Head Deacon, "The truth is that you were most likely tricked!"
The Head Deacon's drying up old face has suddenly turned as red as a baboon's behind! A ball of fury burned in his heart! He had roamed unhindered in the pugilistic world for decades and was actually tricked by someone in his old age. He was completely ashamed and wanted to find a hole to hide in. He was not a foolish individual and after hearing what Yu ManLou had said as well as the depth of his martial arts knowledge, he realized that it was truly something unrealistic!
"If this person isn't Ling Tian, he should be someone from Above Heavens. I think that the former is more likely." Yu ManLou said with a smile and analyzed, "In any case, he will not be Justice and Beyond Heavens wouldn't play such a trick. It is very likely that he isn't too old either, and that's why I think that it is more likely to be Ling Tian."
"That little animal Ling Tian! If this old man catches him, I will definitely rip him to shreds!" The Head Deacon clenched his teeth and puffed angrily. After rushing back to make a report to Yu ManLou, he had not only missed the best time for the plan but was also completely played like a fool. The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. Thinking about the actions and bearing of the other party, the Head Deacon also felt that Yu ManLou's conjecture must definitely be accurate.
"We can't rush this matter." Yu ManLou shook his head, "Since Ling Tian has the courage to appear, he would have definitely made preparations and will definitely have a follow-up action. Perhaps he does not have any goals besides putting on such a play and only did it in a fit of excitement. Or perhaps he was afraid of us messing up his plans and thus making such a risky move as a stop-gap measure. Regardless of what it is, his gamble has paid off."
"Family Head is trying to say that Ling Tian will definitely take action tonight?" The Head Deacon asked.
"That's right! Not only will he take action, but his action won't be a small one for sure." Yu ManLou's eyes gleamed, "When facing this teen, you must not be careless. You can return first and monitor the entire city. This old man will immediately gather all the subdivision heads and order them to join you. Tonight, this old man will definitely make Ling Tian become a victim of his own smartness! Taking a risk and leaving things up to luck will never amount to great things!"
"Yes, Family Head." The Head Deacon acknowledged and wanted to walk out.
"Wait!" Yu ManLou waved his hands, "If Ling Tian appears with the status of this Qin ShiHuang again, you should pretend to believe him and stall for time."
The Head Deacon felt startled as he thought, With his goal accomplished, why would he use this status again? However, he didn't dare to rebut Yu ManLou's words and left after acknowledging that order.
Yu ManLou looked out towards the night sky and muttered to himself with delight, "Ling Tian is probably feeling extremely delighted over being able to scare the Head Deacon with this little trick of his. Since he is feeling delighted, how would he not use this status to show off his prestige again? Regardless of how wise he is, he is still a fifteen-year-old teen!" With a sneer, Yu ManLou's eyes turned cold and filled with killing intent, "A young man is just too tender!"
He then walked towards the door and shouted, "Men! Gather all the subdivision heads to meet me now! There must be no delay!"
...
There were still a few lamps being lit in Yu LiuShui's courtyard and someone was still awake.
Ling Tian was dressed in black and hidden in the vegetation. His eyes were fixed on the light spilling out of the window and a dense killing intent filled his heart.
Above Heavens, since you guys want to take my life, I will give all of you an unforgettable lesson! As the moon climbed up into the sky, Ling Tian estimated the time in his heart. Yu LiuShui's action is probably starting soon, right?
The night sky was filled with drifting clouds and wasn't cloudless like last night. Thus, this was also the time when the night was the darkest and the best time for the 'nightwalkers' to appear.
Painful groans could be heard coming out from the window and while it was extremely soft, it spread out far in the silent light. It was as though someone was trying to bear with an extreme amount of pain.
Ling Tian's eyes were shut lightly as he leaned on the tree branch and enjoyed the night breeze. As the branch swayed slightly in the winds, Ling Tian looked extremely carefree and didn't have a trace of anxiousness. If was as though he was playing on a swing and looked extremely contented.
From afar, a few 'sou sou' sounds could be heard and there were many nightwalkers approaching his location. Ling Tian's mouth curved up slightly but he remained stationary.
The sounds of figures breaking through the air stopped from afar and more than forty Yu Family experts appeared in Ling Tian's divine sense, forming a circle and slowly surrounding this area.
Ling Tian praised in his heart. This Head Deacon's commands are truly commendable. Knowing that he would alert the enemy if he were to openly approach the courtyard, he slowly formed an encirclement. While it was slower, it was the most effective method.
The one closest to Ling Tian's hiding spot was now no less than 500 feet away and the one furthest away was about 700 feet away. The time is about right. Ling Tian began to count down in his heart, "Three, two, one…" Ling Tian's figure then slid down from the tree branch and his figure appeared in front of the wall of the courtyard without a sound. Circulating his inner qi, Ling Tian flipped over the wall nimbly without even a change in the shadows of the surroundings.
Everything happened silently, and Ling Tian was like a ghost entering the courtyard without moving a single blade of grass or leaf.
The painful groans still sounded from the room with the lamp lit and at this moment, a cloud drifted past and covered the moon. The surroundings immediately turned dark and Ling Tian had made use of this momentary darkness to cover 60 feet of distance, sticking himself below the window of the room like a lizard.
Raising his right hand up, a black short blade gleamed in his hand. Listening carefully, there didn't seem to be any other sounds apart from the painful groans of the person bearing with pain. Ling Tian no longer hesitated and with a swing of his blade, the window was slid open. After Ling Tian flipped into the room and entered the building, the room fell completely silent.
Chapter 473: Watching by the Side
Translator: DavidT Editor: Rock, DavidT
"Who are you?" A hoarse voice sounded and it was obvious that Ling Tian's arrival was spotted. But before the hoarse voice could say a second sentence, Ling Tian's figure drifted over like a shadow and brandished his short sword. The next moment, a line of blood could be seen on that figure's throat and he took his last breath. However, the most unexpected thing was the fact that a look of release could be seen in that figure's eyes.
Ling Tian's figure did not stop there. His eyes gleamed ruthlessly and his short sword was brandished another three times, taking the lives of the other three casualties. Ling Tian then noticed that on the wounds of the four individuals, blood only trickled down slowly.
The spot where Ling Tian slashed was the artery on their neck. Apart from being a fatal spot on the human body, it was also the place where the blood flow was the most. The bodies of these four individuals were obviously seriously injured and had an excessive loss of blood. Even before Ling Tian's arrival, these four individuals were no more than four half-dead corpses!
All four of them were leading a life worse than death!
Ling Tian couldn't help but think about the look of release in the first man's eyes and let out a heavy sigh. Once a person loses control of his choice to live or die and when death could be considered an extravagant hope, while Ling Tian's actions could be considered cruel, they could also be considered a form of release for them.
A faint bloody smell emanated in the darkness and Ling Tian stood silently in the room and counted his breaths. Ling Tian had killed far too many people in both this and his previous life. It was impossible for him to be affected by the bloody smell in the room.
At this moment, the Yu Family members were already outside of the courtyard!
In the room by the side, a soft rustling sound could be heard followed by a doubtful question, "Why did sixth brother's groaning sound disappear?" Then, he seemed to have been startled by the words he just said as he let out a gasp, "Sixth Brother!" Following which, the sound of someone hastily getting off his bed could be heard.
The timing was just right!
Ling Tian leaped out of the window and smashed the window into pieces. Following that, he scaled the wall of the courtyard at top speed and with a flick of his wrist, two daggers shot out in the darkness. He then let out a loud roar, "Assassins!" before smashing another two doors. Before his voice disappeared into the darkness, Ling Tian had already landed back onto the ground and his figure disappeared into thin air.
"Ahh!!"
"Ahh!!"
Two miserable shrieks sounded and Ling Tian's dagger had landed right in the chest of two White Jade experts of the Yu Family. The two White Jade experts who were still laying in concealment suddenly felt a sharp pain in their chest and couldn't help but let out a miserable shriek!
This miserable shrieks of theirs exposed all of the other Yu Family experts and a low angry roar could be heard, "Attack! Kill! Kill anyone who resists!"
With a few crashing sounds, the door of the room that Ling Tian was previously in was sent flying and two figures entered the room. Following that, an aggrieved and furious roar could be heard, "Sixth Brother!... Eighth Brother! They killed sixth brother and the rest! How vicious! They aren't even willing to let go of the injured! This daddy here will fight all of you to the death!"
Crashing sounds could be heard from all the various rooms and seven figures appeared on the roof with their eyes burning with rage and deep hatred!
The one who first let out the roar was the last one to appear. His voice was trembling as he said with grief and indignance, "Big Brother, sixth brother and the rest… they…"
The big brother was a lean old man in his fifties and replied nervously, "Not a single one…?"
The middle-aged man who appeared the last hammered his chest as tears gushed out of his eyes and almost lost his cool from grief, "Their lives were taken with a single blade! AHHHH… Big Brother, you must take revenge for our brothers!"
A thick killing intent exploded forth from the big brother's figure as he roared, "Kill all of these b*st*rds! Take revenge for sixth brother and the rest!"
At the same time, the experts of the Yu Family also let out a loud battle-cry and the fifty plus Yu Family experts pounced forward from the dark.
Before both parties came into contact, tons of arrows and hidden weapons covered the sky and rained down on the Above Heavens experts like a thunderstorm…
On the roof, the eight of them let out a loud roar and no longer held anything back. With the ball full of anger that they had been holding in, they charged forward and one of them even did a somersault in midair and shot forward with a brilliant splendor of light. He had actually unleashed his 'man and sword as one' killing technique at the start! The raining hidden weapons were immediately reflected back by his sword light with 'ding ding ding' sounds.
It was like heavenly lightning drawing forth earthly flames!
The moment both parties came into contact with each other, they entered into a bitter battle with endless hatred in each of their hearts as their eyes turned red from killing! Eight top-notch experts of Above Heavens with three extreme experts among them were like tigers entering into a herd of sheep. The moment the battle started, the White Jade experts of the Yu Family felt that it was impossible for them to fight back and the huge gap in their strengths could be immediately seen. In just a short instant, the Yu Family experts suffered both injuries and fatalities.
The Head Deacon, Yu ChaoRan, let out a battle-cry and a powerful battle prowess exploded forth from his skinny figure. The sword in his hands transformed into ten thousand rays of silver light and he actually managed to single-handedly block three Above Heavens expert. Furthermore, he remained on the offensive and actually had the upper hand.
Two bright fireworks exploded in the air. It was the rescue signal of the Yu Family.
After just a short while, countless black figures began swarming over from all directions.
Meng JueChen raised his sword up and stabbed it into the chest of a Yu Family expert. At the same time, his left palm struck out and knocked the white-robed man to his left back. However, his right shoulder was struck because of a short moment of distraction. His figure tumbled forward slightly and he quickly brandished his sword and before the White Jade expert who ambushed him could retreat, the White Jade expert let out a miserable groan and was dismembered into two parts. A fountain of blood shot towards the air and sprayed all over Meng JueChen's body.
The big brother's attack was even crueler. Everytime he attacked, there would be at least a Yu Family expert being dismembered. There was not a single person capable of blocking him for even an instant.
"Ah!" A groan sounded and an Above Heavens expert was stabbed in the waist after killing one of his opponents. Turning his body around immediately, the sword which was embedded into his waist snapped into two and he reached out and strangled his enemy in the neck. Squeezing his hands tightly, his opponent's neck was actually snapped into two and a mouthful of blood sprayed out from his body at the same time!
A couple of White Jade experts in the surrounding than charged forward together and the Above Heavens expert gave up on all forms of resistance. He was drowned in his opponents' swords and sabers and only had the chance to let out two groans before turning into a pile of mush by his opponents' countless weapons!
"Ninth Brother!!!" A black-robed expert let out a mournful wail and charged forward in a near-suicidal manner, ignoring the obstructing White Jade experts surrounding him. But before he could arrive, his ninth brother had already died in battle and an arrow shot towards him, accurately landing in his back. With a loud shout, he wobbly wanted to get up but was already decapitated by the surrounding swords and blades.
A few swooshing sounds could then be heard and four to five figures appeared from the darkness and shot towards the six remaining Above Heavens experts. From the large winds generated from their palm strikes and the stability of their attack, it was obvious that these incoming individuals were all top-notch experts.
That big brother charged forward to welcome the incoming Yu Family experts and with a flurry of kicks, punches, and stabs. He actually blocked four of the Yu Family experts and entered a bitter battle with them. Every time their weapons connected, sparks would be seen shooting out in all directions. Both parties let out a resounding battle-cry and the battlefield descended into greater chaos.
In the dark, Ling Tian watched the scene in front of him with pleasure as he enjoyed this show that he had been planning for a long time already. Watching this show that played out exactly to his expectations, Ling Tian was filled with an unknown sense of achievement.
The Xiao Family, Yu Family, and Above Heavens…. HAHAHA… let's see what will all of your reactions be after today. If all of you can still remain composed and swallow this ball of fury, I will be truly speechless! Ling Tian giggled in his heart.
Under the lead of the big brother, the six Above Heavens experts finally managed to gather back together after a series of bitter exchanges. They formed a small defensive circle as they launched crazed attacks at the Yu Family experts. By forming a small defensive circle, they wouldn't have to guard their backs but also limited their own movement space. While it wouldn't matter much in the short run, as the battle dragged on further, they would definitely suffer misfortune.
As even more of the Yu Family reinforcements arrive, they had actually formed a thick wall around the small defensive circle of the Above Heavens experts. When their enemy and allies were so clearly differentiated, the six Above Heavens experts fought to the point their eyes were bloodshot from killing and did not have the intention to retreat!
The horrible deaths of their brothers had stirred up their blood and they would rather fight to the death!
On top of a wall far off, Yu ManLou was dressed in thin robes as he watched the miserable battle calmly with his hands behind his back as though he was watching a show. By his side, two black-robed shadows were standing silently without daring to make a single sound.