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Chapter 496: Forced to a Corner

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: Rock, DavidT

'Pu pu pu' came the countless sounds, followed by a loud explosion, as those who clashed abruptly separated! Ling Chen and Li Xue stumbled as they retreated, with Ling Chen bleeding from her left arm, shoulder, and chest, staining her originally pure white robes.

Li Xue had help Ling Chen to take the majority of the impact, absorbing practically all the force generated between their collision. The pure internal energy collision was not something that could be nullified easily, and while Li Xue had movement techniques that surpassed Ling Tian, she had no way to dodge in this scenario! While she had no external injuries, the impact her internal organs had suffered was not light. Her tiny mouth opened wide as a huge mouthful of fresh blood was vomited out. Her eyes immediately dimmed, and she had to forcefully will herself to prop up her body.

As for the three NanGongs, the two elders had already turned into pieces of icy slush the moment they were thrown back, filling up the entire sky. Under the frenzied brandishing of Li Xue's sword in retaliation, the two of them suffered from the torture of a thousand cuts to the point that not even a complete skeleton remained! As for NanGong TianHu who had a higher cultivation, because he was ambushing towards the rear of Ling Chen, he was spared the brunt of Li Xue's assault. However, he had eaten the majority of Ling Chen's palms, and as his corpse flew up high, the blood he spat froze into a piece of ice even as he slowly turned into a popsicle in midair!

"Pa!" NanGong TianHu viciously smashed on the ground, but instead of letting out the sound of a low grunt, a crisp shattering sound was heard, as though a porcelain vase had fallen off the roof… under the dumbfounded gazes of all present, NanGong TianHu's body shattered into a multitude of various sized frozen pieces, even the organs being preserved in a perfect state without a single drop of blood flowing out...

Of those surrounding the duo, NanGong Yu had put in the most effort. However, due to her skill being the weakest, she was repelled by the strong counterforce of Li Xue's internal energy even as she threw herself forward. She felt as though her entire body had broken apart, and she was totally unable to even pick herself up. Her hate-filled, venomous eyes finally revealed the look of despair one shows when their armies are routed...

Li Xue had just managed to stand upright when she let out a light cry. Though her voice made the cry sound sweet, the killing intent within was impossible to hide. She immediately threw herself into the crowd of assailants like a whirlwind, beginning her killing. The cry she let out, under the effects of her internal energy, traveled far and wide, and the moment the sound ended, a few tiny specks appeared on the horizon. Those specks were precisely Ling Lei and his group.

With Li Xue's cry awakening her from the stupor, Ling Chen, who had just undergone a baptism of life and death, was determined not to be outdone. She immediately threw herself into the fray as well. Sound after sound of agonized wails could be heard, as the remaining men from the NanGong Family were scared out of their wits by these two ladies, unable to even utilize half of their strength. Everyone only had the thought to run as far as they could, however, under the ghostly movements of these two ladies, who could even escape from them?

On one side, the morale was as high as rainbows, the other as low as a collapsed mountain. There was no way to rewrite history at this point, let alone the fact that there were still reinforcements of the winning side coming over!

Ling Chen retained her usual stance of only ensuring that they were immobilized, but Li Xue was acting strange now, only maiming instead of killing them up front. It was just that the people she injured were all in much worse states as compared to those handled by Ling Chen, with the lightest injury being amputated limbs, turning the people into cripples.

By the time Ling Lei and his group managed to arrive, there were less than ten people who were still standing, and under the tyrannical strength of the Ling group, the entire battlefield took on a completely one-sided victory, with all of the NanGong's people being taken prisoner in just a few moments. Of the 135 people activated in the NanGong Family for the operation this time around, 39 were killed on the spot, leaving 96 alive as prisoners, without even one person escaping!

Looking at Ling Chen's wounds as well as the dismal expression on Li Xue's face, Ling Lei clenched his teeth, furiously staring at the NanGong people who were being gathered into a heap. His eyes looked as though they could spew fire at this very instant!

"Sister Chen, how do we deal with these prisoners?" Ling Lei questioned.

Before Ling Chen could open her mouth, Li Xue's clear voice had already traveled over, "We of course have to deal with them, and it has to be this little sister Ling Chen to personally deal with them, to be considered just! Such despicable people who are worse than beasts, furthermore attempting to shame and humiliate her, shouldn't she herself deal with them to make herself feel better?"

Ling Chen started, and a complex expression surfaced on her face as she carefully spoke, "Why does elder sister say so? This group can be left for Ling Lei to deal with, why do I…"

Li Xue heartless refused her with a wave of her hand, resolutely snapping, "Not this time! I require you to personally act!"

She turned around, facing Ling Chen straight on. "Don't tell me you still wish to run away from this? You need to know that right now, you're not living for only yourself!" Li Xue coldly laughed, as she pointed to the prone NanGong Yu on the ground, "Have you ever thought? If NanGong Yu's plan had succeeded today, do you know what would have happened? Do you know how serious things would have become?"

Ling Chen sighed, she knew that Li Xue made sense, at the same time feeling the anger that she had vented through the fight just now beginning to rise once again. Li Xue was right, the actions of NanGong Yu today could be said to be unpardonable even through death, but she just could not make the final move…

Li Xue coldly snorted as she continued to stare at Ling Chen, "If their plan had succeeded by a fluke, you would have been subjected to an inhumane treatment, the most malicious humiliation in this world, as well as a disaster the likes of which you cannot imagine. On one hand, it would affect all the deployment of the Ling Family Courtyard, and secondly, Tian'ge would go insane when he heard about what happened to you. Under such circumstances, Ling Tian would have no more misgivings, and once he explodes, what do you think everyone will face? To put it in another way, you should understand the feelings Tian'ge has towards you, as well as understand what sort of person he is. He would destroy everything in this world for you, including himself!"

Li Xue replied in a heavy tone, "If the entire Ling Family's influence was to collapse and fall into ruin because of you, causing over ten thousand deaths including your beloved, then how could you still not bear to kill the mastermind behind this whole incident when he or she is in front of you! Is this cowardice or foolishness?! Such 'kind-heartedness', if you continue to maintain this image, sooner or later, you will drag everyone down into hell together with you! I've also said it previously, that you are not just living for yourself now. Your greatest objective in life now is to stay alive for him! Those people who aim to sabotage him or his matters, how should you treat them? This is the time to make such a decision!"

Ling Chen opened her eyes wide in astonishment, a fierce jolt in her heart! She stared at Li Xue in a daze, unconsciously taking a step back in fright.

However, Li Xue continued to pressure her to no end, her eyes seeming to see straight into the depths of her heart. "Do you know why NanGong Yu would choose you of all people instead of choosing others such as Old Madam Ling? It is because you are too soft-hearted! And far too naive! Furthermore, you matter the most to Ling Tian! Of course, the most important thing is that they do not dare. They are afraid to antagonize Ling Tian himself as well as his family members, thus they come after you!"

"Think about just now, if I wasn't by your side. What would have happened to you? Ling Chen! Listen carefully to what I'm going to say next! Such things will become commonplace in the future, where every single influence will think of such methods. However, the operations in the future will not merely consist of this paltry strength that the NanGong Family brought today! And we ultimately can't always be your shadows, following you every single split second. There will be times when you are left alone! Furthermore, once war begins in the future, you will need to take charge of a group! Your excessive tendency to clemency will only lead to a funeral procession for you! A funeral procession for your friends near you, your relatives, your love!"

"If you do not wish to suffer a greater loss from your own misgivings, if you do not wish to become the fatal burden of your loved one, then just becoming strong isn't enough! You need to learn how to be sufficiently ruthless and vicious! Knowing how blood tastes and smells like, knowing how to kill, how to rob someone of their lives! Only then can you become a true stepping stone for him! As such, now, take up your sword, and kill all those present now. Go!"

Clang! Li Xue stretched out her hand, pulling out Ling Chen's sword from the sheath, and reversing her grip, threw it into Ling Chen's right hand, an unforgiving light within her eyes. "Catch!"

Ling Chen subconsciously received the sword, her face turning into a deathly white color even as the sword in her hands began to tremble. The point faced towards an immobile expert of the NanGong Family, and the light refracting off the trembling sword turned it into something similar to a darting snake. Even after a long period of time, the sword was still unable to pierce forward...

For someone who has not killed before, if that person accidentally killed someone, or had killed out of necessity like within a battlefield, they would probably feel a smaller amount of shock. But under the gazes of many, to thrust out a sword and kill someone who had no resistance at all, this sort of visual stimulation was a huge torture to anyone, let out a young lady who had not previously killed!

Cold sweat had already started to appear on the forehead of Ling Chen! She was not at such a loss even during the previous intense battle!

Ling Chen was extremely clear in her heart that following the increase in Ling Tian's strength, he would one day wipe out all under heavens. As his number one assistant, to avoid being stained with blood was something that she could not escape from! At least, she hoped that the day would be delayed for as long as possible!

However, Li Xue had surprisingly seen through her hesitation today and thus started to pressure her. Li Xue was clear that based on Ling Chen's pure and kind character, if one did not continuously pressure her bottom line, most likely, it would be too far-fetched to think about the day where Ling Chen would break past her phobia! Right now, all the warning signals were showing towards the world getting more chaotic. Thus, she could not afford to guide Ling Chen patiently and systematically, and could only resort to this cruel method to completely break her tiny bubble as well as her fantasies. Only then would she be able to really be of help to Ling Tian when the war started, and truly display her abilities!

Thus, the circumstances completely warranted for this sort of compulsion! Especially with the provocation from the NanGong Family, to Li Xue, this was like a heaven-sent chance for Ling Chen to allow fury to overwhelm her own heart's barriers!

Chapter 497: Cruel Metamorphosis

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: Rock, DavidT

As such, Li Xue's coercion of Ling Chen, while cruel, was something that was needed! This was especially when there was still remnant forces of the NanGong Family present. To Li Xue, this was the best opportunity for Ling Chen! If she could surpass her own limits here, then her future would no longer be clogged up. If she refused to do the final blow, then she would also lose the right to be the most loved of Ling Tian, and also the position of Ling Tian's spokesperson! Li Xue would then suggest for the Ling Family Courtyard to have a change of leading personnel…. But neither Li Xue nor Ling Tian would want to see a change in the head.

Ling Chen only felt her brain in a perplexed mess. While her hand still held on to her sword, facing the eyes in front of her begging for pity, she could not make the final blow. However, she suddenly felt her elbow jolting forward without control, followed by an agonized wail…. The sword in her hands had already pierced through the man's chest….

A look of despair appeared on that person's eyes, and he stared straight at Ling Chen as a stream of blood slowly flowed out between his lips. He started to produce gurgling sounds in his throat before he slowly slumped onto the ground. He had truly died this time!

The first one!

Ling Chen let out a loud cry, her voice extremely sharp and piercing as her figure suddenly retreated. On the sword that she still held, drops of blood flowed off from the body of the sword. Her heart was even more perplexed at this time, together with an unspeakable feeling of disgust rising up within her. She suddenly spun around, beginning to vomit in copious amounts as though trying to flood the dams and seas.

It was only after a long time that Ling Chen finally straightened her waist. Her face still remained pale beyond belief, a disorderly look in her eyes, with her body tottering on the spot as though she had no more strength left. The palpitations of her heart, the fear, disgust, still lingered within her mind, impossible to get rid off.

Ling Lei and company were naturally the most heartbroken upon seeing Ling Chen's state, but none of them opened their mouths to prevent this situation. For them, as killers belonging to the First Pavilion, the top-tier assassins of this world, they were crystal clear on the feeling one would have upon killing someone for the first time, for they had walked the very same path long ago. Everyone present knew of Ling Chen's drawback, but nobody dared to force this big sister of theirs! Now that Li Xue had decided to be the villain this time around, Ling Lei and group did not know whether to be resentful or to feel gratitude towards her!

To utilize such methods to force Ling Chen to metamorphosize, only Li Xue would be capable of such a feat. Even Ling Tian was not an exception, for he could not force himself to perform such a matter!

Li Xue coldly stared at Ling Chen, the emotions within her eyes constantly fluctuating, but she suppressed her emotions. She knew that being softhearted to Ling Chen now would be detrimental to her, Ling Tian, as well as all the Ling Family members in the future! Li Xue would never allow her history to be repeated in this life, thus she chose to be ruthless!

If no one wants to be the villain, then let me take the role!

If you people cannot bear to do it, then I'll be the one with the heart of stone!

"Good! Wasn't that a relief, quick and simple? Right now, lift up your sword, and aim towards the second person. Kill him!" Li Xue crossed her arms and coldly continued. Standing by the side, Ling Lei and the rest cast their worried gazes towards Ling Chen, but nobody dared to breathe a word. This was a process she had to go through, and all of them present understood that.

The only person who could not understand this entire process was Ling Chen!

"No! Nono…." Ling Chen began to tremble, "Sister Li, I… I can't do it… stop forcing me, I beg you…"

"Sister Chen, you must do it!" Li Xue softly, yet firmly replied, "The people in front of you are all our enemies. If they do not die, then we will be the ones who die instead! The logic is simple. Ok, calm yourself down, do not panic… that's right! Now, exert all your strength!" As she spoke, the sword on Ling Chen's hands pushed forward once again, and blood spurted; she had killed another person.

"From today onward, these 96 people present, you have to kill 10 every day, splitting these people up into 10 days to kill! Starting from the fifth day, every person you kill must be through a unique method, such as piercing their heart, or beheading, and dismembering. Whatever the case, by the end of 10 days, the lives of these 96 people, including NanGong Yu, must all be ended by your very own hands! You have to try all sort of methods to end their lives, do you understand me?!" Li Xue looked at Ling Chen in pity, but she did not get soft-hearted.

"I…. I can't!" Ling Chen began to feel another wave of nausea. "I… won't be able to! I can't…"

"As for today's quota of ten people, you've only fulfilled two! Continue!" Li Xue seemed to not have heard Ling Chen's protest, "There are still eight more, hurry and finish up so we can all return. If you really wish to bring them back to the base before beginning your slaughter, that's also up to you."

Li Xue's words were said in an indifferent tone, with a hint of mischievousness, as though saying, "There're eight grapes left, hurry and finish them!" Her tone sounded amazingly casual.

However, the moment Ling Chen heard the words 'If you really wish to bring them back to the base before beginning your slaughter, that's also up to you', she could not help but turn around and vomit once again. These were humans that she was talking about, living humans! Slaughtering? Could it be that her Sister Li Xue treated them as livestock?

"This is your mission! You have to complete it. So long as you finish this mission, after the ten days, I can rest assured in leaving you to do whatever you want, neither will I interfere in any of your decisions! However, if you cannot do it, then that would be failing to live up to his expectations!" Li Xue coldly stated. "You had best hurry up, right now there's only Ling Lei and the rest, all of which are assassins of the First Pavilion and have thus seen past life and death. The scene doesn't matter much to them, but if you do this back in the base, then it will affect the influence and prestige which you hold! Once that is negatively impacted, you will also directly affect his career! I believe you do not wish to see such a scene, right?"

Ling Chen's lips trembled, as she lifted up her sword with difficulty. Suddenly the sword in her hands seemed to have multiplied by thousands of times in weight, seemingly impossible to hold...

"Some people are like venomous snakes, seeing them makes you disgusted, and killing them even worse. However, if you fail to eliminate them, allowing them to bite you in return, that would result in your fatality. At that time, the one dead would be you instead." Li Xue indifferently remarked, "A human life is actually similar to that of a pig, or a snake. In the end, it's just a life. You, me, Ling Tian are all the same. It's either you die, or I die. As such, might as well live, it's better than dying."

"I hope that you can think this through quickly, because..." at this point, Li Xue's eyes flashed brightly, "...in the future, the number of people that die by your hand will not end at 96. It will be multiplied by hundreds, even thousands of times! If you do not adapt fast enough, by that time, just the blood spraying into the air will make you faint! It would only make you become the fish on someone else's chopping board!

Li Xue's eyes stared at the distances, her voice unbearably lonely as she continued, "You can never imagine how crazy the battlefield is, how violent. If you cannot get used to bloodshed soon, then you will be unable to set a single step on the battlefield, let alone command thousands of troops! By that time, if you're still sentimental and soft-hearted, you will only send all your comrades into their graves!"

"As such, these people in front of you have to be killed, and killed easily at that! Even if you feel like you're undergoing a thousand types of torture, so much pain that you wish you were dead, you still have to kill!" Li Xue heartlessly looked at Ling Chen. "If you feel that you cannot make a move, then I can help you."

Ling Chen immediately perked up at that. "Sister is great! Come help me."

However, Li Xue's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "My idea of help is something you cannot accept. Do you want to hear it?" Still smiling at Ling Chen, she continued, "I'll lock you in together with them and kill a few, filling up the room with the smell of blood before sealing the door. Only when you've killed all of them will I then let you out. Believe me, I will do as I said. Once I decide on something, no one can stop me, not even him!"

Seeing the smile on Li Xue's face, Ling Chen suddenly felt as though she was looking at a ghost, and with a 'wa' sound, she vomited once again!

This Sister Li Xue was too ruthless! Throw everyone inside, kill a few people to add on to the bloodshed? Thinking about this image, Ling Chen felt as though she was going to faint, let alone mention being there in person.

"If you want to kill them on your own, I will give you 10 days. If you want my help, that will be different, for the time you walk out will be the time the training ends. If you agree to it, I can arrange it for you. By the way, if you can kill all of them present in one day, that is a good and simple way to settle everything as well." Li Xue concluded.

"I…. I think I'll do it myself…." Ling Chen could acutely feel her dry lips, and with difficulty swallowed once in fright.

"Then begin. We don't have that much time." Li Xue gazed up at the sky. "The lady from the Shui Family should be just about arriving to look for you."

Ling Chen took in a deep breath, suddenly snapping her eyes shut and brandishing her sword, sending the head of another person flying into the air! Her arm waved around crazily without stopping, finally stopping and returning to her side. All the while, her eyes remained closed, and only felt droplets of something warm splashing onto her face, while her stomach started to heave once again.

Li Xue sighed in dissatisfaction, but seeing her pale white face, she knew that Ling Chen had probably reached her limits. She could only gently speak, "Today shall be considered a special day, we will stop here. Sister Chen, remember clearly that these people are all out to harm you and him. If you land in their hands, you won't have a chance to beg before being cut into pieces! Unless you are willing to see your beloved being dismembered rather than killing your enemy, I suggest you stop being soft-hearted. I will not force you anymore! However, you had better take out your ruthlessness if you do not want to die in someone else's hands. Kill all the people here within 10 days, and that would be the best help to your man, allowing him to carve out his career in the heavens!"

Seeing Ling Chen with her head down in deep thought, Li Xue stood in silence for a moment before commanding, "Drag these people back to the Ling Family Courtyard."

Chapter 498: Ten Days of Hell

Translator: DavidT Editor: Rock, DavidT

While Ling Lei and the rest were busily capturing the NanGong Family members, Li Xue stood behind the despairing NanGong Yu. Looking at the look of despair on her face, Li Xue mocked with ridicule, "Miss NanGong, I really have to thank all of you. Your idiocy and unreasonable jealousy caused you and your subordinates to become a whetstone for us to groom an outstanding leader for our Ling Family Courtyard. Do you see that? When all of your dog lives disappear, the effect that I want will be fully displayed. While all of you are pathetically weak, the effect of your lives is truly enormous. This is something that you should definitely be proud of."

NanGong Yu breathed heavily as she glared at Li Xue with despair. She then growled with hatred, "Using my life as a whetstone? You must be dreaming!"

Peng! Li Xue's foot shot towards NanGong Yu's chin and the sound of bones breaking could be heard. NanGong Yu's chin was shattered by Li Xue's kick and she was unable to commit suicide by biting her tongue. Following that, Li Xue kicked NanGong Yu's inner core and her chilly inner qi flooded into NanGong Yu's inner core causing it to explode. Li Xue then said chilly, "You will definitely walk down the Yellow Springs but there isn't a need for you to rush. I will keep you alive until Ling Chen kills you. If she doesn't want to kill you, even if you cannot hope to be alive, you definitely cannot die! How can I not make good use of the last big present that your NanGong Family gave me?"

Ignoring NanGong Yu's look of despair, Li Xue crossed over her body and spat out coldly, "Take them away!"

At this moment, Ling Chen, who was off to the side, opened her eyes, and a complicated look could be seen in her gaze. She looked at the dismembered body parts in front of her which was her doing and the hellish scene in front of her. Her lips and body began trembling, but Ling Chen resolutely chose to keep her eyes open and refused to look away.

Li Xue was right. In fact, she was also extremely clear about that truth. Would she want to bring disaster to her most beloved man just because of her soft-heartedness? In this chaotic world, one will either kill or be killed. If Ling Chen didn't want any harm to fall upon her brothers and beloved man, she could only harden her heart and face the world!

Young noble and Ling Jian had already shouldered too much for me over the many years. They had already been drenched in blood far too many times. Could it be that I, Ling Chen, will have to hide behind their backs forever? Can I not stand in front of them for once?

Ling Chen's face turned paler and paler but her eyes grew more and more resolute. The trembling of her body gradually stopped and she held the sword in her right hand tighter and tighter…

Li Xue let out a heave of relief. It seemed like Ling Chen had already thought things through and taken her first step out. Everything else was only a matter of time. After the next ten days, a brand-new Ling Chen would definitely be before their eyes! This was something that Li Xue was extremely confident of!

The actions of Ling Lei and the others were undoubtedly swift. In just a short few minutes, not to mention the battle scars, not even a drop of blood could be seen. If someone were to pass by here right now, they would definitely not expect that a battle had just taken place…

In the next ten days, the whole Courtyard suddenly turned silent. In those ten days, a huge and clear change occurred in this silence. It was a change that could not be stopped!

The first day, Li Xue stood outside Ling Chen's door early in the morning and chased her into the stone chamber where the NanGong Family members were being held captive as though she was a criminal. The ten people in the stone chamber were the ten people that Ling Chen had to take care of for the day. After Ling Chen entered the cave, Li Xue mercilessly closed the thick door of the cave.

After a full six hours, Ling Chen finally walked out of the cave with a pale expression and trembling body. Her whole body was drenched in sweat and the moment she walked out of the cave, she began vomiting incessantly to the point her gastric juices were vomited out. Following Ling Chen's exit, a few people entered the room swiftly and ten bloody corpses were carried out.

Ling Jian was clad in black robes as he looked at the stone chamber expressionlessly and silently. However, his fists were clenched tightly to the point his veins protruded and turned green. While he felt heartache for Ling Chen, he knew that this was something that Ling Chen had to go through. This vicious and vile Li Xue! She deserves to be taught a lesson! To think that she would actually treat lass Chen as such. She actually had the heart to do something that both the young noble and I can't bear to do! At this moment, Ling Jian truly did not know whether he should thank or hate Li Xue!

He was filled with contradiction…

Today, Ling Chen did not eat a single thing, and she felt dizzy for the whole day. She woke up from her dreams multiple times and began puking before falling back asleep. She would then wake up again, start puking again before falling asleep again. Such a cycle continued for the whole day.

The second day, when Li Xue arrived at Ling Chen's doorstep, the extremely frail Ling Chen who was emotionally and mentally drained opened the door and walked out of her room on her own. She held her sword in her hands and after both the ladies looked at each other for a moment, Li Xue led the way to the stone chamber. As Ling Chen walked into the stone chamber unsteadily, there were another ten people in the cave; ten people who were about to enter the Yellow Springs…

Two hours later, Ling Chen exited the stone chamber and despite wanting to puke, she managed to control herself from doing so. She immediately rushed back into the room and collapsed onto her bed!

The third day, Ling Chen, who had slept for a full day, finally drank two bowls of porridge. When she left her room, Li Xue stood in her courtyard coldly and had a stare down with Ling Jian who was at a distance.

The fifth day, Li Xue was no longer waiting in front of Ling Chen's door but at the entrance of the stone chamber. Seeing Ling Chen's arrival, her eyes lit up and she asked, "You're here?" These words of hers were said with a profound tone. Be it Li Xue who was asking the question, Ling Chen who was about to answer the question, or Ling Jian and the rest who were by the side, they all understood the true meaning of these words.

Ling Chen's face was chilly as her muscles contorted slightly. However, her eyes were filled with resolution and she replied calmly, "I have to come eventually." In her tone, a faint tinge of grievance and resentment could be heard.

The mission today was completed with great difficulty. Ling Chen only managed to walk out of the stone chamber when the sun set and her clothes were completely drenched with blood. On top of that, a slightly crazed look could be seen in her eyes, but she no longer had the feeling of vomiting. When she looked at Li Xue after exiting the room, a pleading look could be seen in her eyes.

However, Li Xue shook her head coldly and said, "We will continue tomorrow."

She then left…

Behind her, two clear streams could be seen on her face…

Today, after the soldiers finished tidying up the stone chamber, they could not help but end up vomiting as well. There were ten bodies that died in ten different ways. They could not help but think to themselves, Could it be that Miss Chen used the bodies of these individuals to draw flowers with her sword?

On the eighth day, when Ling Chen left the stone chamber, Li Xue had actually commanded people to serve up two bowls of steaming beef noodles. The noodles were garnished on top with red colored condiments. She then called Ling Chen over to enjoy the noodles with her and happily ate one of the bowls. This action made Ling Chen, who already had a certain degree of immunity and didn't really feel disgusted anymore, puke for a whole afternoon. Of course, this incident made Ling Jian greatly displeased and he almost wanted to find Li Xue for a fight!

Even if she wanted to train someone, she should have some limits! A vicious lady is vicious indeed…

At night, Li Xue ignored the disagreement of everyone else and forcefully brought Ling Chen out of the Courtyard. She purposefully picked the place where the almost hundred members of the NanGong Family were buried and the two of them chatted for a whole night…

On the ninth day, Ling Chen who had not have proper breakfast for eight days actually ate a bowl of rice and soup. She then entered the stone chamber without any hesitation. This time, Ling Chen only used ten minutes. She didn't puke or sleep and actually went to settle the daily affairs that she had ignored over the past few days…

On the final day, Li Xue did not make an appearance at all and Ling Chen only spent five minutes in the stone chamber. When she left, her face was calm and a complicated look could be seen in her eyes. Her dress was spotless, and she was like a fairy who had just returned from a stargazing trip. When she entered her room, she used a snow-white handkerchief to wipe the body of her spotless sword.

NanGong Yu's body was carried out of the chamber and this vicious lady finally came to the end of her life. However, in her final journey on Earth, she had fully taken on the role of being a pig to be slaughtered. How would she be feeling in her heart?

After NanGong Yu's death, Ling Chen stood in front of her grave for a moment before leaving emotionlessly. The final wish of NanGong Yu resounded in her heart: When Ling Tian returns, I hope that you can bring him here and ask him to spend some time here. However, please do not tell him who is buried under the earth. Up until her death, NanGong Yu still had a trace of pride and her unrequited love…

Ling Chen let out a mournful sigh… a pitiful person definitely has something hateful… Perhaps this phrase should be reversed; a hateful person definitely has something pitiful. Regardless, everything is already over, and it is time for you to rest in peace. Have a good journey, NanGong Yu! Perhaps there will be a second life?

No matter what, Ling Chen would never let NanGong Yu off. With NanGong Yu's temperament, actions, and craziness, perhaps the only form of release for her was the lonely road of death!

As such, the Ling Family Courtyard reverted back to normal. Ling Chen, Li Xue and the rest also went back to normal. On the surface, the conversation between the few ladies wasn't any different but there seemed to be something different about Ling Chen. There seemed to be something extra and something lacking at the same time. But after a short while, everyone quickly got used to it…

Chapter 499: Incoming Storm

Translator: DavidT Editor: Rock, DavidT

Shui QianRou was completely clueless as to what had happened to Ling Chen over the past ten days. After the arrival of the Shui Family experts in Sky Bearing, they would have major or minor conflicts with the local powers almost every day. In fact, they also had a number of confrontations with the Yu Family as well. In such an important period, Ling Chen disappeared completely and refused to see anyone!

Why would her sister who paid her frequent visits in the past disappear suddenly? This made the already anxious Shui QianRou bite her lips to the point blisters could be seen.

Just what should I do? The battle with the Yu Family is right in front of my very eyes and if we do not have the support of the Ling Family at this moment, wouldn't we as guests be eaten alive by the Yu Family? After all, they were flying blind in the Heavenly Star Continent and if they were to meet a true crisis, they wouldn't even know which direction to flee.

Furthermore, Shui QianRou's cousins would use every method up their sleeves to seek trouble with Shui QianHuan, and the past few miserable days were like years to Shui QianRou. While Ling Chen did send a Ling Chi as reinforcement for them, it was no different from paying her lip service. The only thing Ling Chi would do would be to ensure that no harm came to Shui QianHuan. However, the vicious remarks, despicable teasing, and endless mocking would not stop. Shui QianJiang and his brothers weren't fools either. Even if Shui QianHuan made a grave mistake, he was still the only son of the present Family Head and they would not dare to harm him directly. However, mocking him from the side definitely didn't count as harm. The three brothers took turns to tease and mock Shui QianHuan, humiliating him in every way possible. This made the already injured Shui QianHuan suffer a huge mental blow, and his unrecovered injuries worsened even further. Shui QianHuan ended up puking blood for many days in a row and was skinny like a branch with his life on the line…

Before she received instructions from Ling Chen, Shui QianRou would definitely not dare to take her Shui Family members to find Ling Chen hastily. She would pay a visit to the Ling Family Courtyard every day alone but not to mention Ling Chen, she could not even see Li Xue. The person who would accompany her every day was her fated rival and newly sworn sister, Yu BingYan!

Shui QianRou felt like she was going crazy!

If Ling Chen did not appear soon, her own brother would probably be angered, humiliated and trampled to death by her cousins…

Furthermore, the recent actions of the Yu Family were also extremely odd. It was as though they were trying to prepare for something. They were very obviously trying to accumulate wealth as though they wanted to swallow whatever they could before pulling out… With an important part of the Yu Family members being present in Sky Bearing, together with the fact that both her Shui and the Yu Family weren't in their own territory, this was the best time for their Shui Family to weaken the Yu Family. How would Shui QianRou be willing to let go of such an opportunity?

But without Ling Chen making an appearance, Shui QianRou did not dare to make a decision on her own. As for the few Shui Family elders, they would naturally not be able to suppress the Yu Family who were the natives to Heavenly Star. In order to be safe, all the elders agreed to wait a moment before making a decision… However, if they were to continue waiting, the already roasted duck would probably fly away...

This was the eleventh time Shui QianRou entered the Ling Family Courtyard!

It was also the eleventh day of the Shui Family experts entering Sky Bearing!

Shui QianRou held onto a glass of tea and sat on the chair in a complete daze and at a loss. Ever since she was born, when had she felt this way before? She asked herself over and over again if something went wrong. She could not understand why Ling Chen did not want to see her. Could it be that Ling Chen was dissatisfied at her Shui Family's misinformation about the number of troops coming to Heavenly Star? Could it be that Shui QianRou was enraged at her cousins' attitudes? Regardless of the reason, it didn't seem good for their Shui Family.

Being in a state of anxiousness and panic, regardless of what Yu BingYan said, Shui QianRou did not hear a single word and only gave perfunctory replies.

Yu BingYan was originally trying her best to create a conversation after seeing Shui QianRou's troubled appearance, but hearing her perfunctory replies she let out a bitter laugh and decided to shut her mouth. The two of them then sat in the room staring at each other to the point their eyes widened. Or perhaps, it would be more accurate to say that Yu BingYan looked at Shui QianRou who was in a daze. As for Shui QianRou, she did not even know what she was thinking about anymore…

Outside the door, barely audible footsteps could be heard, and Ling Chen's apologetic voice sounded, "I really have to apologize to younger sister Rou. There were just too many things that happened in the past few days. After making a trip out of the Courtyard, I suffered some injuries and that resulted in the delay of a few days. I am really sorry! Younger sister Rou must be anxious from waiting."

Shui QianRou stood up immediately as though she had just heard an imperial decree and replied with a smile, "It's alright, the most important thing is that elder sister is back safely." As she raised her head up, she could not help but be shocked.

While Ling Chen looked like she was healthy and energetic, Shui QianRou could tell that Ling Chen was far skinnier than she was ten days ago! Her cheeks were slim to the point her cheekbones could be seen. Her eyes also seemed to be slightly larger with the veins being faintly visible. Her originally frail appearance looked even more pitiful at the moment and she looked as though she could be blown away by a light gust of wind.

"Elder sister, what…. what happened?" She originally suspected that Ling Chen was only giving her an excuse to shut her up but upon seeing Ling Chen's appearance, Shui QianRou no longer had the heart to feign courtesy. She felt her heart ache and shot towards Ling Chen's side and asked with concern all over her face, "What happened exactly? Why would you lose so much weight?" She then suddenly felt her heart sink as she thought, Could it be… that something happened to him? Thinking about that, she felt a sharp pain in her chest as though it was being hammered down with a large hammer. Her face turned pale as she took two steps back and her eyes seemed to have lost all color.

"Oh, it is fine already." Ling Chen said with a smile, "There was something that happened that required my personal attention. On the way back, I met with an assassination attempt by the absolute elites of the NanGong Family, and I almost didn't manage to make it back. However, I have delayed younger sister's affairs, and I hope that younger sister wouldn't blame me."

"I see…" Shui QianRou felt a load off her shoulders before saying with self-blame, "Since elder sister is injured, why aren't you taking good care of yourself? This younger sister's presence has disturbed elder sister's resting time and this younger sister should be the one in the wrong." Looking at Ling Chen who was in front of her, Shui QianRou could vaguely feel that while Ling Chen was still the same Ling Chen who she was familiar with, Ling Chen seemed to have an additional charisma but yet seemed to be lacking something as well. It was as though Ling Chen underwent a huge transformation over the past few days and Shui QianRou could not help but feel the Ling Chen in front of her to be extremely foreign…

"It doesn't matter." Ling Chen smiled warmly and sat down, "For younger sister to come here today, there should be something important right?"

Shui QianRou smiled bitterly and a frustrated look could be seen on her face, "Shui QianJian and the others have gone too far. These few days..."

Ling Chen replied with doubt, "Didn't I send Ling Chi over? Why? They actually don't want to give my Ling Family face? They really dare to make things difficult for your brother?!" As Ling Chen's tone changed, an eerie feeling also emanated out from Ling Chen and a tinge of bloodiness could be felt.

Shui QianRou felt difficulty breathing all of a sudden and forced herself to take two deep breaths before continuing with a forced smile, "What is elder sister talking about? My Shui Family naturally has to be extremely respectful to the Ling Family when we are in Sky Bearing. However, their words are truly nasty and with my brother's arrogance and his unrecovered wounds, his injuries have inevitably been influenced by their words." Shui QianRou could not help but gasp in shock internally. In just a short few days of not seeing Ling Chen, while Ling Chen's actions and words weren't any different, her aura had completely transformed! Just the eerie and bloody aura being emanated previously was something that even a soldier who had been through many battles wouldn't be able to match! It was truly frightening!

Ling Chen replied with an 'oh' before smiling again, "A precious sword has to be sharpened and the blossoms need to endure the harsh winter. I believe that after this incident, young master Shui would definitely have a deeper understanding of all matters and it isn't necessarily a bad thing for him."

Shui QianRou laughed bitterly in her heart, Even if it is a good thing for him, he has to first pull himself through this event. Looking at how Brother is acting, he probably won't be able to last for long…

"Furthermore, Family Head Yu ManLou suddenly took in a concubine three days ago and the Yu Family army seems to be congregating as though something huge is about to happen." Shui QianRou said worriedly, "At the same time, the members in the Yu Family stationed in Sky Bearing seemed to have received some news and are all packing up their luggage and amassing as much wealth as they can. They look as though they are going to make an immediate retreat and if we drag matters for too long, I am afraid…"

Yu BingYan stood up hastily and her face turned ugly. Her tone then suddenly turned distant as she said hoarsely, "I am feeling unwell and will return to the secret chamber first." She then turned around and left.

Shui QianRou felt her face burning in embarrassment and realized that Yu BingYan was the princess of the Yu Family. To think that she would discuss with Ling Chen about their plans to deal with the Yu Family right in front of her… Am I out of my mind? Why didn't I think of that?

With Shui QianRou's intellect and upbringing, it was impossible for her to forget about such an important point. However, she was far too troubled over the past few days with her intestines twisting up from worry and thus overlooked the matter. Besides that, it was also because Shui QianRou truly treated Yu BingYan as her own sister and did not guard against her at all. Thus, such a scene unfolded today.

It was also extremely strange. After Yu BingYan and Shui QianRou became sworn sisters, the relationship between these two individuals who were fated to be life or death rivals was actually the closest. They were far closer to each other than to Ling Chen who was the one who initiated to become sworn sisters. It was as though the two of them did not consider the identity of the other party and this was something that made both Ling Chen and Li Xue astounded. Now that Shui QianRou spelled out her worries without any wariness in front of Yu BingYan, it was because she truly didn't guard against Yu BingYan in the slightest bit. Even Shui QianRou herself didn't know when such a huge change occurred in her heart and it was truly unfathomable.

This was something that both Shui QianRou and Yu BingYan were extremely clear about. However, Yu BingYan was still sandwiched in the middle and was stuck in a dilemma. Especially when she heard about the news of Yu ManLou accepting a concubine. The three ladies were completely flabbergasted, and Yu BingYan had the urge to dig a hole to bury her head underground.

Only Ling Chen and Shui QianRou were left in the room and after a long while of facing each other, Ling Chen suddenly began giggling before pointing at the awkward Shui QianRou, "Hahaha… truly a fated pair of sisters!"

Shui QianRou opened her mouth awkwardly, but not a word came out. She then let out a sigh which was filled with both bitterness and joy.

"With regards to the Yu Family, I was already informed about it. However, there have been some recent changes, and it wouldn't be convenient for my Ling Family to make an appearance. We are after all the in-laws of the Yu Family. Even if we are eager to accomplish something, we cannot change that fact!" Ling Chen said slowly.

"Some recent changes? In-laws? Is your Ling Family going to make peace with the Yu Family?" Shui QianRou asked anxiously.

Ling Chen went silent for a moment as she thought about the newest piece of news that her young noble sent. She then replied in a vague manner, "We are still sisters after all and I do not want to hide anything from you. The young noble sent news that with regards to the Yu Family, our Ling Family can only aid you in the dark but not aid any of you openly."

Shui QianRou let out an 'oh' and relaxed. As long as the Ling Family does not join hands with the Yu Family, it wouldn't matter whether or not the Ling Family work in the dark or light. This wouldn't affect their alliance and the present situation wouldn't change.

Ling Chen muttered under her breath for a moment before suddenly saying, "According to my estimates, the Yu Family will be pulling out from Sky Bearing over the next few days. The opportunity that all of you have been waiting for may arrive very soon."

Shui QianRou's eyes lit up and she said, "I'm all ears."

Ling Chen blinked her eyes and said with a smile, "I have already sent orders for my men to not stop the Yu Family from taking whatever they wanted. Thus… the Yu Family's troops would definitely be extremely huge and slow… ah ah…"

"Elder sister you are too naughty!" Shui QianRou laughed and immediately became energetic, "Using such a method to slow them down and reduce their strength considerably… what a brilliant plan!"

A smile could be seen on Ling Chen's face as she said, "A human's selfishness and greed is endless. Especially these little subordinates of the Yu Family. While gold and silver may be no different from ordinary rocks in Yu ManLou's eyes, to ordinary experts of the Yu Family, it is their basis of survival. Thus, even if Yu ManLou issued an order, these men will only leave when their pockets are full." Ling Chen turned around and said with a tinge of mockery, "The moment greed and selfishness blind their eyes, our opportunity will arrive. The moment they leave Sky Bearing will also be the moment that heavenly lightning will descend."

Shui QianRou's breathing turned heavy and her eyes shone brightly, "Our Shui Family members would definitely intercept their troops along the way to return a favor to the Yu Family members. We have to repay them for the debt of obstructing me!"

Ling Chen looked at Shui QianRou and said, "We will provide you with detailed information of the Yu Family's route and the most accurate information! We will even include the martial skills that the leaders of the Yu Family specialize in, their combat strength, how much jewelry they are carrying and all other factors that may affect their combat strength. It would definitely not miss out a single point. However, we are unable to participate in this ambush and every single detail of the attack shall be planned fully by you. We will not interfere in the matter at all. Is there a problem?"

"No problem at all!" Shui QianRou said brimming with confidence, "If we are still unable to give the Yu Family a huge blow despite our advantage, we do not deserve to share the same reputation as the Yu Family!"

Chapter 500: Brewing Crisis

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: Rock, DavidT

Looking at Shui QianRou's excited face, Ling Chen suddenly let out a smile as she unhurriedly said, "Some matters, while being confident is a must, being overconfident will also lead to problems. Sister… should be prepared for any scenario to happen."

Shui QianRou let out a sound of agreement, but her heart still disapproved a little as she remarked, "Sister does not need to worry, there will not be any problems." The moment she finished speaking, she paused for a while before she continued, "Sister Chen, since our families are now in a cooperative relationship, should you… take a look at my clansmen who came over?"

Ling Chen contemplated for a while before smiling. "That's fine." Upon recalling the three youths of the Shui Family, an icy cold intent surfaced on her brows...

Having achieved her objective, Shui QianRou was full of happiness and bade farewell as she left.

At this point, Li Xue suddenly appeared from behind Ling Chen, gazing at Shui QianRou's diminishing silhouette as she indifferently asked, "Shall we act?"

Ling Chen leaned back wearily, as she let out a soft sound of assent, her voice faintly discernible, "Such a huge affair gives me the feeling that we're treading on thin ice… if only young noble was here… we would have fewer problems…"

Li Xue laughed, "If we were to leave any single matter to him, most likely he would be tired to death after a few days. Better than worrying for him, wouldn't you rather that he remained worry-free?!"

Ling Chen let out a groan and grabbed onto Li Xue's slim waist as she grumbled, "Sister Xue, Chen'er is really tired. But, I would rather be tired than sad."

Tenderly stroking the head of hair that was pressed on her stomach, Li Xue tenderly replied, "For him, we can do anything… and it won't be a chore."

"En… for him, even the worst of fatigue will disappear." Ling Chen lightly replied.

"Regarding the documents of Southern Zheng, have you received them?" Li Xue suddenly asked.

"That's right, and the Ling Family's military force is also in the process of assembling, slowly pressuring the Southern Zheng area." Ling Chen muttered. "Don't move, Sister Xue… let me lean on you for a while longer…"

Li Xue could only let out a sigh as she thought, I seem to have become a nanny for Ling Tian… not only must I take care of him, but I even have to take care of his woman now! She could not help but inwardly laugh.

For those in a leadership position, a single sentence can be a strategy, to the point that even a random thought coming from them could potentially result in a domino effect, not to mention meticulously planning for a scheme!

At this point, the side of Northern Wei was already at the point where soldiers were all armed to the teeth, swords drawn as the clouds of war covered the area densely. War could happen at any possible moment. More than 100,000 soldiers were stationed at the fortress, ready to charge towards Western Han at the first signal! This overly conspicuous signal caused the people in Western Han to all tremble in fear. They could only put their all into war preparations, without developing any false fantasies. Were it the past Northern Wei, with the imperial court ruling over it, Western Han could still feel more relaxed, but now, the real authority lay within the millennium-old Yu Family, and thinking about their background would make one tremble in fear...

On the other hand, in Sky Bearing where the Ling Family ruled now, Ling Tian's father Ling Xiao had mobilized tens of thousands of troops, encroaching towards the South, finally setting up a gigantic campsite fifty to sixty li away from their territory, giving off an unyielding attitude! Towards Southern Zheng sending people to attack his own daughter-in-law, Ling Xiao displayed utmost resentment, demanding an explanation from them… and while Southern Zheng had offered compensation a few times, they were all arrogantly rejected by Ling Xiao, claiming that they had no sincerity behind the compensation….

Having to compromise to such a large extent, yet having the other party say that their compensation had no sincerity, their intentions were quite obvious at this point. The monarch of Southern Zheng had long ago seen through the Ling Family's evil intentions, using this excuse to launch the war. Even if the assassination did not occur, sooner or later, they would still have come knocking with any random excuse in order to incite them to fight! Furious, Southern Zheng also began mobilizing their men, with an aura that was not disadvantaged in any way!

The Ling Family's Second General Shen RuHu also brought over ten thousand troops, deploying them to the common border between Sky Bearing and Eastern Zhao, before settling down and waiting. This threw Eastern Zhao into a panic. Could it be that the Ling Family planned to war on two fronts? Or could it be that the ruckus at Southern Zheng was a ploy, and the real objective would be the East? The multitude of differing opinions made it hard for anyone to come to a concrete conclusion.

Within the Ling Family Courtyard, the military advisor personally appointed by Ling Tian, Meng LiGe was displaying his scholarly abilities to the fullest by devising strategy after strategy, closely holding the battle progress of the two sides. The elites of the Courtyard were also all prepared to go out to war, eyeing the battlefield as they prepared to set off the moment the command was given.

Under the influence of the Yu and Ling Families, the number one financial magnate, the Xiao Family, seemed to have felt the skies changing. They suddenly exposed all their hidden troops, quickly assembling and pointing in the direction of Sky Bearing and Gold Jade City, eyeing them covetously!

The Heavenly Star Continent was suddenly covered in the clouds of war, however, it continued to brew without the 'rain' falling. The pressure enveloping the continent was at an extreme, and everyone was waiting for the point when a little spark would be enough to ignite the entire area!

In just these few days, the state of affairs in Heavenly Star had become a nervous wreck. It was as though someone had started burning wolf dung to raise the alarm, for those in the know could already smell something unusual. While there were only a few influences involved in this operation, the three influences were basically the strongest three under the heavens, or at least within Heavenly Star, enough to determine the situation of the entire continent!

Right now, the restless actions of all the predators at the top of the food chain would sink the entire world into the chaos of war!

The people within the Heavenly Star Continent were just like the reptiles hibernating before the first sign of spring came, silently waiting for that signal to ignite. However, nobody knew if that signal would actually bring happiness or disaster.

They could only wait for the rain of war to descend!

As for the main character of the Ling Family, our great noble Ling Tian, he was actually bringing a peerless beauty along with him as he leisurely traversed in an unknown forest. Not only was his pace unhurried, he even took time during this escape from death trip of his to pick up and flirt with chicks… The journey was filled with tender sentiments akin to honey, with an unexplainable sense of springtime...

During this period, Ling Tian could feel the internal energy in his body mysteriously increasing beyond his past capacity with unsurpassed purity, just like observing a crystal clear spring in the mountains. Every time he finished a complete cycle, he would obtain a whole new sensation. This pleased him to no end.

Could it be that the actual method of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula was of such strength?

As he was feeling out the effects of his internal energy, Ling Tian could also feel that today was different from usual, as he had spent the night out in the open rather than staying in an inn. The results of his cultivation last night far outstripped that when he was in an inn, which made him puzzled. However, recognizing this point, he decided to give up on finding inns to stay at, thus opting to bring Xiao YanXue around the forests to look for a place to pitch tents so she could rest. After that, he stationed himself outside the entrance, and indeed his cultivation speed actually rose.

Under the boost provided to his cultivation speed, Ling Tian could also feel the ShanZhong acupoint in his chest producing some sort of extremely stable energy. This energy would permeate into his various meridians and guide his own internal energy flow, allowing more ease and less obstruction. While Ling Tian was unaware of the nature of that mysterious strength, he knew that his own internal energy cultivation was rising by leaps and bounds during this period of time, and it was all because of that strength! Ling Tian did not bother to worry about it because after he had reached the 12th layer of his Divine Shocking Dragon Formula, his acupoints had already long gained the ability to absorb the energy of heaven and earth. Ling Tian subconsciously felt that his body had produced this mysterious strength due to having obtained the orthodox formula!

But there was a downside to staying in the wilds. He had to face the dissatisfaction of the great Miss Xiao. Having been clothed and fed the best since she was young, how would she ever enjoy such a scenario where she had to sleep on the cold hard rocks of the wilderness, causing her body to ache. How could this little girl with soft and supple skin endure such torture?

However, Xiao YanXue thought of an idea later on, which was to open up the tent and situate herself half in and out of the tent, using Ling Tian as a pillow. However, what happened next was that while she slept, she would unrestrainedly end up crawling into Ling Tian's bosom, causing our poor Ling Tian to scream internally in grief even while he cultivated.

Physically, there was no problem with letting her do so, as when Ling Tian cultivated, his body would take in the energy from the atmosphere, thus he would not feel any burden on himself. However… Ling Tian was, in the end, a hot-blooded youth in his prime! Having not vented for quite a while, he would definitely feel something! This was where the trouble started.

A sweet smelling, marshmallow-soft body without any guard lying on his chest, but yet he did not dare to do anything, nor could he… If anything happened he would need to take responsibility, and before Xiao YanXue got rid of her infatuation towards him, he did not dare to accept this responsibility...

As such, Ling Tian became more and more uncomfortable. That petite body with curves, that heaven-toppling beauty, as well as her womanly scent caused little Ling Tian to be at the fullest attention, especially in the early morning. Sometimes, little Ling Tian could even go on for a few hours without losing attention, and in order to relax, Ling Tian could only run to the ice-cold mountain spring in the wee hours of the morning to bathe. Even as he bathed, he could feel the icy cold water growing warm...

Ling Tian angrily let out sigh after sigh. How was he supposed to go on living? After suppressing it for so long, he was even starting to hurt down there… If it goes on like so, this young noble could prepare to become like the Invincible East... 1 At times, he simply just wanted to push down this little lass and get it over and done with, but upon thinking twice, it was only just a thought, and he had to push it to the back of his mind. Falling into this temptation would only result in grave consequences...

As for Xiao YanXue, she actually took on an aggressive stance after finding out that Ling Tian didn't dare to touch her. That little lass actually reversed the roles of host and guest, teasing Ling Tian day and night without stopping, such as… her shirt would suddenly be half open, and suddenly… a pale white thigh would stick out… and to the point that upon seeing a little white rabbit, she screamed and jumped into Ling Tian's chest, then began to lightly grind…. Then she would watch as Ling Tian began to breathe heavily, and just as he was about to morph into a wolf, he would wake up and run far away. Xiao YanXue would then burst into laughter at his bedraggled look...

Chapter 501: Extreme Danger

Translator: DavidT Editor: Rock, DavidT

Ling Tian's countenance was completely ashen as he swore in his heart that he would definitely teach Xiao YanXue a lesson in future! However, regardless of how he swore or cursed in his heart, he would never dare to take care of Xiao YanXue. Especially using such a method to take care of her…

Ling Tian never believed that he was a good man. But with regards to women, he had a great deal of resistance. Especially a lady who was swaying between him and her own family. Ling Tian had his own principles, and he would never touch Xiao YanXue under such circumstances. It would be even more impossible for him to possess Xiao YanXue now only to abandon her in the future. If he were to have a relationship with Xiao YanXue, he would definitely take responsibility for her until the very end. At the same time, if Ling Tian was unable to take responsibility for her, he would never take another step in their relationship, lest the other party or himself end up in a dilemma.

Ling Tian could mercilessly kill his foes on the battlefield regardless of gender, but he was extremely careful when dealing with matters of the heart. This was probably a form of insistence as well.

Tonight, young noble Ling Tian could no longer hold himself back any further and sealed Xiao YanXue's acupoints before throwing her into the tent. He then left the tent and sat cross-legged in meditation near the tent. This was because Ling Tian felt as though there was some oddity in his inner qi and it was fluctuating strangely. Ling Tian knew that this was the sign that his inner qi was about to achieve a breakthrough and if Xiao YanXue was in his embrace, he would probably seriously injure her the instant he achieved a breakthrough! For safety considerations and because he was afraid of being annoyed by that lass, Ling Tian decided to just seal up her acupoints.

After three rounds of circulation of his inner qi, a loud bang went off in Ling Tian's head, and the inner qi all over his body began churning uncontrollably. His inner qi flowed through his body rapidly like a rushing river and with the force of a thousand-foot waterfall! At the same time, pure inner qi rushed into his body from the BaiHui acupoint on his head and YongQuan acupoint on his feet!

In just an instant, Ling Tian immediately felt that he was in danger! The inner qi in his body that was rapidly absorbing the pure qi from his surroundings was completely out of his control! It had turned extremely violent, and his usually gentle inner qi seemed to have turned into a completely unreasonable beast full of destructive force! As for the target to be destroyed, it was naturally Ling Tian! The violent inner qi smashed against Ling Tian's meridians with each wave being more powerful than the previous one!

Ling Tian immediately felt as though he was like a small boat in the ocean and was in danger of capsizing at any moment. He couldn't help but be in shock! While there were dangers in the previous breakthroughs of his cultivation, this was the first time Ling Tian was completely helpless and without any confidence!

This was definitely not the sign of his cultivation breaking through! A breakthrough in cultivation would definitely not be accompanied by such a situation! Just what went wrong? Ling Tian was completely puzzled. However, he did not have the chance to ponder over the matter at the moment as all of his thoughts and attention were exhausted in combating his violent inner qi. In fact, Ling Tian did not even notice that there was a small glow on his chest like a firefly in the summer… every time it flashed, the inner qi in his body would become more violent… at the same time, the ball of light seemed to be flashing with a certain rhythm…

Ling Tian shut both his eyes and tried to protect his last shred of consciousness as he silently endured the violent attacks of his inner qi. The pain in his body was overwhelming and it far exceeded the pain he felt when he consumed the Great Cyclic Pellet. It was as though all the meridians in his body had been shattered before being connected up again and it was as though all of his bones were shattered into small fragments before being joined up again. Such pain was something far beyond what an ordinary human would be able to bear!

From the beginning to the end, Ling Tian did not even let out a grunt! Not only did he not let out a grunt, his countenance remained calm and not a single change on his expression could be seen! While his body was completely drenched in cold sweat and every single inch of his muscles was trembling and cramping up uncontrollably, Ling Tian still held onto his final shred of consciousness without letting go. He forced the muscles on his face to be completely within his control!

At this moment, Ling Tian had the feeling that death was right before his very eyes. He could feel death slowly approaching him and while he did not know why he could feel death extremely clearly! Thus, Ling Tian forced out a smile on his lips. Since he couldn't avoid it, he would endure to the very end! Since he couldn't avoid it, then he should face death calmly and with a smile!

His inner qi flowed even more rapidly in his body! It was as though there was a hundred-foot dragon being trapped in a small space less than a square meter, struggling to get out with all of its might but unable to find an opening to burst free…

With two 'pa pa' sounds, Ling Tian's left and right shoulders were destroyed by his violent inner qi and his blood shot out tens of feet! His inner qi immediately rushed out of his body rapidly and with a 'hong' sound, his clothes were shattered and his well-built figure was completely revealed. On his well-built figure, trails of blood could be seen emerging on his body!

The meridians in Ling Tian's body had been expanded to their maximum capacity at this moment! It was also all Ling Tian could endure at the moment! In Ling Tian's inner sight, he could see his inner qi gushing through his meridians as though they were liquefied. Furthermore, the amount of inner qi was increasing every moment!

If a person had such wide meridians, any inner qi formula he cultivated would definitely achieve twice the result with half the effort. Even his attacking speed would definitely be increased by many times! However, Ling Tian's present situation was a fine example of 'too far is as bad as not enough'! His meridians were expanded to the very limits of what a human body could take, and if his inner qi violently rushed at his meridians again, Ling Tian's inner qi would definitely be completely shattered. The blood flowing throughout his body and even his innards might rush out from his body. At that time, even a descending celestial would not be able to save Ling Tian's life!

Ling Tian could clearly detect all of these, but the inner qi in his body was no longer within his control and there was a mysterious force at the top of his head and bottom of his feet rapidly taking in qi from his surroundings. It continued to crazily gather within his body while crazily roaring in his body. On the surface of Ling Tian's body, a rapid airstream could be seen visibly gathering around his body with a whooshing sound! It was just like the sound of crying ghosts!

His skin began to inflate again!

Ling Tian's life was on the line!

Death was so near to him!

A black figure landed in front of Ling Tian soundlessly and the moonlight revealed Justice's clear facial features! This number one expert who had disappeared after the fight with the 18 Above Heavens experts and who was the biggest danger to Ling Tian, had actually appeared at this very moment! He had found Ling Tian's whereabouts and arrived by Ling Tian's side!

On his shoulders, a slanted ancient sword could be seen. If Ling Tian opened his eyes at this moment, he would definitely be able to tell that this was the very sword that the powers of the continent fought over, the Heaven Splitter! It seems like after this number one expert was ambushed by the Above Heavens experts, he decided to carry this divine weapon with him.

Seeing Ling Tian's appearance, Justice could not help but be astounded and a look of incredulity could be seen on his face. From the ancient times until now, Ling Tian's situation had never appeared before. Even if one suffered from cultivation deviation, Ling Tian's present situation would never happen!

Justice was astounded! He suddenly stretched out his hand and rapidly shot out towards Ling Tian's BaiHui acupoint. Not a trace of killing intent was present in his action and he purely wanted to give Ling Tian aid. Even if he wanted to kill Ling Tian, he would fight Ling Tian openly and would disdain taking advantage of such a situation!

Furthermore, Justice did not have the thought to kill Ling Tian at the moment! He had rushed over the moment he detected Ling Tian's aura with killing intent but now, he did not have a single thought of killing Ling Tian.

How can I let my opponent die like that?

I have been lonely for far too long. Without an opponent worthy of being a match for me, life is just too boring!

Ling Tian must not die! Even if he must die, he must die in my hands!

Justice rapidly placed his palm over Ling Tian's head and facing the pressure from an external source, Ling Tian's inner qi rushed out rapidly. Justice took in a deep breath and forced his arm down. With a bang, Justice was completely astonished, and his arm was actually forcefully pushed back. Ling Tian's inner qi and had actually forced this number one expert back by a step! Justice's face even flushed red!

"Eh?" Justice let out a shocked cry and looked at Ling Tian with incredulity. As a peerless expert, he naturally knew what this inner qi meant. Such a powerful inner qi was not something that a human body could endure and not something that a person would be able to cultivate! Such inner qi was enough to stuff any martial arts expert to the point he explodes! Even Justice would not be an exception!

Thinking about this, Justice also understood how much pain Ling Tian must be enduring right now. But seeing Ling Tian's calm expression, Justice could not help but be filled with admiration for this young opponent of his!

Such mental strength was something that even he did not have! If Ling Tian was to have another few more years, he would definitely be able to grow up to become a martial arts grandmaster! However, it was a pity…

Justice let out a long sigh! With his experience, he could naturally tell that Ling Tian was beyond saving. If even his inner qi that was almost unparalleled in the world was unable to suppress the inner qi in Ling Tian's body, there was probably nothing in the world capable of suppressing it…

Was Ling Tian dead for sure?!

At this moment, Ling Tian suddenly opened his eyes and a pair of profound eyes looked towards Justice. His eyes were filled with calmness, and it even carried with it a trace of joy. Justice could clearly see that Ling Tian was calmly giving him a farewell at this moment… Justice could not help but feel his heart shake! The fear of death was completely absent from this youngster's face! He had actually seen past life and death! At the brink of life and death, he did not struggle needlessly but decided to face it openly! In fact, he even decided to embrace it!

Chapter 502: Mysterious Phenomenon

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: Rock, DavidT

If today I was in Ling Tian's shoes, would I be able to do it? To see through it? Would I be able to face it? Or accept it? Justice asked himself honestly, suddenly feeling a strand of guilt! In front of this dying youth who was his opponent, Justice suddenly felt that he did not possess the right to despise this person! Neither did he have the right to sentence this person to death!

While he might be called Heavenly Justice, but to himself, did he really have the qualifications to call himself Heavenly Justice?!

Ling Tian had already given up. Be it energy or his state of mind, both had already reached their limits! He could no longer control the violent internal energy inside him, that much he knew. The next instant would be him imploding due to the excess of energy. However, Ling Tian was still extremely calm within his heart. While he regretted, while he had attachments…. But… everything didn't matter anymore. Just start from the beginning once again!

A secretive smile appeared on Ling Tian's face, and he slowly closed his eyes…

The internal energy in his body was still violently revolving, and when it finally reached maximum velocity, all the atmospheric energy that was entering Ling Tian's body like a whirlpool suddenly came to a screeching halt! After that moment of silence, one could see Ling Tian's exposed skin suddenly shrink before ballooning out rapidly. Popping sounds could be heard as his skin split apart in multiple places, giving a shock to anyone who saw it...

Justice sighed once loudly, turning his body around. He could not bear to look any longer. Never in his dreams would he expect that a genius rarely seen even in a millennium would actually be buried in this place!

Right at this moment, a crisp 'ding!' sound could be heard, and a pale green ray of light flashed in front of Ling Tian's chest as a simple and unadorned jade pendant suddenly leaped out as though being pulled by an invisible hand. It mysteriously floated in mid-air, letting out little rays of light, accompanied by a faint fog, causing the scene to become blurry.

Clang! The Heaven Splitter on the back of Justice suddenly shot out of its sheath on its own volition, letting out a cold light from its half-finished body. In the moonlight, it gleamed with resplendence, freezing in mid-air without falling back into the sheath. The cold killing intent exuded by the sword could be felt on the nape of Justice, causing goosebumps to form...

As for the rampaging violent energy that was about to blast Ling Tian's body to bits, it calmed down all of a sudden, and a hissing sound was heard, as a tiny black dot, squirmed into the jade pendant as though it had a life of its own...

Ling Tian had already slipped into unconsciousness, or else he would have recognized the little black dot as belonging to the jade given to him by Shui QianRou, the Heaven's Heart Jade, as flexible as water! After being shattered by Yu ManLou the other time, Ling Tian had conveniently scooped up the black dot… which was now boring into the other jade pendant he carried with him, Yu BingYan's token of love… as sleek as clouds!

Ling Tian had even voiced his suspicions before, that the heirlooms of the Shui and Yu Family were actually the same, as though they were made to be a pair...

The light glow from the jade pendant shone on Ling Tian's body, and the recklessly rampaging energy, as though receiving a command, obediently surged into the jade pendant. As the speed of absorption increased, the jade started to let out a faint red color. Finally, with an explosion of light, a beam shot out, landing on the Heaven Splitter behind Justice!

The Heaven Splitter let out a shrill cry as it gave out resplendent beams of light, strangely suspending itself in mid-air. The sword tip pointed towards Ling Tian as it shot out a stream of white sword energy to link them together...

At this point, one man, one jade, and one sword actually formed a continuous and unbroken chain...

Blood, azure, and white. The three colors continuously changed places, restlessly revolving...

When the jade pendant first appeared, Justice had immediately recognized it as the heirloom of the Yu Family, the Heaven's Heart Jade! This piece of jade had already been passed through quite a few hands in the Yu and Shui Family, and being the cause of countless bloodshed, how could Justice as the Martial Order Medallion owner of the Beyond Heavens not recognize it? The jades were even kept within the Beyond Heavens Sect for a period of time! But what he never expected was for the jades to be on Ling Tian's body!

The people who possessed knowledge of the jades were limited to only the Yu and Shui Families, as within lay a huge secret! However, even after a millennium, no one was able to actually crack the secret within. After a long time, it had turned into a mere keepsake heirloom, without anyone poring over it. To think that it could display such an effect on Ling Tian today!

As for the Heaven Splitter, there was also the legend that with it one could rule the world, and it had similarly been passed down for a millennium! Could it be, that within these three, there was actually some sort of relation? Why had no one heard of it even after so long?

Could it be that this millennium-old secret was about to be revealed today?

What… what was this matter exactly?

Justice was shocked as he watched this unexplainable scene occur in front of him. He only felt as though his worldview of whatever he learned in the past had been flipped upside down. Right now, all the knowledge in his brain had turned to mush. He tilted his head slightly, staring at the Heaven Splitter suspended above him, his eyes full of confusion.

The sounds of 'xiu xiu xiu' given out by the beam continued to ring out, clear and distinct; Ling Tian was still in an unconscious state, and on his handsome face was a faint smile...

Justice could acutely feel that right now, the jade pendant, the Heaven Splitter, and Ling Tian, as well as heaven and earth, had combined to form one whole and that he had been excluded from it.

This sort of feeling led to a sense of abandonment in his heart, and he could not help but let out a bitter smile.

Having such a fortuitous encounter, it was unknown as to whether Ling Tian's cultivation would receive yet another boost and allow him to break through once again. Justice's heart suddenly had a hint of anticipation. He had long confirmed that to Ling Tian this was an extremely dangerous situation, but also a once in a lifetime lucky chance!

A secret that could not be unraveled for a millennium, how could it be ordinary?

To think that he had spent so much effort, passed through so many places all in pursuit of Ling Tian, only to end up as his protector! Justice could not help but let out a mocking smile. D*mn his mother, how could this fellow's luck be so good?! If it wasn't for him coincidentally bringing the Heaven Splitter over, Ling Tian would have long ago turned into a pile of meat paste. But it was so at his moment of death, that Justice had spotted a hint of his life signature and ran over with his movement skill pushed to his maximum extent… what dogsh*t luck… d*mn!

Based on Justice's eyes, he could naturally see that the Heaven Splitter was not something that could be excluded from this equation!

Could it be that within this unseen world of spirits, everyone had their own destiny?

Suddenly, Justice's face tightened as an incredulous thought surfaced in his mind. Could this… be the so-called Will of Heaven? The true Heaven's Will?!

The calm and stoic face of Justice changed for the first time in a long while!

If Justice were to make a move now, he was sure that he would be able to shatter the cycle of the three with just his strength, killing the defenseless Ling Tian under his palm! However, with his arrogance, how would Justice actually pull off such a deed? Even if he had to kill Ling Tian, he had to kill him openly!

Heavenly Justice, this Martial Order Medallion owner who looked down on everyone in disdain, never stooped so low as to backstab someone!

Even if Ling Tian were to rise to the same cultivation as me, so what? I, Heavenly Justice, have never been defeated before! How could there be an exception even if it's Ling Tian? A confident smile hung on the edges of Justice's mouth.

A rustling sound was heard before, and Justice's heart jumped up as he subconsciously began to revolve his energy in preparation. While he did not care for any form of assassination, the current Ling Tian was someone that even a little kitten could disrupt and kill at this very moment. However, looking at the source, it turned out to be a frightened little rabbit that immediately scampered away. Justice laughed to himself, he really was reading too much into it. Since when had he actually began to really care about the life of this kid?

Upon recalling the gaze of embracing one's incoming death coming from Ling Tian, Justice could not help but feel restless. Just what kind of realm had he reached in order to achieve that?!

From the ancient times to the present, with the billions of people that were alive, including tyrants, scholars and martial arts experts, who was actually able to stare death in the face and smile as they walk from the light to the darkness? Who could be as unrestrained and easy as this youth in front of him? In this face, Justice could read Ling Tian's heart, and to the latter, dying was as casual as walking from one's room into the courtyard.

It was not that he did not care, and neither had he seen through death, those two were still insufficient to explain his mentality. His was a sort of disdain, a contempt, treating it like just breathing.

Justice stood quietly on the spot, staring at the sky without moving. Upon recalling the gaze Ling Tian sent towards him, he felt as though he was on the verge of touching the very core of the martial way. In an instant, he entered the state of 'No people, no me', forgetting about the two objects entirely… He seemed to have entered a mysterious realm at this moment, melding into both the heavens and the earth. While he seemed to be still standing in the same position, he gave off the feeling like he was part of the void itself...

As for the layer of energy surrounding himself, it suddenly ballooned out, forming a huge bubble that encased both him and Ling Tian!

It was not known how long a time had passed, before the Heaven Splitter let out a clear cry and dropped down, the point stabbing smoothly into the hard rock of the mountain. The jade pendant also fell from the sky, landing beside Ling Tian on the ground. As for the three colors that revolved in the sky, they had mysteriously disappeared.

Ling Tian quietly lay on the ground, still unconscious. As for Justice, he maintained his old position of looking up, without moving even a single inch.

The clouds in the sky as well as the moon, coming and going, shed light on this scene, being the only two who bore witness to this mysterious scene happening.

Time continued flowing like water, quietly and steadily, without a hint of stopping...