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Chapter 545: How to Comfort
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
With regards to the first and third matter, one was extremely brain taxing while the other required a lot of strength. Both of them weren't easy matters to solve and even the slightest mistake would screw matters up completely. Naturally, Ling Jian's matter would become the second matter. Ling Tian completely intended to treat Ling Jian's battle with Li Xue like a show for him to enjoy. It would be like relaxing with a good show after a day of hard work…
With regards to the battle between the two, even if Ling Tian did not think highly about Ling Jian, it was still necessary to allow Li Xue to force out Ling Jian's potential. After all, it wasn't easy to find someone capable of suppressing Ling Jian completely with his current strength. Even if there was, Ling Jian would definitely have to put his life at risk and if something were to go wrong, the losses would far exceed the gains! While Ling Tian would be considered someone who could suppress Ling Jian, Ling Jian would have his hands tied when facing him and would never be able to unleash all of his strength… Furthermore, there was another reason for Ling Tian to agree to this battle. He wanted to see just what level Ling Jian was at so that he knew how to guide him from now on.
Of course, regardless of whether it was Li Xue forcing out Ling Jian's potential or allowing Ling Tian to observe Ling Jian's strength, there was one condition which had to be fulfilled: Ling Jian must definitely be wasted by Li Xue. The only thing that Ling Tian could do would be to control the matter such that Ling Jian's prestige in the Courtyard would not be affected. Thinking about how Ling Jian had already prepared the goldthread, Ling Tian could not help but laugh. Ling Jian who was so eager for revenge must have definitely prepared a large amount of goldthread. Who knows if he was aware that this goldthread was actually prepared for himself?
Thinking about how Ling Jian's valor would land him with a bunch of bruises while 'enjoying' his goldthread drink, Ling Tian suddenly felt that life was extremely wonderful. While he was extremely busy right now, there would always be someone in the world suffering more than him. When comparing his plight to Ling Jian, he was naturally in a much better situation… ( Updated by NovelFull.Com)
Hearing a soft groan coming out from the room, Ling Tian slapped his forehead. Time to get busy! He then hurriedly walked into the room.
The one who let out the groan was naturally Miss Shui QianRou. Her injuries from the battle weren't too heavy and she had only overused her inner qi. But after witnessing the repulsive actions of her family's Elders, she was completely disappointed with the attitude of her family and could no longer see any hope for the future of her family. At the same time, the conviction that she had held onto all her life had also collapsed. Under a state of over-exhaustion, she could no longer battle the demons in her heart and collapsed.
The fatigued Shui QianRou was struck down by the internal and external assaults of her mind and body. It was also Ling Chen's mind-calming medicine that allowed Shui QianRou to rest and recover. After a long rest, Ling Tian was certain that Shui QianRou's situation should be better.
"It's you? You're back?" On the bed, an extremely weak Shui QianRou looked at Ling Tian with shock. At the same time, a trace of joy flashed past her eyes and her face flushed red. But upon thinking about the things that had happened recently her mood could not help but turn dull again.
"It is me indeed." Ling Tian walked in with a chuckle, "Miss Shui, we are truly fated. Every time we meet, you would be lying on the bed."
Shui QianRou let out a melancholic smile and forcefully lifted herself up as she said in a lonely tone, "Ling Tian, congratulations for coming back safely. You should be very happy to see me like this, right?"
"That's right." Ling Tian dragged a chair over to the bed and sat with his legs crossed. He then looked her through the corner of her eyes, "Especially when seeing someone sink into hopelessness because she had been abandoned by the family that she had devoted her all to. When I see someone incapable of finding hope in their future, I would definitely laugh."
Shui QianRou smiled with hopelessness, "That's right, you have a reason to laugh because you are the victor. Furthermore, you have successfully escaped from the number one expert in the world and shocked the world with your name. I believe that there wouldn't be anyone in the world that you don't dare to laugh at. I… should I congratulate you?"
"I accept your congratulations, even if you are not sincerely congratulating me but ridiculing me." Ling Tan looked at her with a smile, "But I will treat it as an abandoned person being envious and jealous of a victor."
"You!!!" Shui QianRou sat up in anger with the intention to curse at Ling Tian but just did not know what to say. She then collapsed back into bed and said with a disheartened tone, "I wouldn't dare to be jealous. However, young noble Ling's accomplishment is truly worthy of my envy." As she said that, she turned away from Ling Tian and faced the wall as a tear rolled down her cheek. She refused to show Ling Tian her weakness.
Ling Tian laughed coldly but his tone suddenly became gentler, "There is someone who was betrayed by his friend and abandoned by his family and loved ones. He was left with nothing and was injured in both body and spirit. A few days later, his parents were harmed by their enemies and also passed away," Ling Tian said with a tinge of mockery. At this moment, he actually began telling Shui QianRou a story.
Shui QianRou didn't know what Ling Tian's intention was but upon hearing the words betrayed and abandoned, she thought that Ling Tian was trying to describe her. With a grunt, she turned around and covered her ears refusing to listen to Ling Tian. However, even when she covered her ears, Ling Tian's voice still entered them clearly. "As such, this person experienced all the misery of life and was filled with hopelessness in his heart. He cried every day, every night, every month and every year. Apart from eating, he did not do anything else but cry. In the end, after crying for a few months, he actually had a huge harvest. Can you guess what his harvest was?"
Shui QianRou snorted and felt that Ling Tian was just too irritating. To think that he would actually mock her at such a moment. He was far too ungentlemanly!
She then heard Ling Tian feigning shock. "He cried every day and not only did his friend return, his friend even paid him back for all his losses and apologized to him earnestly."
"Ah?" Shui QianRou turned around and was filled with incredulity.
"The moment he realized that crying was effective, he continued to cry every day. All of a sudden, even his family accepted him and even allowed him to become the Family Head. At the same time, his lover also returned to his side and everything returned back to normal." Ling Tian said with a serious expression.
"…" Shui QianRou's mouth widened in speechlessness.
"Seeing the effectiveness of crying, he cried even harder." Ling Tian continued, "Finally, after half a year of crying, even his enemies died from his crying and his parents who had died actually came back to life. His parents then enjoyed their old days in peace with the company of him and his family…"
"Nonsense! How is this possible? How can the dead come back to life?" Shui QianRou was exasperated. It turns out that this fellow was only teasing her. "What is the point of crying? Ling Tian, do you treat me as a fool?"
"Perhaps crying may be useless for him, but if Miss Shui continues crying, all your wishes would definitely come true." Ling Tian said with all seriousness.
"Ah…" Shui QianRou glared at Ling Tian and was completely dumbfounded.
It turns out that this fellow was only going a large round to try and comfort her. However, his method of comforting her was truly unique… After almost angering her to death, he came up with some weird story and force her to comfort herself at the very end. Ling Tian was truly too crafty!
However, she had to admit that this method of his was extremely effective!
Shui QianRou smiled with tears in her eyes before suddenly bursting out into tears again. However, there was a dense feeling of joy in her heart this time.
With her tear-filled eyes, she could see that Ling Tian was still looking at her. However, there wasn't a hint of mockery or ridicule in his eyes. There was only peace and even a trace of… tenderness?
Facing a beauty in distress, I am filled with tenderness!
It was enough! Shui QianRou was satisfied! It turns out that he does care for me… he doesn't hate me… he is here to comfort me…
Shui QianRou suddenly felt extremely rich and full in her heart. After the two of them been through so much, and after Shui QianRou had given up all hope, this sense of peace in her heart far exceeded any form of comforting words. Could she even dream for Ling Tian to show her love the moment he came? If that was the case, Shui QianRou would probably be even more afraid…
It was only through such a way that Shui QianRou would know that the other party wasn't taking pity on her or giving her charity. Instead, he was sincerely trying to guide her out of her sea of bitterness.
That's right, the family has already regressed to such a state. I am truly devastated, in despair and in disappointment. Even if I were to die disheartened, what is the use of that? Elder brother has already been sacrificed because of the family and I do not want to become the next sacrifice!
Shui QianRou smiled secretly and upon seeing Ling Tian still looking at her, she could not help but turn her face in embarrassment and cover her face with her hands. "What are you looking at? Do I look very… ugly right now?" As she said the last few words, she began stammering as though she was afraid of the answer. With the knot in her heart finally untied, a lady like her would naturally care about her appearance.
"Err… ah?" Ling Tian was taken aback. He never imagined for this lady in front of him to have such a swift change in her mood. He was still wondering if she had thought through things and never imagined that Shui QianRou would ask him such a question shyly. He could not help but be dumbfounded for a moment.
"You fool!" Shui QianRou said with displeasure, "I am asking you if I look very ugly right now."
Ling Tian then studied her carefully and nodded with honesty, "Mmm, extremely ugly. If you continue crying, you will be even uglier! You will not be able to meet anyone!"
"You!!!" Shui QianRou blew up. "Scram!"
"Ah?" Ling Tian cried out in protest, "I was only speaking the truth."
"Scram! Who wants to hear your stinking truth?" Shui QianRou was completely incensed. Her eyes were wide open and she had a ferocious expression as though she wanted to swallow Ling Tian alive. At the same time, it seemed like just scolding Ling Tian wasn't enough and she grabbed the things by her side and began throwing it at Ling Tian. Very quickly, clothes, pillows, candle holders… various 'hidden weapons' flew towards Ling Tian unceasingly.
Ling Tian blocked the first wave of clothes but the attack of the other party was far too ferocious. Being unable to block the incoming flurry of attacks, his head was covered by something and he could only turn around and flee. Just when he escaped from the room, he heard a 'dong' sound and something was smashed onto the door.
Ling Tian let out a sigh and took off the cloth covering his head. Upon taking a look at it, he could not help but be dumbfounded. It was soft, silky and white… It was actually a lady's undergarment that still had the lingering fragrance of its owner…
Chapter 546: Enticement
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
"You… you… come in! Come back in!" After chasing Ling Tian out in frustration, Shui QianRou realized that she did not ask Ling Tian the biggest question in her heart. Despite her mood taking a turn for the better, she still did not know just what she should do from now on.
Ling Tian spun a white cloth around his fingers like it was a windmill and leaned on the door with a perverted smile. "Miss Shui, little princess Shui, you have to be clear on one thing. This is the Ling Family Courtyard and not your Shui Manor. For you to boss this young noble in such a manner, you would have to pay a huge price for it."
"You…" Shui QianRou stared at Ling Tian and the words which she wanted to say were held back for a moment. But after seeing the item that Ling Tian was spinning around, her face flushed bright red and an embarrassed look could be seen in her eyes. She then forgot about what she originally wanted to say and shouted, "Return it to me! You pervert!"
"Return you what? Hehe… this is the price you have to pay. Isn't it heavy?" Ling Tian continued leaning on the door frame and took a long sniff at the item in his hands as he praised, "How fragrant. What a fragrant female aroma." The tone of his words and expression on his face was truly befitting of his title of 'number one profligate'.
"You pervert… you… you're bullying me." Shui QianRou began crying out in protest and the rims of her eyes turned red as she started sobbing. Just when she wanted to jump out of bed, she realized that she was wearing body-clinging clothes and the design of the clothes wasn't hers either. She then realized that Ling Chen must have helped her change out of her tattered clothes after treating her injuries… No wonder that item was thrown out by her by accident… it turns out that she wasn't even wearing it…
Being alive for two lifetimes, Ling Tian was not afraid of the heavens or earth but only afraid of a woman crying. Upon witnessing the beauty in front of him sobbing, he immediately lifted his hands up in surrender and reluctantly handed Shui QianRou her undergarment. Shui QianRou immediately snatched it back and buried herself under the blanket like a little cat. It was far too embarrassing! She was too engrossed with her argument with Ling Tian so she didn't notice how she was exposing herself to Ling Tian! It was no wonder that fellow had such a lecherous look when talking to her with such a weird expression!
Despicable, hateful, repulsive, hoodlum lecher!
Shui QianRou curled herself up under the blanket with her face burning in embarrassment as she cursed in her heart, This darn lecher should have dropped me a few hints of my appearance at least. However, he actually didn't bother dropping me any hints and even openly took advantage of me! He even… Shui QianRou cursed Ling Tian many times over in her heart and the matter that she wanted to ask Ling Tian about was completely forgotten. Her mind was only filled with shame and embarrassment at this moment… An unmarried lady like myself was actually seen bare by a man… I don't have any face to see anyone else…wuwuwuwu…
Ling Tian scratched his head with bewilderment. Even after two lifetimes, he still did not understand the thoughts of women. Just what is going on with this lass? After I entered the room, this woman chased me out of the room like a maniac by throwing everything within her reach at me. She then pleaded for me to return and after I came back in, she hid under the blanket? Miss, we are currently in August which is the hottest period of the year. Aren't you afraid of getting heat rash?
Women are truly incomprehensible and unfathomable creatures!
"If Miss Shui doesn't have anything else, I will be taking my leave." Ling Tian was also getting a little irritated. Who do you think you are? Ordering me around as you wish! Hmph! Ling Tian waved his sleeves and wanted to take his leave.
"You… don't go… I have something to say to you." From the blanket, a depressed voice could be heard. "You… turn around first and let me put on some clothes…" Shui QianRou's voice was filled with embarrassment. Strangely, not a single tinge of anger could be heard and if one were to pay close attention, a slight tinge of satisfaction could even be heard…
No wonder this lass had such a big reaction… she didn't realize that she was almost as good as half-naked… Ling Tian shook his head helplessly. Women, if you were to say that they were careless creatures, they will be more meticulous than anyone else when they are meticulous. But if you say that she is meticulous, she can actually be careless to the point that she didn't even notice what clothes she had on… I was still wondering why she was so unconstrained previously. No wonder…
I have really lost to you, Shui QianRou.
Ling Tian turned around as he gave Shui QianRou a thumbs up in his heart.
Behind him, some rustling sounds could be heard and a shy Shui QianRou could be heard, "I'm done. You may turn around now."
Ling Tian let out a sigh and turned around slowly, "Miss Shui, I suddenly feel like a puppet… a puppet that you are controlling with strings. If you want me to go out, I have to go out. When you call me in, I have to come in. Then, you ordered me to turn around and I have to turn around. Now, you want me to turn back again…" Ling Tian said with frustration, "Miss, can't you just spit out what you want to say? Stop playing, please. I really don't have time to play with you. There are still many more people that I cannot provoke waiting for me…" / update by NovelFull.Com
Shui QianRou's face was still slightly pinkish and upon hearing what Ling Tian said, she could not help but be stunned. Was there anything wrong with what I just did? Why does it seem like I am so tyrannical in his description? Did I really go too far? Hearing what Ling Tian had said, Shui QianRou felt slightly apologetic and almost wanted to apologize.
Wait! There seems to be something wrong here… Right, this fellow only talked about my actions but did not talk about why he received such a treatment from me! His words are no different from him quibbling and a one-sided statement! To think he can still act as though he had suffered a huge grievance because of me… Why don't you talk about how you took such a huge advantage of me! Why didn't you talk about why I chased you out in the first place? The reason for all of that is because of that despicable mouth of yours and your lecherous eyes! Hmph!
Shui QianRou glared at Ling Tian and knew that it was impossible for her to win against him in a war of words. Thus, she ignored what Ling Tian said and continued, "This little sister has something to consult young noble Ling about. I hope that young noble Ling can help enlighten me on account of the fact that QianRou is currently in a desperate situation with my future bleak." She knew that arguing with Ling Tian was pointless and thus went straight to the main point.
Ling Tian sat down on a nearby chair and said lazily, "If not for the bad situation in your family, why would I be here today? Speak. This young noble shall help to clear up your doubts for free today. Mmm, as the saying goes, 'a master for a day, a father for life'; even though I am not so strict, you should be more respectful at the very least."
Shui QianRou rolled her eyes and upon thinking about the situation of her family, she could not help but grow depressed. She could no longer smile and asked gloomily, "With regards to the situation of myself and the Shui Family, I believe that young noble Ling is extremely well informed. Can I ask what I should do right now? What should the Shui Family do? Do we still have any hope?"
Shui QianRou tiredly sighed. "I truly feel as though I am at the end of the road. I can't take another step forward but have no paths of retreat…"
For some reason, the first person which Shui QianRou thought about when falling into such a situation wasn't her brother or father but her former enemy, Ling Tian. It seems as though she was certain that Ling Tian definitely had a way to solve her problems and it was only a matter of whether or not he was willing.
Ling Tian smiled and replied slowly, "Miss Shui, you are only trapped by your own rigid thinking. This is actually a simple problem. As long as you change your perspective, the problem will be easily solved."
"Oh?" Shui QianRou raised her head up in shock.
"In actual fact, the two questions that Miss asked are actually a single one. Miss's problem actually isn't a problem but the source of the problem lies elsewhere. As long as the problem of the Shui Family is solved, everything else would be solved along with it! Does Miss think what I say makes sense?" Ling Tian replied slowly. Since Shui QianRou was asking him earnestly, Ling Tian would naturally retract his previously frivolous act.
"Of course I am aware of this." Shui QianRou sighed. "However, the problem of the Shui Family concerns many generations and how could it be so easily solved? If the problem is truly solved, the Shui Family's foundations would definitely be greatly weakened. Regardless of the faction that emerges victorious, at least half of the Shui Family's members would be wiped out. At that time, would the Shui Family still be the Shui Family?" Shui QianRou sighed with heartache, "The Shui Family is a huge family with a thousand years of history. How have we regressed to such a state?"
Ling Tian fell silent for a moment as he thought about the Yu Family. He then could not help but add on with a tinge of mockery, "Is it only the Shui Family?" However, his voice was too soft and Shui QianRou did not hear him clearly and asked, "What did you say?"
"I said, is this very strange?" Ling Tian raised his head with a cold expression, "For the Shui Family to regress to such a state, is there anything strange about it?"
"What do you mean? Are you trying to say that it is only right for the Shui Family to regress to such a state?" Shui QianRou frowned and a tinge of anger could be heard.
"Am I wrong?" Ling Tian asked with a sneer, "Let me ask you, as a direct descendant of the Shui Family, do you know how many times such a situation occurred in the history of the Shui Family? While some situations may be less severe and others more severe, how many times has such a situation occurred?"
Shui QianRou was stumped for a moment as she recalled her family history. In the past thousand years, while such a situation wasn't common, such a situation must have happened at least a few times. At the very least, there were four to five times recorded in their family's history! Thinking about Ling Tian's question, Shui QianRou could not help but be puzzled. Just what was Ling Tian driving at?!
Ling Tian continued asking, "Then do you know why is it that while there were many enormous martial families over the past thousand years, only the Yu and Shui Families were able to survive? Where have all the other powerful families gone?"
Shui QianRou frowned and replied, "All of the other families have naturally regressed to the point that they eventually disappeared. What is the point of asking such a question? Could there be a special reason for their disappearance?"
"A thousand years ago, how did the strength of the Yu and Shui Families compare to the other martial families? According to what I know, the strength of the Yu and Shui Families wasn't at the peak and there were a few other families stronger than both the Yu and Shui Families. Why is it that those families have disappeared? Why was it that only the Yu and Shui Families are left behind?"
"This…" Shui QianRou did not know how to reply.
Ling Tian sneered, "Regardless of the how large the enmity between the Yu and Shui Families, one thing is for sure: the Shui Family was only able to survive for a thousand years because of the presence of the Yu Family. At the same time, the Yu Family was only able to survive because of the Shui Family. It was because of the sixty year battle between the families that allowed your families to survive through the ages!"
"Ah?" Shui QianRou was startled. Just when she was about to retort against what Ling Tian had said, she realized that what he said truly made sense. The more she thought about it, the more sense it made. All along, the Shui Family always had a single goal: defeat the Yu Family and destroy them! However, this goal of theirs had never been accomplished over the past thousand years and it spurred every generation of their Shui Family disciples to fight for this goal. This was also true for the Yu Family.
Could it be that the thousand year history of our family was attributable to our enemy? Shui QianRou felt this answer to be extremely ridiculous but the truth was right in front of her eyes. All of a sudden, she did not know whether to laugh or cry.
"What is so ridiculous about that?" As though he had seen through Shui QianRou's thoughts, Ling Tian said, "One would be able to stay alive because of threats but die because of peace. This is the most basic rule of survival. This is especially true for the larger families and empires. The core reason why all the large families or empires have been wiped out was that they no longer had any opponents. Without opponents, there wasn't any more motivation or goal for them to strive for. Without any external threats, internal strife would naturally occur within a family with the various factions fighting for power and authority. With fighting, there would definitely be sacrifice and with sacrifice, there would definitely be blood. The moment there is blood, the fighting would only get more intense. Regardless of how powerful a family or empire is, they would definitely be weakened after a few rounds of fighting and at the end of the day, even an insignificant family would be able to swallow this gigantic existence. What is so surprising about that?"
"One would be able to stay alive because of threats but die because of peace…One would be able to stay alive because of threats but die because of peace…" Shui QianRou muttered this phrase under her breath and fell into a daze.
"There is also another important reason which is that both the Yu and Shui Families are similar in strength. Neither of the families has the ability to wipe out the other party and thus can only continue to fight each other. While the enmity between both families would only be deepened as the fighting continues, this deepened enmity would only spur both the families to work harder. Hehe, therein lies the secret for surviving a thousand years. In truth, this secret is extremely worthless. In fact, there must have been exceptional Family Heads of both the families that noticed this point before but weren't willing to expose the truth. This is truly a sign of wisdom!"
Ling Tian smiled, "Besides that, the most important point is the fact that both the families are on different continents and separated by a vast ocean!"
"Why is this the most important point?" Shui QianRou could not help but interrupt.
"If both of the families were on the same continent, be it Heavenly Star or Heavenly Wind, they would have probably been wiped out by each other many times over! In just a couple of decades, both the families would definitely have engaged in an all-out battle with the result being the disappearance of both families. Wouldn't it be too easy for them to kill each other if they were too near to each other?" Ling Tian chuckled, "However, both the families are on different continents and are the strongest families on their respective continents. Be it the Yu or Shui Family, neither of them would dare to boldly intrude into the territory of their opponent. At the very most, they would only dare to harass the other party. Do you truly think that your Shui Family would be able to wipe out the Yu Family on Heavenly Star with your current strength?"
"We can't." Shui QianRou shook her head with a disheartened expression. "Even if all the elites of the Shui Family were gathered in Heavenly Star, we wouldn't be able to do so. It would be good if the Yu Family didn't wipe us out. How would we dare dream about wiping the Yu Family out?! However, if we are in Heavenly Wind instead, even if all the elites of the Yu Family arrive, we will be confident of burying them all there!"
"Thus, the Yu Family would not dare to go Heavenly Wind before unifying the continent!" Ling Tian smiled profoundly, "Lass, do you finally understand why both the Yu and Shui Families were able to survive up until now?"
"I do," Shui QianRou said sincerely. After a short moment, she then glared at Ling Tian. "What is the point of you telling me all of this? The key is what I should be doing and how our Shui Family can break out of the current situation. Even with the presence of a huge threat like the Yu Family, internal strife has still broken out within the family. Thus, what you have just said isn't absolute."
"You still don't understand what I mean?" Ling Tian asked with a bewildered expression, "They are two different issues. You have said it yourself that such a situation has occurred multiple times in your Shui Family. Similarly, such a situation also occurred within the Yu Family multiple times as well. Furthermore, the time when such a situation occurs would be largely similar between both families. At the very most, it would be separated by a few decades. This is something that every family has to experience. Don't you agree?"
"Has to experience? Why do you say that?" Shui QianRou was puzzled.
"The rise of a family is like the prosperity of an empire." Ling Tian frowned and explained, "The first generation will fight a bloody war to win the territories of the empire. The first ruler of the empire would understand the difficulties and tribulations of their victory and would naturally be on his guard. The second ruler would still be living in the shadows of the war and would have been through some war and thus will rule the empire earnestly. Even if the second ruler is useless, he should be able to keep the empire. From the third generation onward, everything would be different. They would be enjoying the fruits and riches of their previous generation's labor and the tales of war would be like a distant story to them. Corruption would then start and internal strife would follow… This would continue until a huge crisis strikes. At such a moment, it would either be the destruction of their empire or a talented leader would rise up to restore glory to the empire with a series of extreme measures. The result of that would not be any less bloody than the war which led to the formation of the empire. From that generation, a new cycle would begin if they are successful…"
Ling Tian said with a cold laugh, "Currently, your Shui Family is in the fourth generation or perhaps the fifth… Haha, if a leading figure is unable to shine and lead your Shui Family out of this mess, then the doom of your Shui Family is determined!"
"However, the Yu Family is different. While the younger generations of both families are extremely rotten, the Yu Family is much luckier because their Family Head is Yu ManLou! While Yu ManLou is extremely cruel, vicious and ambitious, he is definitely a wise leader and the one who will restore the Yu Family's glory! On top of that, Yu ManLou's brothers are extremely loyal to him and as long as Yu ManLou is alive, the Yu Family will be a unified piece of iron! As for your Shui Family, a figure like Yu ManLou is lacking. Even your father cannot be compared to Yu ManLou! On top of that, he does not have brothers to support him but only brothers who will fight with him for authority!"
Saying that, the tone of mockery in his voice became obvious, "Originally, your Shui Family had an advantage over the Yu Family in terms of the younger generation. Of Yu ManLou's three sons, the most capable one is dead and the other two remaining ones aren't a cause for concern. In terms of the younger generation, your Shui Family definitely had an advantage because of you and Shui QianHuan. More accurately, Shui QianHuan's abilities are far greater than Yu ManLou's two remaining children. Thus, even if the Shui Family will be on the losing end for the next few decades, as long as the Shui Family waits patiently, it wouldn't be impossible to turn the situation around. However, such a talent was actually killed by your three profligate cousins… Thus, it can be said that your Shui Family is destined to be destroyed! Your Shui Family is going to be destroyed because of self-destruction! While Shui QianHuan can't be considered to be an exceptional talent, he is definitely considered outstanding when compared to the younger generation of the Shui Family."
After going one big round, Ling Tian finally brought the topic back to the main point, "Thus, the Shui Family is suffering from both internal and external conflicts but does not have an outstanding figure to clean up the mess and turn the situation around. It can be said that your Shui Family has never been in such dire circumstances and the destruction of your family is imminent. Even if you are able to resolve the internal struggles of the Shui Family, if the losses are too great and there isn't a figure capable of intimidating all other parties at the helm, how would the other powers give you a time to catch your breath? Even without the presence of the Yu Family, the situation of your Shui Family is dire. Furthermore, there is an ambitious character like Yu ManLou eyeing covetously from the side."
Shui QianRou clenched her teeth and fell silent. Thinking about her brother who was left with a single breath, a boundless hatred exploded forth from her heart! Could it be that the thousand years of our Shui Family's legacy will be destroyed in the hands of those degenerate cousins? Could it be that my father's faction has to admit their defeat?
Chapter 547: Are You Willing?
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock
Stretching his waist lazily, Ling Tian stood up and indifferently said, "Initially, your Shui Family could be considered to have possessed a peerless expert overseeing the family, and that was your number one Elder, Shui WuBo. However, he seems to be walking together on the same road as your two uncles right now. That also means he should be included on your father's list of those who must be cleansed from the family if you want to get past this hurdle! If you do not do so, then all the power will end up with your uncles. With Shui WuBo taking charge, who knows how many years your Shui Family would be able to hold on for! Thus, in this current situation, this peerless expert is a hindrance to the Shui Family rather than a help! Am I right? Hehe."
The last part of Ling Tian's words was full of ridicule, but Shui QianRou only had the thoughts of her family in her mind. Even if Ling Tian's words were cutting, they were all true. The more she thought about this matter, the angrier she got. How would she still have the energy to deal with Ling Tian? She had come on her own initiative to ask him, and Ling Tian had replied honestly. Now for her to blame others, wasn't it a little unacceptable for her?
"Based on what you say, it is either our Shui Family completely collapses, or the direct descendants are completely eradicated. Is there no third path for us to walk?" Shui QianRou's heart was full of fury, and her voice gradually got louder. "Ling Tian, you should know that this is not the answer I want and that this thought will not even be entertained by me. Why are you being so cruel?!"
Ling Tian leaned his side to one side as he coldly smiled, "Cruel? How am I cruel, this is the truth, the actual facts! How did you want me to reply you? That the Shui Family will be harmonious and peaceful all around? For them to live for millennia? Or did you want all the dead members to revive once again? Do you even think this is possible? If I tell you this is possible, would you believe it? Or would you dare?! Shui QianRou, you are no child, to be forgiven for living in dreams. You should be aware that the more you repeatedly press for an answer, it means that your heart has already determined that this answer cannot be found!" Ling Tian's eyes shone. "That's why you are constantly searching for that verification!"
Shui QianRou opened her eyes wide, angrily staring at Ling Tian before slowly lowering her gaze in defeat. "For the situation regarding the Shui Family, I'll admit that you're absolutely correct. Your deductions hit the nail on the head, and while I don't want to admit it, this is the current condition of my Shui Family. The reason why my brother and I were dispatched over to Heavenly Star was also the same reason. While I know that it's difficult to build up our influence on the Yu Family's land, we still had to try. If my brother and I were to succeed, then our father would have the chance to cleanse the family and proceed with the final battle between the two families. It was a pity that we failed completely, and my brother even had to give up his life.
Shui QianRou shook her head sadly as a tear rolled down, "Water of Heavenly Wind, hehe, what a prestigious name. A family almost in control of the entire Heavenly Wind. However, it has fallen to such a state today, how laughable! Right now, the family members who have malicious intents are far too many, those of direct descent are not strong leaders, causing those of the side branch to flaunt their skills more and more. Many of the important positions are already been taken over by the people from the side branches. Even if we were to use the mentality of burning both common stone and jade together, it's already too late. Is this the fate of our Shui Family?"
Ling Tian stood by the side silently.
Shui QianRou looked at him, before suddenly letting out a melancholic smile. "Ling Tian, I've only just discovered that your ambition doesn't stop at Heavenly Star! In fact, your people have already stretched to the Heavenly Wind Continent, right? Haha, you can relax, this point doesn't matter to me anymore. I will not reveal anything to my family, and in fact, I hope that you can succeed. A pity, I might not live to see that day come true."
"Will you not be able to see it?" Ling Tian slowly asked.
"No! I won't!" A killing intent as well as the lack of a will to live flashed in Shui QianRou's eyes. "Water of Heavenly Wind, is a family with a millennium of background, a family with a thousand years of splendor. However, this radiance only belongs to the direct line of descent! As for those who only strive for benefits within the family, they are not worthy of the name 'Water of Heavenly Wind'! They're even more unworthy of taking over the hegemony that our forefathers paid for in blood! I would rather that this glorious name disappears in the generation of my father than to give it over to them, letting them tarnish it as they will! If I am to die, I'll drag them down with me! I will do it! I definitely will do it, and can achieve it!" U.p.dated by Novelfull.Com
Ling Tian slanted his head to the side, "Oh? I never thought that you would be such a strong spirited lady. Indeed, you can give the men a run for their money, I respect you for that. However, I would still like to ask you, why did your father choose to send you two over at this pressing period? Doesn't he know of the thousand year hatred of the Yu Family against you? Wouldn't this be more dangerous than back in your family? Unless he really sent you two to be sacrificed?"
"…." Shui QianRou opened her mouth, wanting to reply, but she found herself lost for words and ended up closing her mouth involuntarily.
"According to my conjecture, your esteemed father's initial idea was just for the two of you to come over and create chaos. Based on your titles as the direct descendants of the Shui Family, even if the Yu Family were to find out your misdeeds, they would take you both as merely objects to profit over rather than silence you. From this point, we can conclude that Heavenly Star is indeed safer as compared to being in Heavenly Wind. However, you two were overconfident, and before making sure of your place, flipped the entire table over to the point that the mess cannot be handled by the both of you. This made your father's original plan go to waste, resulting in him being caught between a rock and a hard spot today."
"Now that the circumstances are rapidly spiraling downward due to the matter with your esteemed brother, all the procrastination done has resulted in zero meaning. Now the internal affairs of your family can only be solved through a bloodbath, and to some extent, you two siblings have only hastened the process!" Ling Tian showed two rows of dazzling white teeth as he smiled. "Based on the situation now, it is completely you guys reaping what you have sown! You should bear the responsibility, and not think about exchanging a life for a life, acting in such a heroic manner. Miss Shui's attitude and liberal speech seem to be a little…."
Upon hearing Ling Tian's ending sentence, Shui QianRou staggered, her face gray as ash as her lips trembled. She looked as though she was about to cry, but held it in at the last part. The only indication was the rims of her eyes turning red.
Ling Tian actually could not bear to do this to her, bullying a lady so. He twisted his mouth as he thought that he should have achieved his purpose now. Now that everything had been stated clearly, and he had hit the nail on the head, he should start talking about his proposal next. If he were to continue down this line, the lady in front of him would sever her own meridians. That would be a dead loss for him!
So he pretended to cough a few times, stretching out a finger to massage his temples as he revealed a 'pained' expression, "Actually, this matter was supposed to be a pure family dispute, and without the matter of your brother right now, just like what you asked me before, I would still have a method to allow you to cut your losses to the bare minimum. Right now, things are a little iffy, but it's not that there actually aren't any methods left…"
Shui QianRou had actually given up completely, sitting there with a dejected look on her face. Hearing so, she suddenly leaped up, a renewed hope flaring in her eyes as she exclaimed, "Ling… you… really have an idea?"
"Idea?" Ling Tian barked out a laugh, "I definitely have one, but it's missing a person for the key role."
"What role?"
"The role of the inheritor." Ling Tian furrowed his brows. "So much talk about the family, but it all boils down to the fact that the males are the dominant gender, and that the position of the family head is only passed onto the males and not the females. The greatest question is that your brother is hanging on his last breath, and in a week at most, he will step onto the road towards the yellow springs. This would mean that your side would no longer have someone to continue the family line, or in other words, that your bloodline ends in your generation! From this point, so what if you successfully seize back power? In another decade or so, what will happen? Surely you can't be immortal? While your brothers were killed by Shui QianHu and his group, you still require a male to inherit the title. There are three ways to be unfilial, of which having no sons is the worst! This point already spells your doom!"
Ling Tian narrowed his eyes as he stared at Shui QianRou, "If you can find a way to resolve this problem, then I'll have the confidence to allow your Shui Family to convert danger to blessing. In at most three years, I'll make sure the power in the Shui Family returns to your hands." Ling Tian specifically stressed the word 'your'.
Shui QianRou's face changed rapidly, now green then red. It was only after a long while did she finally bite her teeth and say, "Aren't you just making things difficult? My dad's body was weak and he only had my brother and I. Now that my brother's life is in danger, how do you expect me to find another direct descendant? If I could choose someone from within the family, then why are we even still fighting?!"
Ling Tian laughed at this point, "Who says that there are no more bloodlines of the direct descendants in the family?"
"I've already said so, my dad only sired my brother and me. Where's the person you speak of?"
"Things are closer than they seem!" Ling Tian squeezed his eyes. "Miss Shui, surely, you couldn't have been adopted, right?"
"A dog's mouth can't have elephant tusks, you're the adopted one!" Shui QianRou burst out into rage as she stood up, before suddenly freezing and staring wide agape at Ling Tian. "You… you're saying… your meaning is, ME?!!"
"That's right, you!" Ling Tian confidently nodded his head. "I shall not take you on a wild goose chase. Before this, I've already analyzed the entire situation to you once. No matter which route you take, there's no way out for you guys! However, I've also said, that I have an idea and that I can execute it!"
Ling Tian's eyes gleamed, "Shui QianRou, I just need an assurance from you, and I'll help the Shui Family tide over this difficult times!"
"But… but… I'm a woman…" Shui QianRou felt some hesitation, as well as a rare sense of anxiety.
"So what if you're a woman? Aren't you still the flesh and blood of your father, with the bloodline of the direct family flowing in your veins? You're probably not even twenty this year; even if you only live up to seventy years, even if the Shui Family goes to ruin in your generation, you've held it up for fifty more years than expected!" Ling Tian coldly interrupted. "It's better than letting it disappear among the winds and clouds right now! Furthermore, when you eventually have children, you just have to change their surnames to Shui, and they can continue the direct bloodline of your family!"
Shui QianRou's pale face flushed with a bright red. While she acted all heroic previously, she was in the end still a virgin girl who had not been betrothed. Even the matters of her marriage were enough to embarrass her, and Ling Tian actually went a step further, starting to plan for her children…
Even with this immensely thick skin, Ling Tian also felt a little embarrassed, and coughed twice, saying, "Uhm… maybe it's a little too early to talk about such matters. However, I'm only just speaking my thoughts, and this is a stupid idea from me. If we look at it this way, when you really go in and compete, in the event you succeed, then you can….."
"Don't go on…" Shui QianRou jumped up in fright and embarrassment. She buried her face in her chest, and Ling Tian could observe a red flush creeping quickly across her face, to her ears, then to her white and flawless nape, and it proceeded to go lower… oh, past that, Ling Tian could not see any further.
While being embarrassed about the situation, Shui QianRou mulled over Ling Tian's proposal, and after a long while, came the muffled reply, "Maybe my dad still can…"
Ling Tian coldly snorted, breaking apart her fantasy. "Based on theory, that is wholly possible, as your brother and your ages are not too spread apart. This proves that your esteemed father has a high…. Cough cough cough, never mind. But if so many years have passed and the two of you are still the only children? Your esteemed father also has more than one wife, right? If one or two don't get pregnant, that's fine, but all of them… then there's something to think about."
"You mean, someone had a part to play in this?!" Shui QianRou suddenly lifted up her head. At the same time, this point sounded very plausible to her! Her hatred grew even deeper.
Ling Tian sighed, "Do you know why I'm the only heir in the entire Ling Family?"
Shui QianRou jumped, and replied incredulously, "Could it be that your family…."
Ling Tian nodded gravely, "That's why I know, and can even confirm."
Both sentences ended midway, but the result and meaning were clear to both.
Shui QianRou mutely sat back down, and it was after a long while that her face suddenly turned red again. She stared at Ling Tian for no reason, suddenly spitting out a sentence, "You've really played your cards well!"
This startled Ling Tian. Whatever was she talking about? Why this random sentence? Try as he might, Ling Tian could not decipher it, so he only continued, "This road that I've mentioned is not the easiest to walk, so if you've made up your mind, you need to have sufficient mental preparations. After all, this world is a patriarchal society, and for a female to become the family head, the criticism she will receive will far outstrip that of a man. Furthermore, the values of family and lineage are deeply rooted in the people here, while you might have a son and wish for him to take your surname, your future husband's side might not agree to that, and this is also a point of discussion. However, all this can be discussed in the future, for that time, all of the Shui family's problems would be cleared, thus giving you more options."
Shui QianRou bit her lip, her eyes suddenly locking on Ling Tian with a fiery yet unfocused gaze. It was as though she had just woken from her dream, bleary and sleepy. It was unknown how she took Ling Tian's words, but she mysteriously asked, "Do you also think that way?"
Chapter 548: Three Conditions
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
"Me? Why does Miss Shui ask that question?" Ling Tian laughed in his heart. As a soul that came from the 21st century, how would he be concerned about such a matter? However, he was also able to guess the thoughts of Shui QianRou through this question of hers. It seems like this lass has truly fallen for this young noble!
In fact, Ling Tian was extremely clear of Shui QianRou's present thoughts and had always known about Shui QianRou's feelings towards him. But under such circumstances, he couldn't be the first to make a move or even give any hints. After all, him offering Shui QianRou advice and also all the happenings within the Shui Family in this period of time were all within his plans. For the situation of the Shui Family to deteriorate so quickly, even if a large cause of that was because of the Shui Family themselves, his Ling Family Courtyard was also a huge reason. In fact, all of the losses the Shui Family suffered in Heavenly Star were because of Ling Tian and Ling Chen. One of them slaughtered mercilessly and reaped lives like a grim reaper while the other plotted a roundabout scheme to take advantage of the situation. All the plans of the Shui Family in Heavenly Star were ruined in the hands of these two individuals.
If not for Ling Tian's all-out massacre, Ling Chen's following plans would have been useless. Even if Shui QianRou was aware of this, she did not have anything to say about it. If not for the Shui Family plotting against Ling Tian's father, how would Ling Tian launch a massacre? As for all of Ling Chen's plots, Shui QianRou was completely clueless about them. In fact, she was still grateful towards Ling Chen for rescuing her from the hands of the 'enemy'. However, she was still clueless about the fact that her father's trusted aide who was sent to protect her had perished in the hands of her sister!
Thus, Ling Tian changed Ling Chen's plans slightly and offered Shui QianRou a plan to resolve the Shui Family's crisis. In fact, he also had his own motives for doing that. Under the current circumstances, no matter how thick Ling Tian's skin was and regardless of whether or not he had any goodwill towards Shui QianRou, he wouldn't be able to bring himself to start a relationship with her. Besides that, Ling Tian only admired her headstrong character and acknowledged her abilities. Apart from a tinge of admiration for her beauty, Ling Tian did not have many feelings for Shui QianRou. At the very least, his feelings for her could not be compared to his feelings for the other princess of a thousand-year-old family, Yu BingYan. One was true love while the other was just some fantasies…
The moment Shui QianRou asked the question, she immediately realized that she shouldn't have asked such a question and could not help but flush red. But upon seeing Ling Tian's calm response, her heart turned cold. Despite her putting down her pride and throwing all of her face away, he still… In that instant, Shui QianRou had the urge to burst out crying in grief. However, she was able to suppress the grief in her heart and regained her calmness. "Young noble Ling is truly a talented individual and this is definitely a plausible plan. As compared to the destruction of my Shui Family, this can be a possible path. May I ask young noble Ling, for young noble to aid me and my Shui Family as such, what do you want in return? I don't believe that young noble does not want anything in return. I hope that young noble will not insult my intelligence and spell out your true intentions!"
"Intelligent, you are intelligent indeed." Ling Tian continued, "With Miss Shui's intelligence, you should know what reciprocity means. For me to pay such a huge price, it would be impossible for me to not expect anything in return. If I do not have sufficient benefits, why would I do this? However, you can definitely give me what I want."
"Please speak," Shui QianRou said as though she was asking Ling Tian to extort her as he wished. However, her heart was aching at that moment.
"According to what I know, even with the rifts in the Shui Family, your Shui Family is still the number one family in Heavenly Wind. Be it in terms of martial strength or financial capabilities, your Shui Family is definitely at the top of the food chain. In fact, if not for your Shui Family being the number one family in Heavenly Wind, the situation of the Shui Family might not have deteriorated so quickly. I want the Shui Family to support my military actions in Heavenly Wind unconditionally in the future when I invade Heavenly Wind. I want the Shui Family to aid me in controlling Heavenly Wind."
"Unconditional support? Wouldn't my Shui Family become your subordinates? This is impossible! How can I ever accept such conditions! Even if my father was here, he would never agree to it. This is no different from you swallowing my Shui Family. Impossible, this is impossible!" Shui QianRou was enraged. She thought that Ling Tian was making a fool out of her and trying to hit their Shui Family when they were down.
"Impossible? Miss Shui, don't be so certain yet." Ling Tian replied, "If any other family heard my condition, they would only be ecstatic with joy. Why does Miss Shui say that it is impossible?"
Shui QianRou raised her head stubbornly. "It is a pity that my Shui Family isn't any other family. The disciples of the Shui Family can perish but will never be a lackey for anyone else! We would rather be destroyed than submit to another power! There isn't any room for discussion!"
"Good spirit! You are indeed the descendant of a thousand-year-old family!" Ling Tian clapped his hands, "However, when did I say that I wanted your Shui Family to submit to me? When did I say that you guys were going to be my subordinates? Shui QianRou, Miss Shui, little princess Shui, acting rashly before understanding the full picture, this isn't the Shui QianRou that I know. I don't believe that you can't understand the huge benefits of my condition. As long as the Shui Family agrees to my condition, your Shui Family will only be stronger than before! Your Shui Family would not have any signs of decline! Can't you see the benefits that your Shui Family could obtain? Miss Shui, your reaction truly surprised me. You asked me to not insult your intelligence but you are the one insulting your own intelligence at this moment! Think about it for a while. If you are unable to understand the benefits behind it then there isn't a need for us to work together. I will not work together with a fool! My plans would only be ruined as a result!"
After getting reprimanded by Ling Tian, Shui QianRou grew a little frustrated. But after lowering her head to think about the matter, she was immediately enlightened. Even if Ling Tian unified the continent, he would need someone to rule over it. Ling Tian's foundations and roots were in Heavenly Star and it would be impossible for him to move to Heavenly Wind. Apart from a deeply rooted family like the Shui Family, there wouldn't be a better choice! Even if Ling Tian sent over dozens of officials, their prestige would not be able to match up to the influence of the Shui Family. At the very least, for the first few decades, their Shui Family would not face any dangers.
Thus, Ling Tian's suggestion was extremely ideal for the Shui Family and could even be said to be an extremely good chance.
The reason why Ling Tian would choose the Shui Family was also because he had no other choice. The roots of the thousand-year-old Shui Family were far too deep in Heavenly Wind. In the past few years, they were almost like the sovereigns of the continent. If Ling Tian wanted to support another power to rule over the continent, it would take far too much time and it was also difficult to pick a right party. At the same time, the Shui Family would also end up becoming unified in the face of an external threat and Ling Tian definitely did not have the time and energy to deal with all of these.
Thus, his choice was naturally the Shui Family. While the Shui Family was currently filled with storms and was on the brink of destruction, even if he did not make a promise with Shui QianRou, Ling Tian would not allow the Shui Family to be destroyed. Instead, he would choose a puppet to support within the Shui Family. However, such a method was time-consuming and might not necessarily be successful.
Thus, Ling Tian made the effort to persuade Shui QianRou today. First, Shui QianRou was a direct descendant and second, she had feelings for him. While Ling Tian was not certain how these feelings would hold up against her loyalty to the family, it was better than nothing.
Shui QianRou finally came to a decision in her heart, "I agree! However, you have to agree to a few of my conditions!"
Ling Tian chuckled, "Miss Shui is straightforward indeed. Please state your conditions."
Shui QianRou paused for a moment before saying, "The first condition is that my Shui Family has to pass through our crisis first and all the degenerates of the family must be wiped out before this plan can be carried out. What do you think?"
Without even a thought, Ling Tian replied, "Naturally. Your Shui Family filled with internal strife is like a pile of loose sand. Even if I wanted to use your Shui Family in such a state, it would be useless to me."
Shui QianRou clenched her teeth and said, "The second condition is that this plan can only be carried out after you unify Heavenly Star. If you are able to unify Heavenly Star, this plan will be carried out. But what if you lose in the battle of hegemony in Heavenly Star? Our Shui Family would never send troops over to aid you. You have to understand this!"
Ling Tian burst out laughing. "Of course. If I end up losing the war, you can forget about this agreement with me. At that time, I would definitely be dead. How would I be able to invade Heavenly Wind? Your Shui Family can naturally continue to be the hegemon of Heavenly Wind."
Shui QianRou felt her heart shake. Upon hearing Ling Tian mention his death, Shui QianRou felt a piercing pain in her heart and her face turned pale.
"As for the third condition,…" Shui QianRou paused for a moment and suddenly said, "can I hold on to this third condition?"
"Hold on to a condition?" Ling Tian said with depression. He had already predicted that Shui QianRou would have her conditions and the first two conditions that she made were within his expectations. However, he never expected her to say that she wanted to hold on to a condition. On top of that, the two conditions that Ling Tian felt had the largest room for negotiation had not appeared!
"That's right, I can't think of it right now." Shui QianRou looked at Ling Tian. "I will let you know when I think of it. I hope that you will not reject me at that time!"
Ling Tian took two steps out of the door and turned around, "Alright. However, I hope that you do not come up with unrealistic or unreasonable conditions," Ling Tian smiled brightly, "because I will not accept them even if you mention them."
Shui QianRou rolled her eyes at Ling Tian's shameless words. Even if she kept some room for future negotiation, Ling Tian also had the right to reject her. On this point, they had tied in this round of negotiations. However, Ling Tian's plan already had some initial success.
Chapter 549: I Trust Ling Tian
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock U.p.dated. by NovelFull.Com
"Ok, then it's a deal!" Shui QianRou stretched out her hand, "We'll seal palms as a vow!"
Ling Tian stretched out his hand as well, and lightly pressed forward. With a 'pa' sound, the two palms met. Ling Tian only felt a soft and smooth feeling, as though he had come into contact with flawless jade, and could not help but shake in his heart. In that instant, he felt as though he did not want to retract his hand. As for Shui QianRou, her pair of eyes were fixed on Ling Tian's face, with a dreamy look on her face that was hard to comprehend, and she too forgot to take her hand back.
It was after a long while that Shui QianRou suddenly withdrew her hand at lightning speed. She placed her hand within her bosom and turned around, but Ling Tian saw that her eyes were already red, and there were obvious signs of unshed tears.
Ling Tian pretended to let out an easy laugh as he stood up, saying, "After a while I'll get someone to send you back, and secretly send Shui QianHu and his group to your hands. You'll be able to take revenge for your brother then."
Her body trembled at Ling Tian's words, and she clenched her teeth as she spat her words out, "I will, oh I definitely will." Her voice was full of fury and hate as well as an irrevocable determination.
Looking at this rare side of her, Ling Tian lightly sighed before heavily saying, "While I don't wish to nag so much, I still have to say this. For those three, it would be good to just kill Shui QianHu, and leave the other two until two and a half years later before killing them."
"Why?" Shui QianRou emotionally turned around. "Those three jerks were involved in the death of my brother, and I hate that I cannot reduce them to a thousand pieces! While Shui QianHu is the main culprit and must be killed, the other two are also accomplices, not at all inferior to that bstrd. Why do I have to wait for another two and a half years? I'll definitely kill them to avenge my brother. My brother wants to live but has no way to, and I must make sure that his enemies all die in front of him!"
Shui QianRou's tone was frosty, even causing Ling Tian to shiver with the cold. He did not dare to let her know that the Ling Family actually played a part in scheming for her brother's death, or else that could be their calamity in the future!
A radiant light shone across his pupils as Ling Tian insisted, "Not only must you let the two of them go, you must also keep the fact that your brother has died from the people back in Heavenly Wind! All of this must wait until two and a half years later!" Ling Tian coldly stared at her, "If you do not wish for the Shui Family to perish in the short term, then it would be best you did as you're told. The decision lies in your hands."
Shui QianRou was naturally not someone without brains and was merely pushed by her emotions due to her blood brother dying. Having been awoken by Ling Tian's cold harsh reality, she immediately understood what Ling Tian was trying to say. "You mean… the generational battle?"
Ling Tian nodded in response, "That's right, in another two and a half years it will be the destined battle between the Yu and Shui Families. Right now, if you kill all of them and send news of your brother's death, the killers of one's sons cannot share the same heaven, and your father, as well as your uncles, will not be able to take it! The Shui Family already has no buffer for any internal affairs, and the bloodbath will immediately start. Regardless of who wins or loses, the Shui Family will lose a great deal of its strength. When the generational battle then starts, how many people will you all be able to gather? At that time, the Yu Family with its prestige rising to the stars will never let you go! Even if you have my help, it will be to no avail. As such, the cleansing of the Shui Family will have to wait until the generational battles end before it can officially proceed." Ling Tian stared straight at her. "The generational battle is also your best bet currently."
Shui QianRou, however, shook her head sadly. "I'm afraid that's not possible anymore. Everybody is aware that my brother's injuries are incurable, and I'm afraid the entire Family already knows of this matter. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't hide it."
"Oh… in that case…" Ling Tian breathed deeply as he took two steps before his eyebrows suddenly raised up. "If that's the case, then tell your family that although your esteemed brother's injuries were life-threatening, you paid a huge price and managed to move Justice from the Beyond Heavens sect to use his peerless medical craft to treat your brother. While he managed to save his life, due to the threat, he will have to be quarantined for the time being within Beyond Heavens until he passes the danger phase. As for the perpetrator Shui QianHu, after taking revenge, then I'll arrange for him to be thrown into the Azure Pavilion, creating a scene where he went mad and died due to jealousy. While there might be suspicions, but without proof, no one would do anything, and you can drag this on indefinitely. How about it?"
Shui QianRou's eyes gleamed, "While this may be able to confuse and mislead everyone, I'm just afraid…" A hurt look crossed her face, "That brother's death will already be a great shock to father, and with us hiding the truth, I'm afraid…"
"There's nothing to be afraid of. There's a type of lie called benevolence. Besides, you're doing so because you have no choice. I'm sure that if your father knew about this, he would not blame you for your choices." Ling Tian seriously spoke. "Even if your father finds out that your brother had already passed away two years ago, without the usual morning and evening visits, he would also gradually have gotten used to it. By that time, when he sees how outstanding you are, grasping hold of the Shui Family as well as avenging your brother, his hurt would also be lessened. However, if you were to pass on the message of death now, this sort of impact is not something everyone can bear."
With Ling Tian's meticulous planning, Shui QianRou finally relaxed. However, a thought flashed through her mind and she blurted out, "Young Noble Ling, you mentioned just now that Justice is a peerless physician. Is that true? Isn't he the Martial Order Medallion owner, the strongest martial expert on earth?"
"That Justice guy is a talent that defies whatever this world stands for, his knowledge is unimaginable. From medicine to astrology, cultural and military strategies, there's not one that he isn't a master of. Actually, you are also connected to him by some sort of destiny. That day, the one who forked out fifty taels of silver to buy the Red Sandalwood Pearl from the Southern Sea was him!" Ling Tian looked at her in a strange manner.
"Indeed, I thought so. He slaughtered over a hundred of my men with one person's strength, and to turn out that his motive was really to obtain the Red Sandalwood Pearl. If not for him, how would both my uncles die such a miserable death?!" Shui QianRou spat with hate. If it wasn't for Justice's wanton killing that day, both brother and sister wouldn't have landed in such a state today. It was natural for Shui QianRou to hate him.
"Oh Great Miss Shui, I have to give you a piece of advice. Give up any thoughts of revenge, Justice's cultivation, martial skills, and movement techniques are already nearing the pinnacle, each without a match, or else why would I have to hide from him for a year! Since we're both allies, I have to caution you!" Ling Tian stated, "This sort of mentality to seek revenge would only cause more needless sacrifices."
"I do not believe that nobody can overtake someone their entire life! My Family's elder, Shui WuPo, has an innate talent for martial arts and is a peerless expert of his generation. He was able to match blows with the pinnacle expert of Heavenly Star, the 'Fantasy Universe' Xu RuoMeng! Maybe I can move him to seek revenge!" Shui QianRou seemed to have the utmost confidence in her elder.
This was greeted by a sarcastic smile from Ling Tian, "To be able to fight evenly with Xu RuoMeng, is it a big deal?! You know that he comes from one of the three Great Sects, the direct line of descent under the Above Heavens Sect founded Meng RuoXu, but did you know that the same Xu RuoMeng died under the hands of Justice?!"
"There's such a thing?!" Shui QianRou's face paled. "To think that such an expert existed in the world!" Then a look of joy appeared on her face. "If that's the case, then with his knowledge, maybe he could really heal my brother, or maybe he can even save him!"
Ling Tian did not know whether to laugh or to cry. Women were really a strange breed of creatures, the first moment thinking of revenge, the second suddenly wanting their enemy to save their loved ones. He could only helplessly reply her, "Your brother could only survive until now because of Chen'er's Divine Ice Formula, placing most of his body under cryostasis. While it slows down his rate of death, it's actually burning up all of his life! Furthermore, it is easy for Justice to find you, but do you think it's easy to do the opposite? What's more, you don't even possess a martial order medallion for him to take action! Lastly, Justice's medical skills might be miraculous, but he is after all a man, not a god. Your brother…"
Shui QianRou only stood here for a long time, before finally sighing and lowly speaking, "At this time, this is also the best choice." While her voice was low, it struck heavily in Ling Tian's ears like a lofty mountain. It had taken her so long to finally discover a chance to save her brother, but it was burned almost immediately. Who would be able to take it?
Ling Tian no longer spoke, instead standing up and beginning to walk outside. Before he reached the doorstep, he heard her softly whisper to herself, in a voice that was barely perceptible, "Ling Tian, this time, even if you didn't give me any benefits, I would still have agreed. I don't know if you have any other sort of ideas, but this time, I have chosen to throw all my trust towards you. It might be because I do not have any path of retreat left, but to leave such a matter towards someone who is my opponent, my enemy, it is still a first for me. I hope that you will not disappoint me again."
Ling Tian's hand paused on the doorknob.
Behind him, Shui QianRou's voice grew more resolute. "This is because you are Ling Tian, and because I have no one else to trust, hence I choose to trust you! Just like how the monarch has the ambition to surpass the heavens, I believe in Ling Tian!"
I believe in Ling Tian!
This caused a huge jolt in Ling Tian's heart, and he slowly turned around. He saw Shui QianRou curled up on the chair, her head half drooped and her back towards him. Ling Tian suddenly felt as though this back was extremely lonely and desolate.
"I've said before, from the first time I met you, I already hoped that we would not turn into enemies. This sentence was true, as were my intentions then!" After finishing his sentence, he did not turn back his head as he walked out.
Shui QianRou's body trembled, and rigidly maintained her posture without turning her head. However, a patter was heard as two wet teardrops fell onto the ground.
Chapter 550: Sending him off to the West
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock
Walking out of the room, Ling Tian drew a long breath. He mysteriously felt as though his mood was a little heavy, as though his heart was being weighted down by a lofty mountain.
White robes flashed, and Li Xue smilingly appeared in front of him. "Is it done, Mister Ling who everyone loves?"
Ling Tian stared at her with a sour mood. "Ling Jian's sword is already placed on your neck, and you still have the leisure time to stroll around? Be careful that your face doesn't end up being disfigured! If your looks are destroyed, then you won't be a witch in name anymore!"
"Oh, I'm so scared! Cheh!" Li Xue stuck out her neck like a proud swan, raising her head as though in disdain, "Just based on him? Maybe if he practices for another decade or so, he might have a chance. When the time comes, we'll see how this lady beats up a sandbag then. Like you said, I'm a witch, so how can I play the part if I don't have the skills of a witch?"
Ling Tian waved his hand a little depressedly, "Then my great Miss, please find your little black cottage to go and fantasize. This noble here is not in a very good mood now, and I won't entertain you." Ling Tian turned around, ready to scram.
"Ha, Young Noble Ling rushing off to settle his feelings after ending a day of flirting, is it?" Grinning, Li Xue suddenly blocked his path. "I found out something very interesting, would you like to hear it?"
"Nope." Ling Tian felt like hugging his head and screaming. "I've been eating air for food and camping outside for the last few days, and I would like some good sleep right now."
Li Xue laughed craftily, and suddenly started talking to herself, "Everyone says that a woman goes about conquering her man in order to dominate the world, but I just found out that our Young Noble Ling seems to run opposite to that." As she laughed, she slowly spoke each word. "Our Great Noble Ling here seems to use the method of conquering women to dominate the whole world, hahahah…."
A row of black lines appeared on Ling Tian's forehead as he clenched his teeth and spat out, "This is really interesting. I've just found out that our great Miss Li here is also a woman! So, do you want to conquer, or be conquered?!"
The lass snorted in response, "So what? Can you conquer me? I'm OK with it if you want to try!" As she replied, she sent over a flirtatious glance. However, not being too used to such actions, it looked like she was glancing at him from the corner of her eyes.
Ling Tian trembled with fright, his face turning white. He immediately circulated his movement technique and ran off as fast as he could. If not for the improvement in his movement technique, most likely he would not be able to outrun her. Before this, Li Xue was the only woman that Ling Tian could not 'chase'…
******
The night sky slowly descended, and following the flow of time, everything turned dark.
Ling Tian's figure flashed around the courtyard, and after circling it once, he landed on a branch of a tree towering the fringes of the compound, just like a falcon. He cautiously landed, and only after checking his surroundings did he sigh in relief, and leap down from the tree, merging into the shadows.
On that same night, the Shui Family who came from afar had a commotion. This few matters let those injured and dead members of the Shui Family feel even more anxious and fearful.
The young nobles from afar, Shui QianJiang and Shui QianHai, were found hanging naked on a tree, their faces beaten and swollen, riddled with injuries and on their last breaths.
As for the last one, Shui QianHu, he got extremely drunk inside the Smoky Thea Pavilion, started a fight with another expert as he vied for attention, and was killed on the spot. His corpse was terrible to behold. This scene was even witnessed by more than a few hundred people…
As for the little princess of the family, Shui QianRou used a thousand-year blood ginseng and two Ice Jade Mangoes as well as four trunks of hundred-year Red Jade Ginsengs as the price to move Ye QingChen of Beyond Heavens, allowing him to invite the number one expert Justice to save the dying Shui QianHuan. With the Ling Family escorting him, Shui QianRou proceeded to Beyond Heavens…
The supposedly dead Shui QianHuan was suddenly saved!
This news no doubt left many of those with nefarious intentions dispirited.
Outside the city, in the darkness, a black painted carriage silently stopped at the roadside. The carriage seemed to be full of misfortune, and one could even make out the soft sounds of a female crying, full of the sadness of losing a loved one.
Under the dusty light of the oil lamp, the direct descendant of the Shui Family, the only male heir Shui QianHuan's chest had already turned into a deathly shade of black. He used all the strength he had left, and stretched out his right hand, stroking the soft hair of his sister. A look of release was on his face, and even a hint of satisfaction, as he thought how he managed to stab a longsword straight into the heart of Shui QianHu. So what if he died? In the end, he made sure the perpetrator died before him! Shiu QianHuan thought to himself as he smiled.
From outside, the sound of the wind grew louder, causing the entire carriage to shake. Outside were six strong and burly guards standing on guard, all without a single expression.
"Rou'er… promise Brother… that you'll live on happily, and help brother to take care of Dad and Mom…" Shui QianHuan's mouth slowly moved, staring at his sister's face. "Brother can't make it anymore, but the bloodline of the direct Shui descendants cannot fade away! You must use your last breath to prevent it from landing in the hands of those despicable people! Promise me!" Shui QianHuan began to violently cough, yet his eyes were still dead set on Shui QianRou. He coughed till he could not catch his breath, and with a choking sound, a mouthful of black-purple blood was spat out.
"Promise me!"
Shui QianRou's face was wet with tears, and she nodded her head, her tears falling like pearls dropping off from a broken necklace onto his body.
Shui QianHuan seemed to use all his strength to catch his breath. Suddenly, his eyes turned warm, and his voice too became dreamy as he spoke, "I'm not sure about Lady Ling Chen…. But I hope she can… live on happily… if there's a next life… cough cough cough…"
A shadow flashed, and the light suddenly dimmed by quite a bit. "Brother QianHuan, this younger brother here came to send you off one last time." Ling Tian was clad entirely in black, and he slipped into the carriage like a wisp of vapor. Looking at QianHuan, he warmly spoke, "I know, you have something to say to me too, right?"
Shui QianHuan slowly nodded his head, his gaze turning penetrative, "It's you! Ling Tian, you actually didn't die, you managed to escape the pursuit from Justice. I only have a word for you, respect!"
Ling Tian smiled in response, "Between the two of us, one has to definitely remain alive, right?"
Hearing this, Shui QianHuan also laughed out even as he coughed, "That's right!" He then seriously faced Ling Tian, "To be able to see you today, I'm really gratified."
Ling Tian remained silent as he nodded, as though he understood.
Shui QianHuan seemed to rouse himself up further as he held on, struggling as he continued to say, "Do you know? Ling Tian, I've never looked up to anyone before in my life, neither have I feared anyone, not even my dad nor Shui WuBo, because I believed that one day, I would soar above them. However, you are the first one, and the only one now! When you routed my 400,000 strong army, I already knew that I was far too lacking compared to you. I regret this very much, for I thought we would have the chance to cross swords once again. Now it seems like I won't be having this chance."
Ling Tian leisurely sat in front of him, slowly speaking, "I too feel the same regret. For your two aristocratic families, opponents of mine are really few and between. As for my generation, the only person is you. Thus, while you feel regret, I feel that it's a pity!"
Shui QianHuan's eyes lit up and his breathing became rough as he exclaimed, "You… is what you said true? You really consider me as an opponent?"
Ling Tian laughed, "Then do you expect me to treat those trashes Shui QianHu or Shui QianJiang as my opponents instead?"
"No! They're not worthy! How could they be worthy?!" Shui QianHuan shook his head emotionally, before looking at Ling Tian and sincerely beaming, "Ling Tian, thank you! Thank you for having been my opponent in the past."
The latter earnestly said, "I was supposed to return to the capital, but I suddenly thought of you and came over to send you off for your final journey. No matter what, the yellow springs road is far, I wish you bon voyage, see you again in the future!"
A smile surfaced on the corners of Shui QianHuan's mouth, as he warmly replied, "I actually had a lot of things I felt I didn't arrange well, but time and tide wait for no man. However, since you're here today, I can also relax now." He kept his smile, solemnly looking at Ling Tian, "Ling Tian, please forgive QianHuan here for sharing my inner worries with a stranger like you. I need you to help me with two things, please do not reject a dying man's wishes."
Looking at Shui QianRou on the side, Ling Tian smiled and replied, "Actually, I already know what you want me to help you with. You don't need to say it!"
Shui QianHuan stubbornly shook his head instead, fixing his attention on him fully, "Ling Tian, please take good care of my sister, my only sister!" It was unknown where he suddenly got his strength from, but Shui QianHuan straightened himself fully, and his withered hand grabbed onto the wrist of Ling Tian. A bright light flashed in his eyes, like the soul fire of a specter as his face revealed some jealousy, "And… and there's also Lady Ling Chen… you… must give her happiness, a lifetime of peace and happiness!"
Ling Chen! Ling Tian's eyes narrowed, and his warm smile carried a hint of killing intent, "Of course I will take care of my woman. Ling Chen will have a life of peace and happiness, I'll not trouble Young Master Shui to worry for her."
Shui QianHuan smiled dimly, hanging his head down low as though he had finished using all his strength. As his figure fell back down, Ling Tian found out that his chest, where the Divine Ice Formula had frozen into one black chunk of flesh, had actually begun to exude a layer of water. As for his face, his muscles suddenly began to twitch and jerk. Unbelievable pain once again attacked Shui QianHuan!
Seven days!
The effective period of the Divine Ice Formula flashed by in an instant!
The death date of Shui QianHuan was near.
Standing by the side, Shui QianRou naturally spotted this, and a distraught expression appeared in her eyes as she looked at her brother, then Ling Tian, before suddenly grabbing onto his lapels and shaking them hard, "Ling Tian, please save him…. Please save my brother… I beg you to save him… I can do anything you wish, please please save my brother!!!" At the last part, Shui QianRou seemed to be using all her strength to shout.
The person in question stood like a block of wood, without the slightest trace of expression on his face. Shui QianHuan's injuries had already reached a terminal stage. Let alone Ling Tian, even if Justice came, or even if a celestial being came down, they all had no ways to do so.
Shui QianHuan's throat started to let out weird gurgling noises, his breathing seeming to have turned into a pair of broken bellows. He had to use every single ounce of willpower he possessed so as to not scream from the extreme pain that wracked every single one of his nerves. He utilized the last breath of air to shout out, "Rou'er, send…. me…."
A violent tremor worked its way across Shui QianRou, and she suddenly let go of Ling Tian's lapels, taking a step back before falling onto the ground. How mentally strong willed she was, when faced with the prospect of killing her own brother, it was not something which could be done just because it was asked! Even if she knew that her brother could not be saved, that living was a pain in itself, she couldn't bring herself to do it!
Shui QianHuan then turned his gaze towards Ling Tian, his eyes full of pleading as he begged, "Ling Tian… please… please help me… I… don't want… to… let out any screams…" Even as his body shook. Tsunamis of pain continuously smashed on his nerves, causing huge droplets of sweat to appear on his forehead even as he endured it. However, the eyes he cast towards Ling Tian were full of urgency.
"Clang!" With a cold expression, Ling Tian pulled his sword out of the sheath, and the darkness seemed to have been lit up with a flash of light in that instant.
"Thank… you…" Shui QianHuan tightly clamped his mouth shut. He was afraid that if he were to leave it open, what would come out next would be screams and groans.
"The sword's name is Heaven Splitter, sending off the Monarch to the West!" Ling Tian solemnly gazed at Shui QianHuan. "We'll meet again in the indefinite future, have a good journey!" The next instant, the Heaven Splitter had already accurately stabbed into Shui QianHuan's heart! Ling Tian's internal energy was sent out, shattering every last bit of life within the former!
Shui QianHuan's body spasmed, and a look of gratitude passed by his face before he closed his eyes. His face calmed down, and on his final moment, a look of release, coupled with some loneliness was left on his face.
The grandson of the direct line of the Shui Family, Shui QianHuan, was dead!
"AHH!!!! —" Shui QianRou's hands trembled as she looked at her brother. She pitifully screamed out in agony, but suddenly cut off midway, looking as though she was frozen in time. Even her eyeballs stopped moving around, and all of a sudden, she looked like an idiot.
Ling Tian sighed as he returned the sword to the scabbard, before stretching out and pressing onto her HeiTian acupoint. This did not cause harm to the body and could allow a person to immediately sink into a deep sleep. The Shui QianRou right now was completely defenseless, keeling to the ground without a sound and fainting into a deep sleep.
Coming out of the carriage, Ling Tian instructed, "Bring the entire carriage over to the Ling Family Courtyard and hand it to Ling Chen. She will know what to do." When he finished, he stared up at the sky. Right now, the only person who could probably ease Shui QianRou in the entire Heavenly Star would be Ling Chen and him. Thinking about it, Ling Tian felt as though Shui QianRou was quite pitiful. In the entire Heavenly Star, with millions of people, how many could she dare to trust? A mere two people and from a certain perspective, one of them was even her enemy! Her own brother had actually died because of the people in the same family as her, and her entire family could not be trusted…
Tragic, what a tragedy this was!
To a seventeen to eighteen-year-old young lass, no matter how strong-willed she was, it would still be an unbearable pain in her life!
Standing by the side, Ling Chi respectfully bowed, and with a light noise, the carriage turned back towards the Ling Outer Courtyard. Ling Tian's body vanished like lightly dissipating smoke. Making a round, he did not find anything strange, nor marks of carriage or people, before he eased his worries. Seeing the carriage slowly merging into the darkness, his body flashed, and the night here regained its peace.