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Chapter 551: Jiao Yue's Heart

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

Ling Tian glided along with the night wind, a bland expression on his face.

Regarding Shui QianHuan, Ling Tian still did not treat him with much importance. It was only in his death that Ling Tian treated him as an opponent. Or else, he wouldn't have used the Heaven Splitter to send Shui QianHuan off.

This was also a sort of consolation.

When Shui QianHuan was there, Ling Chen's Divine Ice Formula had already lost its effect, and his entire body was already bereft of any internal energy. As such, he had to bear with the intense pain! For an ordinary person on the verge of death, to reject an expert's offer of help to circulate their power and ease his pain, choosing to bear it on his own! Just based on this willpower, it was enough to change the expression of anyone who heard of it!

On that point, Ling Tian respected Shui QianHuan. People who could achieve this level of willpower were really too few! Even before death, he still retained the pride and arrogance that belonged to him!

Thus, Ling Tian pulled out his sword! The Heaven Splitter!

While the Heaven Splitter was only just a sword, in this world, it was the symbol of power at its utmost peak. To die under the Heaven Splitter was a sort of comfort to Shui QianHuan, who had a death sentence hanging over him.

Those who obtain the Heaven Splitter obtain the world! This sentence, to Ling Tian, was just a joke, an amusing act, merely a sharp weapon to attract the entire world to fight for it. However, the sad part was that the majority of the people who did not have the knowledge were too many, If there was only one person, then it would be of no consequence, but if thousands upon thousands of people said so, then there was a huge persuasive power!

No one could overlook such a power, including Ling Tian! This might be the power obtained through conforming, but when left untouched for a long period it would still become useful with a huge influence! That was because there were at least 90% of such conformers in the entire world!

Ling Tian suddenly thought of a point. Why did Justice gift the Heaven Splitter to me? The half-year bet on pursuit, directly canceling it was still acceptable. But gifting the sword after canceling the battle?! The symbol of the ruler of the world! Could it be… that Justice's true objective was….

Ling Tian took in a breath of cold air. If this was really the case, then he not using it, not borrowing its influence, he would be a total idiot then!

At this age and in this world, the Heaven Splitter was akin to a ruler's seal of the emperor of the country during the feudal times!

Indeed an extravagant gift!

Ling Tian suddenly halted in his footsteps, at the same time suppressing all the waves in his mind. In front was the Ling Residence! The place where he spent seventeen years of his life growing!

Looking at the words 'Ling Residence' flickering in the dark, Ling Tian took in a deep breath of air. A few months ago he was forced to leave, and this time, he actually felt a tinge of homesickness. Shaking his head, he banished this weird thought of his, and his body straightened as he floated straight into the courtyard. Towards the place whom he was familiar to the utmost with, if he did not want to alert anyone, even if Justice was inside the residence now he still would not be able to detect Ling Tian.

Just as he passed by his own little courtyard, Ling Tian made an amazing discovery. There was actually light coming from the lamp dimly showing inside his room, and that was his personal bedroom. After he left, Yu BingYan and Ling Chen both moved to the Ling Family Courtyard. His room should have long been empty, why would there still be a person staying there?

Under his curiosity, Ling Tian did a flip in the air and dashed towards his place. In half the time it took for a person to draw a breath, he was already lightly landing beside the window, without sight nor sound!

From inside came a low sigh, and a clear and feminine voice sounded, "Little brother Tian, it's been so long, yet you're still not back. Do you know how much I worry about you? The news has spread that no one has yet to survive the pursuit of the Martial Order Medallion owner from Beyond Heavens. I don't believe it, you'll definitely come back safely, I only just need to know that you're safe, just that!"

Ling Tian's heart also stopped. This was Princess Jiao Yue's voice! Why was she here? Dabbing his fingers with saliva, he gently pierced a hole through the paper covering the window and peered through.

Inside the room, Princess Jiao Yue was supporting her chin with one hand, as she languidly sat on the chair Ling Tian always used, staring entranced at the lamp in front of her. Her face was streaked with worry and reminiscence.

"Oh my enemy, how could you just up and leave just like that, without even leaving a single word of explanation? What am I going to do? The entire city knows that I, Jiao Yue, am the wife bestowed upon you by my father, but you, have you truly treated me as your wife?" In the room, Princess Jiao Yue softly sighed. Looking at how she behaved, it was as though Ling Tian was really sitting in front of her, silently listening.

"Could it be that you're still worried that my mom and I will blame you? Although the Ling Family was involved in the destruction of the Imperial Family, causing the Sky Bearing Empire to change owners, in the end, it was Imperial Father who first betrayed the Ling Family. On this point my mother and I are clear. Him falling to such a stage, and yet not being killed by the Ling Family is already a show of mercy. While I may be the daughter of the Long Family, I'm also the niece of the Ling Family. Seeing such a scene is already satisfying for me, do you know that?"

"Your heart now should be extremely relaxed, right? However, do you know how terrible it feels for me to be trapped in between the Long and Ling Family? The Ling Family counterattacking is not wrong, but in the end, no matter his mistakes, he is still my father… sigh, if we become husband and wife in the future, will you still give me the cold shoulder?" Princess Jiao Yue stared misty-eyed at the flame, with a light blush dusting her face.

Ling Tian's heart leaped at her confession. Long Xiang wholly deserved his situation, but Princess Jiao Yue was a complete bystander being caught up in the raging firestorm. She was completely innocent, and added on was the fact that she was announced to the world that she was being betrothed to Ling Tian. Thus, Jiao Yue's situation was actually the most awkward.

To speak the truth, Ling Tian really did not place Jiao Yue within his heart, or he should say, he did not treat her as his woman. While she was Ling Tian's cousin, not even comparing to the place Ling Chen had, even Yu BingYan or Xiao YanXue was already far above her. In his escape, Ling Tian probably did not even think about her at all! Only at this moment did Ling Tian feel a weird and sour feeling in his heart.

Towards Jiao Yue, Ling Tian felt a sense of comfort and warmth just like with an older sibling, and being with Jiao Yue would make Ling Tian extremely relaxed, this sort of feeling was separate from any relationship feelings.

Speaking of which, this sweet-tempered cousin of his had found him extremely likable ever since young, even though he had carried the black tag of Sky Bearing's number one profligate, she had always shown tolerance for that. Having grown up in the Profound Palace Inner Courtyard, her character was especially simple, and by right unable to survive in the inner palace. However, being Ling Ran's only daughter, the eldest daughter of Long Xiang, it was precisely her simpleness and kindness that invoked Long Xiang's love for her. However, without any schemes, and with the majority of power held by Empress Yang, her days were not very comfortable. The only place she probably ever felt safe was the Ling Family, where she spent many a day in happiness. It was also where she created trouble with Ling Tian. A pity that Ling Tian was a person of two lifetimes, and hence did not have any sort of childish fantasies to speak of, thus their communications were few and between!

However, it was this sort of pure and simple girl, that because of a mistake made by her elders, landed in such a miserable state. Ling Tian was very clear that Jiao Yue was someone who was deeply traditional and only knew how to obey others without resistance. Even when her own marriage was used to win over the subject's loyalty, she never tried to resist or fight for her rights. Long Xiang had betrothed her to Ling Tian, and she had just accepted, even happily so. This was because, while Ling Tian had the black name of a profligate, he was still someone she knew and was familiar with, better than some unknown husband.

As Ling Tian slowly unveiled his shining talents, Jiao Yue also started to feel more and more pleased, for ever since she was betrothed, she had treated herself as Ling Tian's wife, with him as her one and only husband. Seeing her husband change for the better, she was filled with joy. Especially during the Literature Meet at Smoky Thea Tower, where his fame shot towards the sky, Princess Jiao Yue felt like her heart was drowning in honey!

But this joy only lasted for a few days, for the three-pronged scheme to destroy Ling Xiao and the Ling Family was revealed, with her father actually being the mastermind behind it!

This was followed by the winds of change, where Ling Xiao's army was surrounded and in grave danger. Ling Tian rushing a thousand miles out to rescue him, charging straight into the army, willfully slaughtering and earning himself the reputation of an asura. Back in Sky Bearing, Ling Chen and Meng LiGe all devised a strategy to take down the Long and Yang Families, turning the tables around to the perpetrators and causing Sky Bearing to have a change in regime! After Long Xiang lost the battle, he was put under house arrest in the Ling Family, and he lost his sanity, becoming a lunatic.

Her own father forgot favors and tried to violate justice by plotting against her own husband's family. This shattered the beautiful fantasy dream she was living in! How could a little girl in her youth bear so much tragedy?!

Before she could settle the relationship matters, while Jiao Yue was still at a loss, along came the news of Ling Tian being pursued by the number one expert of the pugilistic world, Justice, and had fled for over a thousand miles. Jiao Yue's heart immediately came round, throwing aside the tiny bit of hatred she had, and she wholly worried about Ling Tian, praying, even having nightmares, with a depressed expression daily. This was exacerbated when the Yu Family, one of the two largest aristocratic families, brought people to propose a marriage, with the Ling Family agreeing! Jiao Yue, who had no one left to rely on, almost fell into absolute despair!

With setbacks one after another, Jiao Yue finally fell ill. Because Old Madam Ling had always looked fondly upon her, she had personally cared for her illness, and Jiao Yue had voiced out that she would like to move to Ling Tian's personal courtyard to tend to her illness. How could Old Madam Ling not see her intentions? Pitying her infatuation, as well as knowing that Ling Tian would probably not head to his tiny yard the moment he came back, she agreed.

Chapter 552: Returning Home

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

As such, Jiao Yue immediately moved into Ling Tian's yard.

Even if she couldn't see him and dearly missed him, his lingering smell in the room could help ease her longing. Every table and stool, every grass or wood would all have Ling Tian's traces on them. When Jiao Yue slept at night, she would even use the blanket that Ling Tian had covered himself with and there would be Ling Tian's lingering manly aura on the blanket. Every night, Jiao Yue would even shyly feel that she was sharing the same bed with her beloved husband. Thus, every time it was night and before she fell asleep, even if she was alone in the room, Jiao Yue would be filled with embarrassment whenever she took off her clothes…

It was late into the night but Jiao Yue was still muttering under her breath. Her eyes were in a dreamy state and her face was slightly pinkish. On top of the desk, the candle would occasionally flicker in the wind. Finally, Jiao Yue let out a yawn and stretched lazily. Standing up she turned around with a gentle motion and looking at the blanket on top of the bed, her face turned red and she said softly, "Little brother Tian, your elder sister is going to hug you to sleep."

Outside the window, Ling Tian felt his heart shake. When he was still about three or four, he would frequently stay the night at the palace and Jiao Yue would frequently stay in the Ling Residence. Every time, she had to hug Ling Tian until he went to sleep, otherwise he would start whining and sobbing. At the same time, the Ling Family was also happy to let the two of them stay together so they did not need to make a separate sleeping arrangement.

Before they slept, Jiao Yue would have a victory smile on her face as she said, "Little brother Tian, your elder sister is going to hug you to sleep."

At that time, Ling Tian naturally did not know whether to laugh or cry. With the soul of a twenty-year-old man, he was held by a little girl to go to sleep. But after more than ten years, hearing these same words shook Ling Tian's heart.

Looking at Jiao Yue undressing before she got into bed, Ling Tian sighed in his heart and turned his head around with his heart in a complete mess. Just what should he do? If he didn't want her, Jiao Yue would definitely be ruined for life. But if he accepted her… Ling Tian didn't feel that it was appropriate in his heart. After all, Ling Tian was the one who personally caused Long Xiang's craziness. This was the enmity of him destroying her father…

He first made her father crazy before taking over all of his territory and then would carry his daughter into the nuptial chamber? Ling Tian could not help but curse himself for being evil! Just what was this?! He could not help but give a spit of disgust.

From the room, Jiao Yue's flustered voice could suddenly be heard, "Who? Who's outside? Is it little brother Tian who is back?!"

Ling Tian was startled. Afraid that he would be spotted if she came out, he quickly sprinted away.

With a creaking sound, Jiao Yue's maid walked out warily with a lantern. After looking around and seeing that there wasn't anyone in the surroundings, she eased the door closed. What Ling Tian did not know was that this wasn't the first time that Jiao Yue was overly suspicious. How would Jiao Yue who didn't know a thing about martial arts be able to spot Ling Tian's light movements? It was no more than a coincidence!

Ling Tian then tiptoed his way to his mother's door. The room was still lit and the sound of pages flipping could be heard. It seemed like his mother was still looking through the accounts. But what kind of accounts would require his mother to look through them late at night?

Ling Tian knocked onto the door with doubts in his heart. From inside, Chu Ting'er's voice filled with alertness could be heard, "Who's outside?"

Ling Tian replied softly, "Mother, it is me. Tian'er is back."

The room fell into silence. After almost half a year, she finally heard her son's voice. In a state of extreme ecstasy, Chu Ting'er had actually gone into a daze. After a moment later, Ling Tian heard the sounds of flurried footsteps followed by the door being swung open violently. Just when Ling Tian was about to walk into the room, his ear was twisted by his mother's jade hand and he felt two dull kicks on his behind. "You little b*st*rd! How can you run away without letting me know! You left for a few months and did not even bother sending me any news! You… you are going to anger me to death! You little b*st*rd, I will smack you until a flower blooms from your ass!"

Ling Tian did not dare to struggle as he cried out in pain, "Mother… siiii… not so hard…"

"You still know what pain is?!" Chu Ting'er used even more strength and tears suddenly rolled down from her cheeks. "You little b*st*rd! You ran away without saying a thing and were chased by the number one expert in the world. Do you know how worried your mother was? I couldn't even get a good nights sleep! You you… you unfilial little beast! When will you be able to let me worry less?" She then could not help but smack Ling Tian on the behind another two more times. However, she did not use the slightest bit on strength this time and Ling Tian even wondered if the dust on his behind was swept off or not.

Ling Tian pretended that it hurt badly and pleaded for mercy.

A long while later, Chu Ting'er finally calmed down and carefully inspected her son. After going out for a full four months, her son did not turn tan or skinny but his skin was instead glowing and he seemed to have grown taller. She was then at ease as she wept tears of joy.

At this moment, Ling Tian was like an obedient baby, sitting on the spot upright and allowing his mother to check whatever she wanted. He was naturally not afraid of his mother realizing anything. After his previous transformation, his body was fitter than before and his skin was silky to the point a lady would be envious of it. Even all of the scars on his body had disappeared and he was like a hard-boiled egg with its shell being peeled off. Even if Chu Ting'er had microscopic vision, she wouldn't be able to find anything.

"Weren't you being chased? Why does it seem like you were out for a makeover? You were actually chased to the point you became beautiful?" Chu Ting'er looked at her son with doubt. She heard that the one chasing after Ling Tian was the number one expert in the world. But why did it seem as though her son was in an even better state than being at home?

"Mother, don't worry. The martial arts of that fellow weren't up to mark and this child went out for a spin with him like I was playing with a child." Ling Tian wouldn't dare to let her mother know how frightening that Justice was lest she would be worried about him. He then said cheekily, "However, this child is already a grown man and you used the wrong adjectives. You should be describing me as suave and elegant, bold and vigorous. Don't ever say that I am beautiful again… err… mother, you are the one becoming more and more beautiful. If the two of us were to walk on the streets, the others would definitely think that you are my younger sister."

"Glib tongue! You dare to joke with your mother like this?! You truly have guts!" Chu Ting'er laughingly reprimanded Ling Tian, "Why did you return at such a time? Couldn't you wait until the sun is up?"

Ling Tian said with a bitter expression, "The problem is that I do not want others to know that I am back. This is a military plan. Hehe…"

Chu Ting'er glared at her son with both doting and anger in her eyes, "Then you should let your grandfather and grandmother know that you are back at the very least. Do you know how much they miss you? In the few months that you were gone, your grandmother's hair has almost all turned white. You heartless brat."

Ling Tian hurriedly promised, "Of course. I will go and pay my respects to grandmother after this." The two of them then began to chat for a short while. While Chu Ting'er could not bear to let Ling Tian go, she also knew that he needed to pay his respects to Old Madam Ling. Now that her son was back home, the worry in her heart was finally gone and she felt a wave of tiredness.

Ling Tian then helped his mother to the bed gently and before he left, Chu Ting'er said with a sigh, "When you have time, go and visit your aunt and Jiao Yue. Your aunt is also worried about you. However, she has not fully recovered from her grief and is currently pregnant. You must watch your words when you visit her."

Ling Tian hurriedly agreed and after a short hesitation, Chu Ting'er said, "Tian'er, regardless of what enmity exists between both our families, everything is over already. Our Ling Family was not harmed in the slightest and Long Xiang… as the mastermind of the whole affair, he already received the punishment he deserved. The Long Family will no longer have the chance to fight for power again. It is best for you to show mercy at times and you should consider the matter carefully…"

Ling Tian was completely puzzled and asked, "Mother, what are you talking about? After talking in such a big circle, I still don't understand what you are trying to say."

She glared at her son with anger and said, "I am referring to your cousin, Jiao Yue. I watched her grow up and understand her personality very well. On top of that, she is infatuated with you and she is also your fiancee in name. If you can, I hope that you will treat her better! Do not have any prejudice against her because of that b*st*rd emperor." These few months, Chu Ting'er could naturally see how much Jiao Yue missed Ling Tian. No matter what, Jiao Yue was someone who Chu Ting'er watched grow up. Now that Ling Tian was back, she had to remind him about it.

Ling Tian rubbed his head and said with frustration, "Mother, I remember that you have always been opposed to polygamy. Why do you wish for your son to have more wives now?"

"Nonsense! Preventing polygamy is your father's treatment!" Chu Ting'er flared up, "As for my son, as long as you can handle it, your mother will find the silver for you even if you want to have ten thousand wives!"

Ling Tian broke out in a sweat!

It turns out that her standards would change depending on the person! His mother's ferocity made Ling Tian pity his father in his heart. How pitiful!

Just when Ling Tian was about to go out, Chu Ting'er suddenly thought about something and whispered mysteriously into his ears, "That lass Jiao Yue isn't too bad. Not only is she beautiful, she has large breasts and wide hips. She will definitely be a good candidate to bear children."

Ling Tian was dumbfounded.

When he returned to the Ling Family Courtyard, it was already past midnight. His experience from a single night made Ling Tian stimulated, attacked, harmed, trampled…

His red ears were naturally the doing of his mother. The few canes that he suffered on the behind was naturally by Old Madam Ling. As for the few bumps on his head, it was naturally his grandfather's way of doting on him…

As he sprinted back to the courtyard, Ling Tian sighed along the way. There isn't much time left. This young noble still intends to talk about life goals with Ling Chen. My grandparents and parents are all getting eager to hug a grandson…

Chapter 553: YanXue in Fright

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

Steathily and silently, Ling Tian flipped himself through the window into the room. Inside, Ling Chen had already warily opened her eyes as she sat up, "Who is it?"

In a weird voice, Ling Tian cackled, "Little Beautiful, it's me. I'm the serial flower thief, here to 'pick your beautiful flower' 1 , you had better not resist." Like a hungry tiger pouncing on its food, he immediately pinned the svelte body below his own, his two hands moving naturally on instinct to attack the defences, conquering the land until he reached the highest twin peaks. Ling Chen let out a yelp. She had already recognized Ling Tian's voice a long time ago, and was overjoyed yet embarrassed, so how could she retaliate?

Following Ling Tian's ever brazen reactions, Ling Chen could only begin to moan as her body melted into Ling Tian's embrace. She opened her mouth with difficulty, as though wanting to say something, but Ling Tian was prepared and immediately sealed her tiny mouth with his. It was as though her brain got short-circuited, her entire self lost within the passionate kiss of her lover who she had not seen for a long time. Ling Tian's hands did not stop moving though, removing all the articles of clothing with a practiced hand, and the moment Ling Chen recovered her senses, she found out that her body was without a single thread, and under the demonic grip of her loved one, it was already trembling non stop…

Striving to keep her amorous eyes open, she held on to the offending hand that was currently around her chest, and pouted with a red face, "Young Noble is too hasty… Sister Yan is still by the side, and this is a really inconvenient time….

Ling Tian received a shock, and his busy hands suddenly froze as he stretched his head out for a look. On the other side of the bed was precisely Yu BingYan, who was deep in sleep with slow breaths… as though she was not disturbed by Ling Tian's arrival….

Ling Tian's face turned bitter, "My good Chen'er, I've… for four months now…" Ling Chen could only nestle embarrassedly on his chest as she whispered, "How about… we go to your room?"

In great joy, Ling Tian gave her ample chest a vigourous rub, before lowering his head and latching onto her lips as he mumbled, "This lady Ling Chen is indeed an agreeable person. Looks like this flower thief today will definitely get to pick your flower! My luck with women is indeed not a shallow one, hehehehe….."

Ling Chen could only let out a lovable moan as she gripped tightly on Ling Tian, breathing heavily as she replied, "Young Noble… Ling Chen has always belonged to young noble… since you want to pick my flower, then you can pick it however you want… Chen'er also wants… young noble…"

This sentence was like a potent aphrodisiac, for Ling Tian immediately felt the blood in his entire blood rage, and he grunted, "Then I'll not be courteous for today…"

Ling Chen's face turned redder, and her arms circled around his neck as she closed her eyes and moaned, "….up to you."

With a low laugh, Ling Tian exerted some strength to carry Ling Chen, and vanished in another instant.

On the bed, Yu BingYan's lashes suddenly trembled, as though wanting to open, and her face immediately started to turn a brilliant shade of red. What was she dreaming about? However, she suddenly flipped, and pulled the blanket over her head…. It seems like this lass was actually dishonest about about sleeping soundly….

Only late the next morning did our great noble Ling walk out of his room feeling extremely refreshed. He squinted his eyes towards the sun, comfortably stretching out his waist as he let out a brilliant smile.

After living four months like a celibate, Ling Tian, as well as little Ling Tian, felt almost stifled to death. Last night, regardless of Ling Chen's protests and pleas, Ling Tian had wantonly ravaged her repeatedly, with the result being Ling Chen was still dead asleep on the bed even with such a profound cultivation, her body completely bereft of energy.

Recalling Ling Chen's bashful fawning yesterday, Ling Tian suddenly felt his little brother jump up in excitement once again, and almost could not resist the temptation to return back to the room and begin another round immediately. He quickly breathed deeply, suppressing the heat in his abdomen. He found it depressing how his lust was raging more and more out of control in the recent times. In the past, there used to be such occurrences, but so long as he practiced the reverse sutra for his Divine Shocking Dragon Formula, then he could calm his emotions down. However, he found out that even if he could suppress it like so, the next flare up would be far more intense.

He could only smile wryly to himself. If this were to go on, then his rule of having one wife would definitely be impossible. This was because one woman right now was definitely unable to take his vigorous stamina and strength. Just look at Ling Chen's situation. A day or two might seem possible, but a long period of time would only harm her body, and even with Ling Chen's strengthened constitution, she still could not take it, let alone others.

Luckily I've transmigrated to another life! Ling Tian resentfully thought. If it was the past him, he would only be able to marry one wife, and most likely, there would be no woman who would be able to endure this stamina, likely making him end up as a bachelor. It was better for him to have transmigrated!

Ling Tian's sensitive hearing next picked up a group of footsteps walking past. One pair hurried by, followed by another, then a next, as though they could not stand still.

Nobody knew why there was now a cordoned off courtyard beside the secret chamber, but nobody raised any issues, as though it was a common occurrence.

From afar came two other rushing over, and their conversation traveled into Ling Tian's ears.

"Old Tie, I heard that the new God of Wealth is not a simple character at all. Are you sure your side is fine? I just saw Old Qian and the rest walking out with an expression as though their mother just died, they must have been criticized the whole time, hahaha, how satisfying!" A voice full of schadenfreude sounded.

"Ai, who knows." Another helpless voice sounded, "You really have it easy, just requiring you to check out how many blades are freshly produced everyday, write a few strokes on the accounts and that's it. I'm in big trouble, being the supervisor for one side of revenue and grain supply. The nitty gritty details can already destroy me, and I'm hoping that this God of Wealth will go easy on me. Hais!"

"You won't get into trouble, who doesn't know that you, Old Tie, have always done things in a meticulous manner? Relax, you should be fine!" Though the words sounded like reassurance, the tone of the voice was as though the person was awaiting a good show.

"F**k your mom! You want to see me make a fool of myself! Dream on!" The other guy ruthlessly cursed.

Their voices grew fainter, and the first person seemed to have said something, followed by huge roars of laughter before they entered the secret chamber.

Ling Tian finally realized that Xiao YanXue had finally started her job as the new financial controller. It seemed like those helpers in charge of running their businesses for him were in for some trouble. As the saying went, the new boss cracks the whip three times 2 , and our dear Miss Xiao had only cracked her whip once so far!

Ling Tian pursed up his mouth as he thought, This girl really acts fast.

He had to admit that this sort of swift and decisive reaction was something he admired. However, this could also be attributed to the fact that Xiao YanXue had left her post for quite an extended period, which made her hands a little itchy. Right now, after assuming her old trade, she would definitely be full of vigor, and with this being the foundation of her loved one Ling Tian, Xiao YanXue would definitely show more effort.

But if that was the case, then this group of supervisors were in for a 'treat'! YanXue's profession could not be hidden, and was not inferior in any aspect to his own mother, with some parts even surpassing her. While the supervisors mentioned about tidying up the accounts before hand, with some even better than the accountants themselves, there were still quite a few uneducated people who were placed in charge as the business expanded. Thus, Ling Tian could be sure that quite a few of them would walk out with swollen faces, oh, a good example would be that Old Tie that just went in…

Only by passing through Xiao YanXue's reorganization could the messy finances of the Ling Family Courtyard become stable and official. Ling Tian could imagine the type of foundation he was setting up, that what sort of huge benefits he could reap after the huge amount of finances, grain and military supplies went through Xiao YanXue's magical hands.

What Ling Tian was unaware of was that ever since he set down this command, Xiao YanXue who was seated in the secret chamber had almost been frightened out of her wits! Never in her dreams did she imagine that Ling Tian's strength had already grown to such a frightening state in the dark! Even she who was used to huge sums of money, was still overwhelmed with shock at the accounts!

The preparations made in all four directions by the Ling Family Courtyard was just on the surface. The fully compiled report made Xiao YanXue totally dumbfounded, unable to imagine that Ling Tian's subordinates could actually have such an efficient and fast method to gather resources, already outstripping even the Xiao Family's by more than half!

However, what made her the most confused was that even with the crazy accumulation of wealth, as well as the immense project that was ongoing, there was actually no proper system of doing things as well as an extraordinarily messy accounting! In her eyes, it was as though a swarm of bees were doing work. They did not even separate the revenues from the expenditure, placing them together, and as for splitting by departments, don't even go there!

Xiao YanXue always thought that in order to rake in wealth, one had to have a huge brain behind everything, as well as many talents working together to create this miracle. She could not fathom just how Ling Tian had managed to rely on these riff-raffs to create such a huge family property!

Furthermore, she had merely skimmed through the surface. The more frightening part was that within all the messy accounts, revenue and expenses, there was actually no signs of embezzlement present. Even with the influence of the Xiao Family, as well as the various talents under them, coupled with Xiao YanXue's talent, they too found it hard to prevent any form of embezzlement. Xiao YanXue was sure that embezzlement of funds was something impossible to prevent, and so long as it wasn't too obvious, they could let it slip. However, for Ling Tian's subordinates, such messy accounting was as good as a god-sent opportunity for them to get filthy rich, and yet, there was no such incidents happening.

This was something impossible!!!!

Chapter 554: Decisive Battle Begins

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

For such a scenario, if Xiao YanXue were to actually question Ling Tian, he probably would not be able to answer either. In real life, achieving such wealth through official channels wasn't actually possible. If Xiao YanXue found out that the most infamous bandit groups within Heavenly Star all belonged to this Young Noble Ling, then she wouldn't be so surprised anymore!

As for saying that nobody was corrupt, what was supposed to be an impossibility could also become a possibility if you were like Ling Tian, instilling all sorts of loyalist mentality into them since they were young. Just look at Ling Jian, Ling Chi, Ling Twenty, XiMen Sa, and the rest, and nobody would find it astonishing!

With this group of cold-blooded killers staring like loyal tigers at the Ling Family's businesses, even if one person wanted to stuff their pockets, they would also need to reconsider if their heads were rooted and steady. Everyone present was clear on Ling Tian's ruthless methods, as well as his strictness towards his subordinates. Nobody dared to commit the heavenly crime of going against his authority!

In actuality, the humongous funds inside the Ling Family Courtyard not only came from their scattered businesses such as hotels and gambling dens all over the continent, but a large portion was also obtained through robbing. This sort of 'business' had no startup cost and was naturally more profitable since all income was pure profit. This was to the point that under the urging of the insatiable Ling Jian, they had repeatedly 'practiced' their operations, achieving a large and unimaginable bounty!

What was meant by 'practice' was actually auctioning off the items that they had stolen, then after collecting the money, stealing them again so they could sell them off once more…

Naturally, this sort of behavior was quickly halted by Ling Tian, or else that Boss Tian's… no, it should be Boss Ling Tian's, number two man would probably have created something unspeakable in the future…

Under this sort of frightening speed in collecting funds, the financial resources under Ling Tian naturally ballooned up like a ball being inflated. Every day there would be a few bandits dressed up as businessmen bringing in a few carriages worth of loot… Naturally, under this sort of speed, even if you were a serious professional you would need to work night and day to barely sort things out. If a group of old men was tasked to account for these things in the warehouse, it would definitely end up as a mess, and the accounts would be in a similar mess.

Even though Chu Ting'er had sent thousands of professionals over to maintain the foundation and integrity of the business, and was still sending over large numbers of personnel each year, compared to the needs of the Ling Family Courtyard it was as good as pouring a cup of water onto a cart of burning firewood. This was especially so for the large expansion the Ling Family Courtyard was undergoing, as well as their conduct of inhaling large amounts of military supplies and food. It practically multiplied year after year, causing the place to be severely understaffed! A bunch of uneducated old men had to unwillingly begin to take up this complicated work…

Ling Tian naturally knew that with his meager influence at the start as well as his family's superficial foundations, he could not actually fight against the huge Xiao Family. Going through proper channels to amass money would be considered a fool's dream. The moment the Ling Family Courtyard was built, he sent out all the Blood Iron Warriors to "make money". All dynasties in the world had amassed money that was reeking in blood, and even for Ling Tian who had two lifetimes of experience, it was no different…

This was also why Ling Tian had practically excavated the entire Mount Victory to turn it into several hundred large storerooms…

When Xiao YanXue first understood the nature of Ling Tian's business, other than fright and shock, she also felt panic and could not believe it. She found it utterly unbelievable!

To think that Ling Tian's concrete details would be so frightening, so atrocious!

Grandpa, you were right in your judgment about Ling Tian, but why did you not follow through? The Xiao Family will face this huge hoodlum soon enough, and maybe even the number one financial magnate in the entire continent will vanish into smoke!

While she had long considered herself as Ling Tian's woman, but upon understanding his financial ability and internal information, she could not help but worry for her family. She was extremely clear that this involved not only financial ability but also military affairs. If that was the case, then how strong was his military force? And what about his intelligence force, which had never been revealed yet?

She did not even dare to continue pondering.

Not out of Ling Tian's expectations, only an hour had passed when he heard the same Old Tie shuffle past in dejection, while mumbling dispiritedly to himself. After Xiao YanXue had looked at his accounts, she had immediately thrown them into a corner before lecturing him ruthlessly and commanding him to alter this and that and had even set a time limit for him. For someone who only knew how to use his fists, having a sword chop off his head would be better! No wonder that the five huge men that walked out previously looked as though they were holding a funeral…

Ling Tian however would naturally not care about such things. He only set down an order, that all finance related matters would be taken over by Xiao YanXue, and everyone needed to comply without questions. If there were violations, they would be taken care of using martial law!

It was precisely because of this order that left the bunch of lawless men all screaming in misery. Where was their justice?! To let them plunder, kill, conquer lands, that wasn't a problem, but these little scribbles on the accounting books were difficult beyond belief. Furthermore, their thick fingers which were akin to carrots could not even hold the slender brush properly, let alone write!

From behind him, the door softly creaked open, and when he turned around, Ling Tian saw Ling Chen slightly frowning as she bashfully bit her lips, standing red-faced by the entrance of the door. After the extreme joy she went through last night, the Ling Chen who was completely bereft of strength revealed her most resplendent charm, much like a Chinese crabapple slowly blossoming, full of grace and maturity. The glance Ling Tian casually gave made him stand stock still, and little Ling Tian leaped up at this time, signaling his intention to continue his expedition!

As though sensing his fiery gaze, Ling Chen rolled her eyes at him, half in joy and half in annoyance, her face turning scarlet.

A satisfied feeling rose from the depths of Ling Tian's heart. Knowing full well that his lover could not take much more, he suppressed little Ling Tian, and was about to speak, but was interrupted by two people flying from different directions.

The figure in white had with black hair cascading like a waterfall, her figure graceful like the willow; while the other was dressed in black, straight as a sword, his eyes shooting out ice cold killing intent!

Both sides clashed with their gazes in mid-air, and it was as though two swords just clashed and created sparks.

Li Xue, Ling Jian!

The two of them were finally here!

Ling Tian saw how Ling Jian's hands held a small bag, and a weird expression appeared on his face. If he was not wrong, that should be the Chinese goldthread 1 that Ling Jian went to painstaking lengths to search for.

The two of them stared at Ling Tian together, their eyes shooting out strong battle intent.

Ling Jian turned to look at Li Xue, shooting out a cold smile as he said, "For today's battle, I just ask for it to be satisfying!" As he spoke, he threw out his hand, and the bag landed and opened, showing over a dozen big and small goldthreads! Ling Jian smiled coldly in and in an arrogant manner, "This will be our bet!"

"Whoever loses will have to boil these goldthreads in water and drink nine bowls consecutively!" Ling Jian crowed. Looking at Li Xue, he seemed to already imagine that hateful woman pinching her nose and drinking bowl after bowl. This filled him with unprecedented glee.

Ling Tian sighed as he looked at Ling Jian, "Ah'Jian, won't you reconsider? Fighting with a woman, is it glorious even if you win? And how many goldthreads are there? Can you really bear to force them down her throat?" His eyes were directed towards Ling Jian, yet he was already sending meaningful glances towards Li Xue, telling her that since she had tortured Ling Jian throughout their entire journey back, shouldn't she show mercy this time around?

Ling Jian nodded his head as he resentfully spat, "Young Noble, it's not that I'm bullying the weak. You don't know about this, but the amount of goldthread I ate throughout the journey back can be compared to all these here. She actually took advantage of my precarious position, so how can I not return this favor?!"

Li Xue's face seemed to be a little nervous as she said, "Ah'Jian, you seem to have prepared a few too many goldthreads. Why don't we reduce the amount by half?"

Seeing this, Ling Tian found it unexpected, 'What was going on with this great demoness today, that she suddenly would show such kindness? She seems to really be showing me a lot of face. Half is not too bad, let me help and see how much more I can reduce for Ling Jian.' He added on immediately, "Yes, it's indeed too much, even half is too much, how about… one-fifth? Maybe one-tenth would do too!"

Ling Jian bowed as he replied, "Young Noble, I know you have protective feelings for the fairer sex, but do you know, how vicious this Miss Li was, how much she tortured me along the way?!" Turning his head, he icily stared at her as he hissed, "Now you're scared? What did you do in the past, didn't you think of this when you tortured me in the past!"

Ling Tian stared, a little dumbfounded. How could I not know Li Xue's frightening ability? I should be asking if you understand how truly frightening she is instead. How could this lass ever be kind? This is just basically pushing you towards a trap full of spikes for you to fall in to! People are pushing you in, yet you are not trying to fight back or dodge, and instead go with the momentum and jump into the trap, are you a fool?!

The originally worried face of Li Xue suddenly took a 180 degree change as she exclaimed, "Young Noble Ling, see, I was trying to help him by giving him a chance, but he doesn't want to accept it! I have no choice, do I?" Ling Tian only rolled his eyes at her. Others might not know, but how could he not be aware of her methods? Wasn't this the archetype of a conveniently obedient person?

Li Xue followed closely with another sentence, "Ah'Jian, are you prepared?" Ling Jian only straightened and snorted deeply, retorting, "Miss Li, are you prepared to drink the goldthread water?"

Chapter 555: Sufficient Preparation

Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock

Ling Chen who was by the door walked to Ling Tian slowly and leaned on his shoulder. Looking at both Ling Jian and Li Xue, she could not help but chuckle and said softly, "Young noble, since everything has been prepared, you should give the order. Ah'Jian has always looked down on ladies and after losing to me previously, he remains unresigned in his heart up until now. It would also be a good thing for sister Li Xue to show him her prowess. She can show him what it means for there to always be someone more powerful than him!" The second half of her words were said to Li Xue.

Li Xue broke out into a bright smile and she intentionally swept her gaze past Ling Tian's face before saying confidently, "Younger sister Ling Chen, I will definitely make you satisfied today! A while later, I will show this master assassin how a pig head is created. Master assassin Ling, First Pavilion Master, it seems like you are already addicted to drinking goldthread water…"

Ling Jian replied with a smirk, "It is still undecided just who will be the one drinking the goldthread water! What is the point of bragging at this moment?!" Following that he shouted, "Men!" Following which, Ling Chi, Ling Lei and Ling Dian entered together carrying a large tub of water, dried leaves, and nine huge bowls!

The three of them gave a respectful bow to Ling Tian before busily getting to work. Their actions were extremely well-coordinated and they must have practiced before this for sure. It seems like Ling Jian was truly well prepared. Not only did he prepare the goldthread, he even called three of his brothers over as witnesses.

In just a short few moments, a large stove was set up in the corner of the yard and a metal pot hung over it. Following that, a large bucket of water was poured into it and Ling Jian delightedly threw in a large packet of goldthread.

Ling Tian could not help but be stunned as he burst out laughing, "Ah'Jian, you are truly well prepared. Regardless of who the victor is, I will be greeted with a good show! Hahaha…"

Ling Jian remained calm and replied respectfully, "Young noble has taught Ling Jian that I must definitely make sufficient preparations before taking action!"

Ling Tian laughed to the point he could barely breathe, "Alright, you indeed lived up to my teachings and your preparatory work is truly sufficient. Since both of you refuse to back down and so much preparation has already been made, I am also willing to witness a good show."

Li Xue looked at the metal pot with a smile that didn't seem like a smile. She then looked at Ling Jian calmly without an expression.

Ling Jian cupped his fists and the delighted expression of being able to take his vengeance could be seen. "May young noble give the order and allow us to battle."

Ling Tian exchanged gazes with Ling Chen and Li Xue before replying, "Since the two of you insists on fighting, then the two of you shall fight here and now! Ling Chi, raise the fire! The time taken for the water to boil will be the time limit of your fight!"

"Since the two of you are going to fight, there must be a few rules. Number one, you are not allowed to leave this yard. Number two, you are not allowed to affect the fire. Number three, I allow both of you to go all-out. Injuries are fine but death is forbidden!" Ling Tian looked at the two of them and said slowly.

These three conditions were extremely loose. Regardless of whether it was Li Xue or Ling Jian, they would both aim to kill the moment they took action. Furthermore, Ling Jian had the advantage in this aspect. If his killing moves were restricted, Ling Jian's battle prowess would be largely restricted and it definitely wouldn't be fair. Thus, Ling Tian decided to let them go all out. As for the second rule, it was actually biased towards Ling Jian. With Li Xue's Divine Ice Formula, she could easily freeze the flames and the water of the pot would never boil! Of course, this was something that Ling Jian would never know.

A violent glow exploded forth from Ling Jian's eyes and he looked at Ling Tian with gratitude before taking a few steps back.

Ling Jian's expression was solemn and with every step he took, it was as though there was a mountain resting on his shoulders becoming heavier and heavier. The black robes that he was wearing fluttered like there was a wind and after seven steps, Ling Jian's clothes fluttered like he was standing on a mountain peak! At this moment, the whole yard was filled with silence and even the trees in the distance were completely motionless.

This form of extreme silence was extremely strange.

With just the momentum of walking backward, Ling Jian was able to accumulate his aura to the peak! At this moment, Ling Jian was like the boundless ocean, steady and impenetrable!

Looking at Ling Jian's fluttering clothes and hair despite the lack of wind, a look of praise could be seen in Ling Tian's eyes. Even Ling Tian didn't expect that Ling Jian's improvement was so huge! It was truly out of his expectations!

However…

Ling Chen said something well: There was always someone stronger!

Li Xue chuckled and seemed to be completely unaffected by the huge pressure that Ling Jian was emanating. She then took a few casual steps back and the distance between the two of them widened to fifty feet. As she looked at Ling Jian in the eye, her white robes were completely still. The powerful pressure and violent winds stirred up by Ling Jian's inner qi seemed to be completely neutralized when it was in front of Li Xue.

Li Xue still had a leisurely expression as though she did not do anything at all. Facing Ling Jian who had unleashed his aura, she undoubtedly had the upper hand!

Ling Chi, Ling Lei, and Ling Dian could naturally understand the phenomenon before their eyes and could not help but be shocked. Despite their confidence in Ling Jian, they were inevitably worried for him. It seems like brother Jian's opponent was extremely powerful!

At this moment, Ling Tian let out an order, "Raise the fire!"

Without any hesitation, Ling Chi lit up the dry wood and leaves under the pot and the boiling heat filled the yard!

With a clanging sound, Ling Jian drew his sword. However, there was something extremely strange about his actions. Before his sword had fully left its sheath, the sky was filled with the sound of his treasured sword leaving its sheath. The moment Ling Jian stretched his arms out, it was as though there were countless swords leaving their sheaths at the same moment!

Before his sword left its sheath, the powerful sword qi had already enveloped the whole yard!

Li Xue took in a deep breath and her expression remained the same. However, the leisurely look in her eyes was replaced by one of seriousness. Although she did not make a single move, the impression which she gave off was one that she had already moved. It was as though her snow-white figure was levitating in mid-air with her cold gaze being locked onto Ling Jian!

The moment Ling Jian drew his sword, he successfully climbed out from his disadvantage and the sound of countless swords being drawn sliced through Li Xue's inner qi which was locked onto him!

From this moment, victory and defeat were difficult to predict.

Ling Chi, Ling Lei, and Ling Dian heaved a sigh of relief together. Their brother Jian was truly magnificent. As long as he had a sword in his hand, he would be the asura! How would a lass be able to block such an aura?

In their eyes, since their brother Jian was no longer at the disadvantage, victory would definitely belong to him.

Ling Tian felt Ling Chen's soft palm holding onto his hand and a nervous voice in his ears, "Young noble, who do you think will emerge victorious?"

Both Li Xue and Ling Jian's cultivation weren't below Ling Chen's and she couldn't accurately point out who had the upper hand!

With his eagle eyes, Ling Tian studied every little action of the two and said in a soft voice, "Ah'Jian's improvement over the past few months is truly stunning and beyond my expectations. However, that would be depending on who he is compared against. From the start of the battle, Li Xue had the upper hand in the competition of their auras. Despite Ling Jian wiping out his disadvantage by drawing his sword, he had already lost the initiative."

Ling Chen whispered, "Does young noble think that Ah'Jian will lose?"

Ling Tian smiled, "This would depend on Ling Jian's confidence and willpower. The larger his confidence and willpower, the harder he would fall. If Ling Jian was not so confident and eager of his victory before the start of the battle, things would be easier for him instead. However, Ah'Jian is currently on the passive side. If not, with his current strength, it wouldn't be easy for Li Xue to attain victory and it would be extremely difficult for her to do so before the water boils!"

Ling Chen replied with an 'Oh' and fell into thought.

With the flash of a white light, Ling Jian's sword was finally out of its sheath and a brilliant splendor emanated from it.

Before his sword was fully out of its sheath, it let out a heaven-shaking commotion as though there were ten thousand horses galloping through the grasslands. But at the actual moment when the sword left its sheath, it was completely silent!

This was an extreme change!

Ling Tian gasped, "Ling Jian's talents truly leave me in admiration. However, it is truly a pity. If he is able to take another step, he would be comparable to Li Xue and the outcome wouldn't be his miserable defeat. It is a pity that he is still missing a single step."

Ling Chen was stunned, "If he is only missing a single step, there shouldn't be a huge gap between them right? Is he truly unable to escape from the plight of a miserable defeat?"

Ling Tian smiled, "Chen'er, you can be considered a martial arts grandmaster as well. Why are you making such an amateurish remark? Don't you know the logic of 'The difference of a single centimeter can seem like a thousand miles'? In terms of cultivation, confidence, and strength, Ling Jian wouldn't be too far away from Li Xue. However, there is still a gap between the two of their realms. If this was before Ah'Jian went to Northern Wei, there wouldn't be a need for this competition at all. However, even with a huge improvement to his strength, Ling Jian is still lacking in his realm. Thus, Ling Jian is sure to lose!"

Li Xue's eyes narrowed and her right foot took half a step forward. With her skinny figure leaning forward slightly, Ling Jian suddenly felt an immense increase in pressure and the dirt on the ground was stirred up. The dirt and dust on the ground then rushed towards Ling Jian like the waves striking a beach as though there was a commander leading it.

Ling Chen praised, "This technique of elder sister Li Xue is truly beautiful. I surely wouldn't be able to achieve this."

Ling Jian's long sword slashed down and he struck an empty spot with a lightning-fast motion without the slightest bit of wind. While this sword was as fast as lightning, it had a mysterious phenomenon in the eyes of everyone else present.

The others present witnessed an extremely strange sight. The long sword was initially lifted up above Ling Jian's head and this was already extremely strange in the face of an enemy. This slashing motion of Ling Jian had started from above his head and everyone could actually clearly see how the slashing motion was broken down into a few parts.

Slashing down from the top of his head was the first action. Falling further was another action. His sword elegantly descending to the height of his shoulders with the tip of his sword pointed out was the last. On the ground, the dust and dirt beneath him also formed a half-foot wave and rolled forward in both a speedy and gentle manner.

The moment Ling Jian's wave of dust rolled forward, Ling Tian frowned and shook his head slightly before letting out a soft sigh.

Chapter 556: Li Xue's Scheme

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

Everyone could see how Ling Jian's robes moved within the path together with his every move during these three moves. It was something that could only be observed in super slow motion, yet the truth was that Ling Jian was extremely quick!

Ling Tian narrowed his eyes, softly gasping. If Ling Jian had managed to add in another move while his shoulders were in line with the sword point, then he had a fighting chance to claim victory, and even if he lost, it would have been a close victory for Li Xue. However, pulling down the sword simply, showed that his current standard was far from it!

This reflected Ling Jian's current comprehension of his strength and the fact that he had yet to reach that realm.

On the ground, the two rows of rolling dirt suddenly rose up together, and sluggishly formed into two separate sandstorm pillars, diverging into two different directions. One flew directly past Ling Jian, shooting forward for about sixty feet before softly landing on the corner of the little courtyard, collapsing back to a pile of dirt. The other zipped past Li Xue's body, landing on the opposite corner, but it slammed onto the ground with a loud 'hong' sound.

In terms of control, Ling Jian was obviously inferior by a notch.

Following the path of the two sandstorm pillars, the entire courtyard suddenly became spick and span as though a hundred men had carried brooms and dustpans and swept up the entire place. Most likely, even if Ling Tian were to take his white robes and throw them on the ground, there would probably not be any dust that would stick on it!

Just at the point when the two dirt dragons split off from each other, Li Xue and Ling Jian had taken action. With a 'zu' sound, Ling Jian immediately flashed forward by almost twenty feet, his long sword akin to a spark of electricity chopping down relentlessly. Li Xue's white robes waved, as though coordinating with him. Just as his sword came down, her figure had already moved to directly below his sword, her two hands half opened like orchids, one above and one below just like the Thousand Hand Bodhisattva. All one could see within range was her slim jade-like fingers that seemed to have actually turned into a sturdy impenetrable wall!

From the air, minute sounds rang out continuously, sounding like raindrops from a torrential downpour landing on the banana leaves within the courtyard. However, this exchange was broken with a flash of white robes as Li Xue suddenly ascended higher up, with an inky black blur that was Ling Jian hot on her heels. Li Xue suddenly flipped around when she was above in the air, and used the gravity to pull her downwards. The two of them collided head-on once again!

"Tsk tsk, how clean!" Ling Tian smacked his lips as he looked on the ground, his face in deep regret. "What a waste of good labor, not sending these two guys to the road 1 to do the cleaning."

Ling Chen laughed out, joyfully questioning, "Young Noble, what is a road?"

"Oh… err… a road… is actually a pavement used for horses to travel on!" Ling Tian stammered something out.

"I see! It's much simpler saying it that way. Young Noble, you're really a genius!" Ling Chen nodded with understanding.

Ling Tian had a head full of black lines!

The situation in the battlefield changed once more as the two of them collided into each other, bouncing up and down as clashing noises sounded repeatedly from the bundle that was them fighting. It was just that they controlled their output of power, restricting it to the extremely small space around them.

If not for their meticulous control, just their strength was enough to destroy the entire courtyard once they started battling. How would it be like the current situation, where the bonfire Ling Chi was managing to still blaze straight up without the slightest flicker?

Seeing the two duelists, Ling Chi, Dian, and Lei all broke out in a cold sweat. The three little fellows never thought that this Li Xue woman would actually possess this level of strength. With the slimmer build of a woman, she could actually take on Ling Jian head-on while being unarmed and defenseless, and not fall into a disadvantage! Thinking about how the three of them did not give two hoots about her due to her relationship with Ling Jian, they all felt a chill. They glanced at each other, immediately wiping off the sweat on their foreheads.

Ling Chi spoke with some lingering fear, "I even asked Brother Jian yesterday to let me help him teach that girl a lesson… my goodness! Thank god he wanted to do it with his own hands, or else…"

Ling Dian also wiped off his sweat as he stared with a face of shock at the white blur, "Little Dog-Egg, I really admire your courage. Little Dog-Egg was his nickname in Ling Chi's childhood years, and he would usually flare up when someone talked about it. However, he actually remained dazed, forgetting to flare up like he normally did.

Gazing at the two fighters, Ling Chen spoke with some suspicions, "Why is Sister Li Xue putting herself at the short end of the stick, not using her prided techniques, nor her agile movement techniques, and instead choosing to fight head-on with Ling Jian? Isn't that being disadvantageous to her?"

Ling Tian smirked, "One is because Ling Jian is also doing the same and not using his full strength, thus Li Xue would naturally conserve. With that demoness's character, she would usually keep at least a few trump cards hidden. The other reason is that your Sister Li Xue is angry, which also means that Ling Jian is in for some deep trouble."

"Why is that so? How is Ling Jian in trouble?" Ling Chen had a confused expression, her eyes wide open as she asked.

Ling Tian smiled as he dabbed her nose, saying, "If a guy were to lose out in his advantageous aspect in clashing head-on with a frail lady, or even draw, and with the lady not even using her prided techniques, would it be an embarrassment?"

Ling Chen suddenly understood, and began gurgling in laughter as she spluttered, "Sister Li Xue is just too wicked."

Ling Tian pursed his mouth, thinking, 'Your Sister Li Xue is far more wicked than that, this is merely an appetizer. Little lass, just wait and see. You'll definitely open up your mouth in shock, and cold sweat will drip down your back.'

An explosion sounded at this time, and a black and white blob split apart as they flew to opposite directions. But before their bodies hit the ground, a wave of chilling cold killing intent soared up into the sky, as though the doors to hell had just opened, releasing millions of ghosts and spirits. Within the air, a stench of blood pervaded one's nose.

Ling Jian leisurely landed, his black robes billowing behind him and his figure straight like the sword. Both his eyes were ice cold like his blade, his figure seeming to have transformed into a peerless weapon, as though his one slice could cut apart a mountain.

Ling Jian finally could not bear the embarrassment of being evenly matched in a head-on battle and showed off his true skills.

Li Xue put on a mocking smile as her figure slowly floated down. Her robes gently fluttered, and suddenly an extreme cold was blasted out with her as the epicenter!

The battlefield was quickly covered in a thin layer of frost, sparkling and translucent. It shimmered in the sunlight as though there were ice sprites moving around inside the eyes. Even in such a hot and humid weather, the ice showed signs of thickening, and only a short moment passed before the battlefield became a frozen winterland!

Divine Ice Formula!

The extreme frost seemed to even freeze the space around the entire battlegrounds, and everyone felt as though this frost could freeze anything it touched, including Ling Jian's killing intent! Maybe even the bonfire currently burning not far away!

The surging frozen air slowly enveloped around Ling Jian, just like an ancient ice dragon, brandishing its claws as it rushed towards its enemy! It brought with it a world of ice and frost.

They normally disdained from taking action, but once they moved, they would use their full strength. This was Li Xue's method of attacking, unyielding and aggressive beyond belief, pushing Ling Jian straight down the path of hell! If Ling Jian could not break past Li Xue's imposing frost energy, then he would immediately lose!

Standing on the side, Ling Chi and the rest lost all color on their faces. Wasn't this big sister Ling Chen's Divine Ice Formula that was unique to her? How could it also appear on this woman? Looking at her control, it was as though she had mastered it to a more profound level as compared to Ling Chen. What was going on?

In fact, Li Xue's attainments in the Divine Ice Formula far outstripped that of Ling Chen. Even though Ling Chen had an innate talent above people, with her obtaining Ling Tian's patient teachings since young, and furthermore having consumed precious cultivation materials, she still wasn't able to match up to Li Xue's two lifetime's worth of purity for Divine Ice Formula. There was still a gap between the two of them!

Ling Chi and gang shared a look, the same thought appearing in their hearts: Brother Jian is in deep sh*t this time. Ling Chi anxiously looked at the pot on top of the bonfire, it's top just beginning to emit clouds of steam. He could not help but feel his anxiousness rise, wanting to open the pot now so they would end in a draw.

Seeing Ling Chi in a panic, Ling Lei persuaded him, "There's no need to worry, it's not like you don't know the skills of Brother Jian. While the young noble has agreed to the duel, in the end, it's still between his people, so he will not make it a life or death one. Once Brother Jian activates his killing intent, he will be totally different. It's not like he's bound to lose.

Ling Chi instead shot him a glare. "I'm precisely afraid of Brother Jian using his killing intent. Don't you know? Brother Jian cannot control his strength after activating it, and what if he kills the lass?"

Ling Dian and Ling Lei both recalled his point and their faces changed. If that was the case, then this was nothing good at all for them.

"Dammit!" Ling Chi smacked his thigh as he called out. Ling Lei and Dian turned their attention over and their faces changed as well. The thing they worried the most was about to become reality!

On the battlefield, Ling Jian snorted angrily, pointing his sword to the ground as violent sword energy poured out in torrents. It covered the heavens and earth, to the point that it repelled a path within the frosty energy surrounding the area. On the edge of the sword, a billowing killing intent surged out, and Ling Jian seemed to almost have teleported in front of Li Xue, his sword raised and ready to stab towards Li Xue's throat. Under the tremendous pressure let off by Li Xue, Ling Jian had finally burst forth with his fullest potential! He threw aside all caution and moved to kill. At this moment, his eyes only had his opponent, his enemy!

Ling Jian seemed to have surpassed the fastest instantaneous speed a person could achieve. Li Xue had yet to see Ling Jian move, but his sword was suddenly a few inches away from her throat! This was the most outstanding sword of Ling Jian's life, his most perfect, as well as his most decisive strike!

Chapter 557: Fighting Experience

Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT, Rock

If his opponent was not Li Xue….

Her eyebrows knitted, and Li Xue's body suddenly shifted horizontally. If Ling Jian's blade could be considered like a flash of electricity, then Li Xue's movement technique would be classified as faster than the flash, and what was even faster was her hands, which suddenly chopped towards Ling Jian's wrist.

Ling Jian's reactions were in no way slow, quickly flipping his wrist while his body remained charging forward. However, he retracted his wrist as he did so, such that the original place of his wrist had now been replaced by a bright and gleaming sword. If Li Xue failed to control her hand, then it would be sending it up for the slaughter!

"Good!" Li Xue shouted out in praise, as her chopping hand turned into a palm strike, heavily impacting the sword's body. A vibration passed through the sword as the Divine Ice Formula collided against the true energy from the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula, causing a cloud of white fog to rise in the air. This sort of incredibly fast exchange showcased both sides' ingenious changes and right now, it was likely not even 10 people in this world could achieve this standard!

Both of them let out a low shout at the same time, mutually circling each other, before breaking off in opposite sides. Just as they were about to fall, they reversed their retreating momentum, converting it to attack as a palm and a sword struck out!

"It's finally started; the main course has just arrived." On the other side, Ling Tian chuckled as he muttered to himself. "Wanting to trump against someone I've trained for over a decade without wasting a bit of strength? Even if it's you, I'm afraid it's not so easy. Maybe even if you were to use your full strength, to beat up Ling Jian is no simple task.

Ling Chen tightly held onto Ling Tian's arm, staring spellbound at the two engaging in an all-out fight. "Young Noble, how come Sister Li Xue's Divine Ice Formula was so easily broken through by Ah'Jian? This doesn't make sense, is there anything else involved?" Having practiced the same mystical cultivation, while Ling Chen was inferior, there was only a small difference and she could naturally spot that there was a problem. Even if Ling Chen herself were to attack using her Divine Ice Formula, Ling Jian would not be able to break it so easily, let alone the higher cultivation Li Xue.

"That's the price to pay for playing too excessively with your opponent." Ling Tian snorted before continuing, "She feels that just knocking down Ling Jian in that way would not be thrilling enough, thus she wanted to use close combat to beat Ling Jian up into a pig head, thus she started to scheme. However, it seems that she has shot herself in her foot this time. While her strength indeed outstrips Ling Jian, having Ling Jian open up his asura killing intent, his capabilities will become stronger and fiercer. To suppress him in this short period of time will not be possible. Having fought till now, the true victor cannot be decided in reality anymore.

"Ah'Jian has really improved a lot during this time. I'm afraid that I am no longer his match." A sense of envy flashed through Ling Chen's face as she sighed.

Ling Tian let out a sound of assent, "The reason why Li Xue ended up in this bitter situation can be summarized in one word, underestimation! Chen'er, you have to remember this phrase: Even a lion has to use its full strength when catching a rabbit. Today is an extremely good lesson, no matter whom you face in the future, never underestimate them! The most effective way is to gain the advantage through striking first, and allowing your enemy to turn into a dead person in the shortest amount of time! Your character is too kind, which is why you should let this be a warning to you.

However….

Was Li Xue really in trouble because she underestimated her opponent? For someone who used to belong to a huge family as a direct descendant, would she make such a trivial mistake?!

Instead of saying that Li Xue underestimated her enemy, it would be better to say that Ling Tian was actually just using this chance to remind Ling Chen the dangers of underestimation. In reality, the real objective of this fight was clearly known to only two people, Li Xue and Ling Tian who understood Li Xue best!

Right now, Ling Jian was akin to an exceptionally sharp treasured sword. Ling Tian had successfully smelted him out through trial and fire, and the blade had already taken shape, even showing off its ability, as though it would never be in a disadvantageous position! However, this also resulted in a unique point, which was the fact that as strong he might be, he didn't know how to go with the flow and be soft at times.

Furthermore, the harder and stronger something was, the easier it was to break!

A spirit to advance continuously without fear was something that was no doubt needed, but it was still needed for someone to be undaunted by dangers! To put it bluntly, it was to only protect the bare minimum needed for survival, and what Li Xue was doing today was simply to throw this sword back into the furnace for re-smelting, by giving the most amount of pressure towards him so he could showcase his talent by discovering his own weaknesses and removing them from within himself!

Only through repeated smelting and quenching, removing all the impurities within common iron, can it then become a real godly weapon! And the real godly weapons will not be like ordinary weapons, showcasing their sharpness!

A weapon displaying its sharpness on the outside can never compare with a godly weapon that can retract all its aura at will!

Currently, what Li Xue was doing was to attack and force this piece of steel to remove all its impurities through hammering it repeatedly! As such, Ling Jian's outcome for this battle would be even worse as compared to his fight with Ling Chen, based on Ling Tian's estimation.

Indeed, he only heard a cute laugh come out from Li Xue's mouth before a slapping noise was heard and Ling Jian flew out together with his sword. Li Xue had employed her erratic movement technique, slapping ruthlessly down on Ling Jian's back.

Ling Jian yelled, and his back muscles tightened. His sword arm whirled and a beautiful ray of sword light flashed into reality, akin to a flying mountain as it brought an overwhelming pressure towards Li Xue.

Glancing at the pot emitting hot steam at the corner of the wall, Ling Tian smiled. "Li Xue is finally going to take action. Chen'er, watch carefully. This battle, as well as how Li Xue operates her Divine Ice Formula, are all a form of learning various points for you. There are lots of nuances inside that you have to take note of. For example, do you know why she first constructed a ground of frost and ice?"

Ling Chen paused to think, and replied with a startled expression, "Was she already preparing that for her attacks later?"

Ling Tian only laughed, "When would be considered later? She long ago exceeded everyone's anticipations. Earlier on when she had used the dirt and dust to attack, she was already digging the trap. As for Ling Jian, this fool, he actually stupidly followed her actions and gathered all the dust, throwing them to the side of the field. He only took that as a purely physical attack, really digging his own grave! Because he was too focused on his own body capabilities, he neglected the fact that the arena, and atmosphere, as well as the other surrounding factors, even luck which can change the tides. This knowledge is something Ling Jian lacks!"

Pausing for a while, he continued, "The icy field and surroundings work to restrict Ling Jian, but to those who cultivate the Divine Ice Formula, it's akin to being a fish in water, making it easy for one to continuously change directions. If Ling Jian had kept the dirt under his feet previously, then it would be able to cancel out part of the threat brought by the Divine Ice Formula. While it would still be at a disadvantage, but at least if one watched carefully, they could persist and hold on, maybe waiting till the water in the pot boiled. A pity, this guy made the entire battlefield spic and span, and that's as good as bringing disaster upon oneself. How can he still survive?!"

Ling Chen replied with a little unwillingness, "But Ah'Jian did not know that Sister Li Xue uses the same type of Divine Ice formula like I do. Thus for him to remove all the dirt is still considered acceptable. While he's disadvantaged now, this is something unforeseen and he cannot be blamed for losing the battle!"

"Dumb dumb!" Ling Tian knocked on her head, "In a battle, anything can happen with anything in your surroundings, even a piece of a leaf, a branch, or even a small piece of dirt. All of these can actually be used as tools to fight! Do you really have to use a real knife or spear to kill someone before it is considered a victory? If one does not know how to utilize their natural surroundings to their advantage, they will never step into the throne which symbolizes the peak of martial arts! Your own strength is definitely the most important, but, when two fighters of similar strengths clash, then external elements will decide the victor! Li Xue's capabilities far outstrip Ling Jian and by right should not need to use such methods, but she tried to drag out the battle, doing close combat and ignoring her strengths, thus their strengths were pulled closer together. If Li Xue wants to win, then she will have to rely on external elements!"

"Just like the dirt you saw just now, it might be useless in your eyes, but if scattered out now it would allow Ling Jian to be more stable when standing and allow him to focus his attention less on avoiding the ground. He would naturally be able to use more strength in his attacks. Furthermore, the dust could be used at critical moments to blind an enemy. You could even utilize the wind to stir up the dust, allowing you to attack relentlessly while the enemy tries to find you. Look, such a useless dirt in your eyes can actually have so many uses, changing the scene of the battlefield in a moment!"

Ling Chen was stunned beyond belief! She had never thought that even the tiniest bit of dust could have such importance in Ling Tian's eyes!

Ling Tian paused for a while before musing, "Right now, the only external elements that can benefit Ling Jian would be sunlight and dust, but he actually shifted all the dust away on his own accord. As for sunlight…. Chen'er, did you notice, that the moment Li Xue activated her movement techniques, she has always been facing her back towards the sun? Don't look down on such small point, all of this can determine victory or defeat!"

Ling Chen spoke in an utterly convinced tone, "So that's the case! No wonder why young noble likes to seek refuge in places with complicated terrain. This is because every object can play a role in your eyes, and you can use them to their fullest effect. Furthermore, these objects do not catch any attention, and will naturally not leak out your location. Chen'er has had her eyes opened this time!"

Ling Tian only calmly replied, "This is what you call experience. After experiencing so many life and death battles, if you cannot gain enlightenment on such things, then you would be too much of a failure. However, Ling Jian now already has enough capability, what he really lacks is first, his state of mind, and second, experience. Compared to Li Xue, the gulf between them is huge."

Ling Chen pursed up her lips into a smile, "But since you've taught Ah'Jian all your skills, then doesn't it mean that he actually knows all this already?"