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Chapter 586: Frightening Assassin
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
With a bang, a large hole was made in the roof. A flash of light could be seen and with a lightning fast speed, the light flashed towards the broad back on the bed. Below the broad back, a snow white petite figure could be seen.
Behind the mask, not a single emotion could be seen in Ling Jian's eyes. He held onto his sword and charged forward without any hesitation!
"Not good! An assassin, protect the master!" The large bang alerted the guards on the outside and seven to eight figures dashed into the room.
All of the guards also moved together and charged towards the assassin together with fear on their faces.
However, it was all too late!
Under the careful planning and execution of the First Pavilion Head, even if it was the fastest in the continent, Ling Tian, or the number one expert in the world, Justice, they would only be able to kill Ling Jian but not protect his target.
From the moment Ling Jian took action, DongFang MingRi's death sentence was already determined! Mercy was impossible!
In truth, DongFang MingRi himself was also considered a martial arts expert but after ascending to the throne for so many years, his indulgence in alcohol and beauties had already sucked him dry. His vitality was also greatly injured in the battle with the DongFang Family's assassin. At this moment, he was at his weakest and most frail state. Together with the fact that Ling Jian's martial arts were a notch above his, by the time he realized that something was wrong, he did not even have the chance to get up before feeling a piercing cold at his back.
The moment he felt this piercing cold at his back, the strength of his body seemed to have disappeared instantly like it was a balloon being pierced by a needle. He then felt the cold blade being quickly retracted before losing all feeling. He did not even have the time to turn behind to see who exactly was the one who killed him…
"Catch him!" A few of the guards released their most powerful attacks and hidden weapons flew over like rain. Palms, knives, swords and hidden weapons smashed onto the black figure together and with a 'kacha' sound, something sounded like it was smashed…
Another black figure then flashed out of the opening in the roof like a shooting star. Before the three experts who dashed onto the roof could jump down into the opening, they saw this black-robed figure dash out of the hole. The three of them quickly changed their direction and tried to block the black-robed figure.
At the same time, a row of archers was lined up neatly along the walls with their arrows gleaming under the moonlight.
Ling Jian's speeding figure suddenly froze in mid-air before descending rapidly to welcome the three experts that had just jumped up. With a cold glare in his eyes, a bright silver light exploded forth from his sword. Thousands of sword shadows appeared with the grim reaper's glow!
"AHH!!!" Three consecutive wails sounded and the three experts drifted down like three kites with their strings cut. On all of their bodies, at least a dozen slashes could be seen! As their figures lifelessly fell from the sky, countless blood plumes also sprayed out from their bodies like fireworks exploding in mid-air.
An order sounded and a sky full of arrows flooded over with swooshing sounds!
Ling Jian's figure rose up and down, weaving swiftly through the rain of arrows. Like a gust of wind, he approached the wall. Brandishing his sword he deflected a few dozen arrows and landed on top of the wall. The moment he landed on the wall, he let out a roar and his sword light shot out in all directions. The archers which were originally lined up along the wall let out a series of miserable wails before falling down like dumplings.
Another five experts quickly sped over only to see Ling Jian jumping over the wall and speeding away. A cloud of arrows shot towards Ling Jian, creating a series of sparks wherever the arrows landed but not a single arrow was able to catch up to Ling Jian.
Everyone was dumbfounded at the scene. Was there really someone with such speed in the world?
The black-robed man who was already a long distance away suddenly paused in mid-air and shot towards a tree like an eagle. Stepping on the topmost branch of the tree, the black-robed man stood up proudly. He then turned around to face the troops chasing after him and his two ferocious eyes pierced through the air with prestige!
As the five experts who were chasing after Ling Jian saw his gaze, they felt like there was a sharp sword was pressing on their faces and they could even feel a prickly feeling on their cheeks! Their figures could not help but pause in mid-air.
As Ling Jian watched these few people, he could not help but sneer. His contemptuous and disdainful gaze swept past the five of them before shooting into the sky. In just the blink of an eye, he was a hundred feet away, and with another flash, he disappeared completely.
The five of them was completely astonished, Just who was this assassin?! One of them then roared, "Hiding like a coward is unbecoming of a hero! Do you dare to leave your name behind?"
From far off, a disdainful laugh could be heard, "Are the lot of you even worthy of taking revenge?"
Just when all of them felt despair and hopelessness, a voice drifted over and entered the ears of those present, "The lives of all humans are in my hands, the winds and rains heed the first pavilion!"
The five experts turned pale with fright!
The First Pavilion!
He was actually an assassin from the First Pavilion! The assassin from the First Pavilion was actually so frightening?!
Thinking about how they were just commenting about the experts of the world and the First Pavilion, they all could not help but blush with shame!
The five of them then looked at their three brothers who were completely bloodied with blood still gushing out of their bodies and staining the ground…
From the yard, a loud shriek could be heard coming from the room, "Emperor…"
The five of them trembled and their figures quickly retreated back to the door. The moment they entered the room, their bodies stiffened up and a look of incredulity could be seen on their faces.
The monarch of the Eastern Zhao Empire, DongFang MingRi, had turned into a cold corpse just like that. His body was still naked and everyone could tell that after the assassin took action, this Eastern Zhao monarch did not even have the time to react! Without the chance to even react, he was killed with a single sword!
In just a couple of breaths, this assassin broke through the roof and killed their monarch with a lightning fast speed. He then threw his jacket over a clothes hanger and threw it out the door as a distraction before he escaped from the roof himself. He even had the time to kill three experts before traversing a hundred feet with a single jump. In the face of 2000 archers, he had actually left without the slightest bit of anxiousness or obstruction!
Everything happened in just a couple of breaths! Before the assassination attempt had begun, it had already ended!
It was too swift, swift to the point one would be astonished, shocked, and filled with disbelief!
Feeling the remnant warmth on their Emperor's body, everyone felt their hearts turned cold!
With a loud 'peng', the entrance to an underground tunnel was pushed open and a couple of burly men dashed over, "There is an assassin, we have…" Looking at the situation before their eyes, they fell into a daze…
******
Ling Jian had already left Blazing Sun City and was currently sprinting freely in the grasslands.
Although they successfully assassinated DongFang MingRi, Ling Jian did not even have the slightest bit of delight throughout the whole process. In fact, he even felt a tinge of depression.
Killing a monarch had always been Ling Jian's biggest wish as an assassin. He had even been envious of Ling Chi because Ling Chi killed the Northern Wei monarch. Now that the monarch of an empire had finally died under his sword, Ling Jian should have been extremely excited but only felt as though he had killed an ordinary individual. It was no different from killing an ordinary corrupt official or vicious businessman. He even had a feeling of boredom.
During this assassination attempt, the only thing that was of interest to Ling Jian was the large improvement in his movement techniques, swordplay, and inner qi. However, the excitement he used to have after killing someone was no longer present, even if the one he killed this time was a monarch.
All of a sudden, Ling Tian's calm appearance surfaced in Ling Jian's heart and a voice sounded, Killing someone is no more than turning a living person into a corpse. What is so exciting about that?
Ling Jian's speeding figure suddenly stopped and he looked at the night sky with enlightenment.
Regardless of whether he was killing a beggar, family head, or emperor, it was no more than wiping out a human life with his sword. Regardless of how noble his status was when he was alive, he was no more than a corpse and a pile of mush! On this point alone, an emperor and a beggar had no difference! There wasn't a difference between good and bad, man or woman!
His only job was to turn men into corpses. Why should he be bothered about the status of the other party? Regardless of how noble a person was when alive, one could only turn into a corpse after meeting him!
It really wasn't a big deal at all.
Thinking about it in such a manner, Ling Jian suddenly felt that the blood boiling excitement that he felt whenever he killed a 'big character' and the envy he felt towards his brother killing a monarch was no more than a huge joke.
Ling Tian laughed out loud to the heavens and did a couple of backflips before crying out in ecstasy, "I finally understand, I finally understand. HAHAHAHA… I finally understand! It is nothing more than this! HAHAHA…"
A long while later…
Ling Jian started unleashing his movement techniques and sped off in another direction. It was the direction of his next target.
If someone who knew Ling Jian saw his current expression, they would definitely be able to realize something different about him because the difference was just that obvious…
The usual coldness and strict control of his face had completely disappeared and in its place was calmness and tranquility…
His edge and sharpness had completely disappeared and the current Ling Jian seemed extremely ordinary.
If he walked in a crowd, he would definitely be quickly overlooked… No one would be able to tell that he was a peerless expert who was numb from killing. They would only think that he was an older boy from an ordinary household. In truth, Ling Jian was truly considered an older boy and according to Ling Tian's age of this world, he was only a 'small' boy!
After an endless amount of killing, Ling Jian had finally achieved the request that Ling Tian had of him!
Being an assassin with the attitude of a commoner and killing people with a normal heart.
There wasn't anyone who couldn't be killed in the world. Why not face it with a peaceful heart. Everything is as it should be!
Even if my sword is stained with blood, my heart will be still. The lake of my heart is like a mirror, the tumbling waves will not stir it.
To Ling Jian, this was a gigantic breakthrough. It could also be considered to be an obvious boundary in Ling Jian's assassination life and also a milestone in his life!
Ling Jian's calm figure disappeared in the horizon…
******
A day later, all the organizations on the continent were aware of the Ling Family cutting off the Blue Jade River and drowning the Xiao Family's Heavenly Water Ravine Pass. They cut off the Xiao Family army's communication with their headquarters and had swallowed the 150,000 Xiao army led by Xiao FengYang!
The whole continent was filled with commotion!
Two days later, more shocking news spread across the continent. The Eastern Zhao Emperor, DongFang MingRi, was assassinated in Blazing Sun City by an assassin of the First Pavilion!
Following the assassination of their Emperor, the Eastern Zhao Empire was split into pieces and fell into complete chaos. Under the lead of General Shen RuHu, the Ling Family army worked together with DongFang Family Head, DongFang JingLei, and openly attacked Eastern Zhao. He was currently facing the third army of the Xiao Family in Eastern Zhao.
This news shocked the entire continent!
The third day!
Before they could sober up from their shock, another shocking news was spread out. The third Xiao army was stopped in Eastern Zhao and fought a large battle with the Ling Family's Shen RuHu. After the battle started for a day, the Xiao Family general, Xiao JinShan, lost his head in his own tent. On the morning of the second day, Xiao JinShan's head was hung up on a pole before the formation of the two armies!
The Xiao Family's army was defeated without a battle!
The whole of Eastern Zhao landed in the hands of the Ling Family! Although it was still in chaos, everyone understood that it was impossible for such an unorganized mess to block the advancement of the Ling Family. It was only a matter of time before Eastern Zhao became part of the Ling Family's territory.
Just when the consecutive pieces of news shook everyone on the continent into speechless shock, another bit of groundbreaking news was disseminated from the south.
After General Ling Xiao's army swallowed Southern Zheng, not only did they not retreat, the started an intense battle with the second army of the Xiao Family. Just when both their armies were similar in might which resulted in the number of casualties increasing by the day, the news from all across the continent threw the morale of the Xiao army into chaos and they no longer had the heart to battle.
Right at this moment, the general of the Xiao army, Xiao YinFeng was assassinated in his tent. The assassin was spotted when coming out from the commander's tent, and after a bitter battle, the assassin left with heavy injuries. The next day, Xiao YinFeng's head was also hung in front of the army.
The outcome of the battle was no longer a mystery. Apart from the leftover 100,000 plus soldiers who surrendered, the others escaped for their lives in a single night. The Ling Family army was currently clearing up the mess in Southern Zheng.
From then on, there wasn't a Southern Zheng or Eastern Zhao in the world any longer!
Chapter 587: Expelling Tiger Swallowing Wolf
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT, Rock
Half the Heavenly Star territory already belonged to the Ling Family! Even if the Xiao Family still held 3,000 miles of fertile land, they lost 450,000 soldiers and were no longer a cause for concern.
Besides that, the flood had blocked the southeast and it was impossible to enter or exit.
The Ling Family army had already majestically approached the east and those with a discerning sight could tell that the Ling Family would definitely take over the Heavenly Water Ravine Pass the moment the flood waters retreated. The Xiao Family which was heavily injured no longer had the chance to seize back the Heavenly Water Ravine Pass!
The Ling Family army was like a new rising star and their rise was unstoppable. They had the right to look down on the entire world with pride and they were the strongest force on the continent! Even the Yu Family that had been around for a thousand years didn't seem comparable to the Ling Family…
During this period of time, the Yu Family army had also launched their expedition towards the southwest. They besieged the city gates and forced the Western Han to continuous retreat. Finally, after the new Family Head, XiMen Sa, fought a bitter battle at the city gates and realized that the Yu Family truly could not be blocked, he opened the city gates and essentially surrendered.
Just a day before that, Family Head XiMen Sa had still made a vicious vow that he would live and perish with the Western Han imperial family. However, XiMen Sa had actually acted in such a b*st*rdly manner and let the Yu Family army into the city without the slightest bit of preparation. When the whole city was taken over by the Yu Family, the poor Western Han monarch was still shouting out with all of his strength, "Quickly inform the XiMen Family Head to save us…"
During this day, the XiMen Family also announced the death of their old Family Head. XiMen WuYi who was beaten up by Ling Tian to the point that he turned into a vegetable finally did not need to lead a senseless life. He could finally leave in peace and enter the afterlife…
To the XiMen Family who had a huge merit, the Yu Family displayed huge benevolence towards them. While Family Head Yu ManLou did not personally arrive to pay his respects to the late XiMen WuYi, they sent the general in charge of this battle and an elder with an extremely prestigious status to pay their respects. XiMen WuYi was the family head of the XiMen Family after all. With thousands of people present at his funeral, it could be considered a great honor to him.
With XiMen Sa's aid, the Yu Family quickly pacified the few resistances within Western Han and successfully incorporated the Western Han army into their own. They then quickly organized their forces and led their forces to their next target: the Wu Empire.
In order to reward XiMen Sa's huge merit and to rope in the XiMen Family, Yu ManLou especially gave out an order to make XiMen Sa the deputy general. He was ordered to lead the direct forces of the XiMen Family and half the surrendered Western Han troops towards the Wu Empire. He also made the promise that when XiMen Sa returned with a victory, it would be time for him to be conferred as marquis.
As such, the young family head of the XiMen Family transformed from an individual with the authority of a family in his hands to a young general with massive military forces within his grasp. As a young man, he had climbed up to the peak of authority! Such peerless glory made XiMen Sa shine so brightly that there were even some who compared him with Ling Tian's sudden appearance.
All of a sudden, everyone realized that in terms of background, stratagems, or martial arts, even if he wasn't comparable to Young Noble Ling, there wasn't too big of a difference between them. As such, praises sounded all across the continent and XiMen Sa's glory shone throughout the continent!
Right at this moment, the news of the battle in the east flooded over like a tsunami. It came wave after wave with every single piece of news being so shocking!
News after news, with each one being more shocking than the next!
Starting a battle on three different fronts and defeating the 450,000 man army of the Xiao Family! Wiping out Southern Zheng! Trampling Eastern Zhao! All of these things happened at almost the same time. If it was during ordinary times, no one would ever be able to believe such news!
How would a nouveau riche family like the Ling Family have such strength? But if this news wasn't false, just how powerful was the victorious Ling Family?!
It was unbelievable!
It was inconceivable!
However, they had no choice but to believe it!
The Heavenly Star Continent completely erupted!
***
Yu Family.
Yu Family Head, Yu ManLou stood in front of the window with his hands behind his back.
Whenever he was in a bad or good mood, he would stand here without moving. Everyone knew that Yu ManLou had such a habit but they weren't able to tell when he was in a good mood and when he was in a bad mood.
Family Head Yu never showed his expression on his face!
Right at this moment, no one knew that the usually steady Family Head Yu was at a complete loss.
He had easily pacified Western Han and was about to lead his army to the Wu Empire. He should be full of pride and at the peak of his morale but why was he at a loss?!
Before Yu ManLou held the authority of the Yu Family in his hands, he was already an outstanding figure in the continent. After he took over the position of the family head, he was bold and decisive, with his prestige spreading across the entire continent. Not only was he able to unite the family into a single iron plate, he had even allowed the might of the family to spread out. The territory that was in the hands of Yu ManLou had far exceeded the previous generations of the Yu Family.
Ever since Yu ManLou took the lead of the Yu Family, the strength of the Yu Family had reached a whole new level and a height never seen before in the past thousand years!
Apart from that, Yu ManLou trained up a Yu Family personal army and hidden assassins. He mercilessly wiped out all of the opposing forces and for the forces that were swaying, he used both diplomacy and deterrence to subdue them. With a force in the open and another hidden, there was nothing that their family head couldn't solve!
Look around Heavenly Star, ask around Heavenly Star, who else but me?!
Yu ManLou did not even place his thousand-year-old enemy, Water of Heavenly Wind, in his eyes!
With this confidence in his heart, Yu ManLou had never lost a single battle!
At this moment, Yu ManLou's confidence was already in pieces.
Holding onto the military reports from all over the continent, Yu ManLou's hands were clenched tightly to the point his knuckles turned white…
The five-year bet, a large gamble with the world as the stakes!
Yu ManLou shook his head and a dismal smile rose on his face. Could it be that his decision back then was wrong? If he risked internal injuries to kill Ling Tian back then, would the situation today be better? However, was there still a point for him to ponder over such hypotheses? After all, there isn't such a thing as 'if' in the world.
It had only been a couple of years since Ling Tian entered into his sights. Ling Tian was a child who was less than twenty years old after all, and Yu ManLou had already put a large amount of attention on him. Now that he thought about it, Yu ManLou had still underestimated Ling Tian. From the time Ling Tian had appeared in Yu ManLou's sights, Ling Tian was destined to become a powerful opponent for him. In less than a single year, Ling Tian had already developed to the point that Yu ManLou himself couldn't control him! When Ling Tian was being chased by the Martial Order Medallion owner, Justice, Ling Tian even had the guts to barge into Bright Jade City and set a five-year bet with him!
After a mere three months of the bet being started, Yu ManLou already felt that he would lose.
In these short three months, the Ling Family started wars in all directions and swept the opposing armies clean. The Ling Family army fought with incomparable valor and Ling Tian himself was actually capable of prematurely escaping from Justice's chase. By making use of the misunderstanding of the world, Ling Tian hid in the dark and controlled the scenes from behind. He single-handedly designed this war that spread across half the continent and ensnared all of his enemies who were caught off guard into a gigantic trap!
In just this war alone that spread across half the continent, there were 1,000,000 fatalities at the very least!
What was the population of the whole Heavenly Star Continent?
All of these lives were lost just so Ling Tian could create a step for himself to ascend to the peak.
The southeast half of Heavenly Star Continent was already in the hands of the Ling Family. As for his Yu Family, he only managed to defeat a small Western Han Empire. While it was not considered a small victory, the difference between the two was extremely obvious! Victory and defeat between the two was extremely clear!
In the large hall, the upper echelons of the Yu Family stood to the side trembling with fear. Not a single person dared to let out a single noise. It would be akin to seeking death if they were to provoke their family head right now.
"The army is to set off immediately and the experts of the family are to rush to the front lines. The Wu Empire is to be wiped out in five days! Destroy the remaining forces of the BeiMing Family!" Yu ManLou did not turn around and let out this order! His tone was exceptionally severe and completely displayed Yu ManLou's resolution. Under such circumstances, it would be impossible for anyone to persuade Yu ManLou and he would definitely not accept any opinions!
Destroy the Wu Empire in five days! Annihilate the BeiMing Family!
This was an unbelievable target! However, everyone knew that since their family head issued such an order, then they would have to complete this mission in five days even if it meant their death! If they did not complete this mission, their family head would not be stingy with his anger and none of them would be able to endure Yu ManLou's anger!
Regardless of the price and consequences!
These six words ignited the fighting spirit of these old assassins who had once roamed unhindered in the pugilistic world.
This was the only chance for Yu ManLou to level his disadvantage! He had no choice but to try!
Five days, if they could wipe out the Wu Empire in five days, there would be a chance for Yu ManLou to emerge victorious in their gamble. At that time, both the families would be at the same starting point again. The Yu Family's starting point would be at Northern Wei and the Ling Family's foundation would be at Sky Bearing. However, the Yu Family had a thousand more years of accumulation as compared to the Ling Family! If Yu ManLou could still lose under such circumstances, he would truly have thrown all of his face.
If everything was successful, and the Yu Family wiped out the Wu Empire, the Yu Family would only be left with a Moon Deity Empire and the Ling Family would only be left with a Xiao Family. Even though the Xiao Family's strength was largely wiped out, as long as the flood waters of the Blue Jade River do not subside, Ling Tian would not have a way to attack the Xiao Family. At the end of the day, the Xiao Family still had 3,000 miles of fertile land and would definitely be self-sufficient. Besides that, the Xiao Family still has a thousand years of foundation, and even if their vitality was greatly injured, they still had the ability to put up a good fight.
As for Yu ManLou's half of the continent, although the Moon Deity Empire was extremely far away, victory wasn't an issue. Their army only needed some time to get there and with the aid of the Lei Family, the Moon Deity Empire wasn't a big problem.
If the Xiao Family wanted to protect themselves, it wouldn't be an issue. But if the Xiao Family wasn't willing to accept their defeat or wanted to receive their Xiao Family army on the outside and attempt to reopen the Blue Jade River Pass, then things would be extremely bad. At the very least, it would be extremely bad for the Yu Family.
At that moment, the Ling Family would not let go of this opportunity and would definitely take down the Xiao Family. At that time, half of the continent would be united under the Ling Family's banner. To the Yu Family, it signified their loss of the gigantic bet. But the problem was, Yu ManLou couldn't bear to lose!
"Is the Lei Family here yet?" Yu ManLou frowned and asked.
"The Lei Family has arrived but big brother isn't willing to agree to their condition. Thus, the situation between both families is pretty awkward." A crisp voice sounded and it was Second Master Yu, Yu ManTang.
"The Lei's Family's ambition is far too big!" Yu ManLou snorted, "They can obviously tell that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our Yu Family and wants to use this opportunity to blackmail me. They really don't know how the word death is written!"
Yu ManTang fell silent and did not say another word. He also did not know what he should say. Ever since he found out what Yu ManLou wanted the Lei Family to do, Yu ManTang had a huge barrier in his heart.
A cold glare flashed past Yu ManLou's eyes and a sinister smile surfaced on his face, "Tell Lei ZhenTian that as long he agrees to aid my Yu Family when we attack the Moon Deity Empire, together with this current matter, I will agree to their request. After I gain the world, we will split it in half! We will form a black and white contract and make an oath to the heavens. We will never go back on our word and the successors of the Yu Family will not go against this contract."
Yu ManTang felt his body shake and he let out a long sigh in his heart as he helplessly agreed.
"However, if they want to gain benefits, they will have to put in some effort. I want them to begin their operation immediately! The moment the Ling Family clears out the hidden troubles of Southern Zheng, all of their forces will return to Sky Bearing. At that time, we would only be adding on to the number of casualties and it would be impossible for the mission to be successful. We cannot let go of this opportunity before our eyes and they only have a single day to consider the matter. If they aren't willing to agree after a day, my proposal would be invalid! Let them go back to where they come from and we will never form an alliance."
Yu ManLou said severely.
Even though the deal with Ling Tian said that both their families weren't allowed to interfere with each other during these five years, the Lei Family wasn't included in their agreement. If the Lei Family wanted to attack the Ling Family, even if it was under the command of the Yu Family, Ling Tian could not say anything about it. Even if Ling Tian knew that the Yu Family's shadow was behind this matter, not a single member of his Yu Family participated in the mission and Ling Tian couldn't do anything about it! If you have the ability, you can also command someone to attack my Yu Family!
As long as the Lei Family succeeded in their mission, the Ling Family would suffer from a never before felt heavy blow. Even if Ling Tian didn't die, the chance for him to rise up again would be slim.
Ling Tian, ah Ling Tian, despite your peerless wisdom, do you know of a plan called 'Expelling the tigers and swallowing the wolves'?
If the Lei Family was able to wipe out the Ling Family before the Ling Family's battle on three fronts ended, how would they be able to escape from Ling Tian's revenge? With Ling Tian's strength, he would probably be able to single-handedly turn the Lei Family upside down. Besides that, there were a couple of top-notch experts beside him and the Lei Family's situation wouldn't be too optimistic.
Even if the Lei Family was able to survive, how many of them would be left behind? At that time, with their complete shortage of manpower, how would they be able to split the world with him? What a joke! A single imperial order would be sufficient to execute their whole family! While the Yu Family's future generations would recognize the contract, if the Lei Family was wiped out before the successor to the Yu Family appears, it definitely wouldn't be considered a breach of their contract.
Yu ManLou snickered. If there is a fool in the world who believes something like a promise or contract, Yu ManLou would be letting their stupidity down if he didn't make good use of it!
Oath? If oaths would truly be fulfilled, there probably wouldn't be many in the world who would die a peaceful death. They would have probably died from a thousand arrows piercing their heart and five bolts of lightning striking them from above. However, there are only a few who would die from a thousand arrows piercing their heart and it was rare even on a battlefield. As for being struck by five bolts of lightning, there hasn't been a single person who died from such a horrifying death…
Second Master Yu ManTang let out a long sigh, turned around and walked out.
A period of time later, a messenger pigeon flew into Yu ManLou's study. The Lei Family had also agreed and would set off after noon, concealing themselves in Sky Bearing while waiting for an opportunity.
Crushing the note in his hands motionlessly, a weird smile could be seen on Yu ManLou's lips.
Ling Tian, I admit that cutting off the Blue Jade River and launching a swift attack was something that was completely out of my expectations. Up until now, I still do not understand how you created such a miracle. I was unable to seize the opportunity while you had the ability to seize the opportunity and I will not blame others. However, my plan of expelling the tigers and swallowing the wolves will definitely be out of your expectations. Currently, the Sky Bearing's Ling Family is completely emptied out and all the elites of your Ling Family are out fighting the war. I want to take a good look. After your Ling Residence and Ling Family Courtyard are wiped out, will you be able to play anything new after your vitality is harmed that badly?
********
Late at night, the stars filled the sky.
Ling Tian flipped over the wild boar thigh on top of the barbecue rack and an aromatic meaty fragrance permeated through the air. He then let out a sigh and said, "After so many years, my cooking skills are still so marvelous. I am truly impressed with myself. I am truly a work of art."
Li Xue hugged her knees and sat by the side obediently with a look of satisfaction on her face, "What a pity, this wild boar isn't the same as ours. Tian'ge, do you know how much I looked forward to having a simple meal with you back then? It was a pity that up until my death…" Li Xue's sleeves fluttered in the cool night breeze and an orange glow could be seen on her face. With half her face glowing and the other half in the dark, her beauty seemed all the more alluring and mysterious. At this moment, she was like a little girl who no one cared about and her loneliness and pitiful appearance was extremely moving.
Ling Tian's hand which was holding onto a piece of firewood paused and he shook his head. Interrupting her, he said gently, "Everything in the past is no more than a dream. Be good, don't think about all of that. Today, let your older brother display his abilities. I am certain that your weight will definitely soar up after today to a hundred and eighty…" he smiled and winked before adding on, "kilograms."
"Kilograms? Is there even such a thing as kilograms in this world? A hundred and eighty kilograms?! Do you think that I am a pig?" Li Xue burst out laughing and her depressed mood was washed away by Ling Tian's joke and her she leaned on Ling Tian's chest mumbling, "I am only 52 kilograms right now. Not to mention 180 kilograms, even 70 kilograms would make me too embarrassed to live on the planet."
"That can't be." Ling Tian smiled, "After a period of time, it would be a wonder if you don't weigh 70 kilograms."
"You only know how to spout nonsense. How could I be so heavy?!" Li Xue frowned and pondered for a long while, "Something like that will certainly never happen."
Ling Tian chuckled and a vulgar expression was plastered all over his face, "If they are twins, perhaps 90 kilograms or more is possible. That would be a woman's most happy moment! Don't tell me you have never thought about it. Haven't you been waiting for two lifetimes?"
"Can't you think of something better!" Li Xue's face flushed red and her body heated up from embarrassment as she hammered Ling Tian mercilessly.
"Isn't this something good?" Ling Tian chuckled, "This is something extremely good. Unless I am wrong and you don't actually want it?!"
"Hmph!" Li Xue's face puffed up in anger and she turned around to ignore Ling Tian. At the same time, she could not help but fantasize about what Ling Tian had just said. The more she thought about it, the warmer she felt. In both her past life and this one, she dreamed about it time and time again!
Ling Tian could clearly feel the beauty in his embrace heating up slowly. He was immediately stunned and quickly retreated back from the fire.
The two of them had secretly slipped away for a day and night already. Currently, the two of them were at the place where they agreed to meet Ling Jian. Besides that, this road was also a path that the Above Heavens experts would definitely use after venting their anger on the Yu Family at Northern Wei!
Just a day ago, Ling Tian received news that Above Heavens had settled their conflict with the Yu Family and it is said that the Yu Family took a huge step back. Currently, they were speedily making their way to the southeast to reinforce the Xiao Family.
Ling Tian naturally knew why Yu ManLou wanted to take a step back and cursed Yu ManLou many times over in his heart for being a vicious old fox! In order to allow these Above Heavens to seek trouble with him, Yu ManLou had actually taken a large step back!
In comparison, if it was Ling Tian he would never take a step back. He would rather wipe them all out before going to deal with Yu ManLou himself. However, Yu ManLou made such a decision without hesitation.
This made Ling Tian feel an immense pressure! For Yu ManLou to take a step back when facing Above Heavens, it wasn't because he was afraid of them but on the contrary, it was because Yu ManLou did not place them in his sights at all. If the Above Heavens experts were truly powerful to the point it made Yu ManLou feel wary, Yu ManLou would have definitely kept them all in Bright Jade City regardless of the price.
Thus, Yu ManLou would rather lose his face and allow these people to return so that they could create trouble for Ling Tian. This also showed that Ling Tian was the one who Yu ManLou thought was his true opponent!
Thus, he would rather lose some face if he could create some loss for Ling Tian by borrowing the strength of the Above Heavens experts.
Ling Tian felt hatred for Yu ManLou to the point that his heart itched.
Chapter 588: Above Heavens
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
If these 500 elites of Above Heavens knew that Ling Tian collapsed the mountain peaks and cut off the Blue Jade River, cutting off their connection with the southeast, just how would they treat the Ling Family? Especially if they knew that the Xiao Family's 450,000 men army was destroyed which destroyed the plans of their Above Heavens, what would they do?
Even if they used their knees to think, it was obvious that these fellows would not let the matter rest so easily! They would definitely take revenge on the Ling Family in an almost maniacal manner! This was also the outcome which Yu ManLou wanted to witness.
Regardless of who won or loss, it would be to Yu ManLou's benefit!
Looking at the flashing lights in front of them, Ling Tian felt a faint sense of unease in his heart and let out a sigh. He quickly settled his fluttering heart and focused his attention to barbecuing his meat. Right at this moment, the beauty in his heart moved slightly. Currently, Li Xue was leaning in Ling Tian's embrace with supple chest sticking closely to Ling Tian's crotch. With this slight movement of hers, a demonic fire rose in his heart and little Ling Tian immediately stood up straight. A wave of comfort flowed up from his crotch to his head and Ling Tian took in a breath of cold air.
Forcefully suppressing the unstable mental state of his, Ling Tian quickly changed the topic and asked, "Did the Shui Family members make any huge movement recently?"
"Shui Family members? Hahaha…" Li Xue burst out laughing, "They are extremely obedient now. Ever since you constructed for them a Shui Family Courtyard before you left, they all became extremely motivated. This was related to the future of their ambitions, how would they not be motivated? How would they have the energy to do anything else? Furthermore, in our territory, their eyes would be blinded and ears blocked. What else do you think they can do?"
Ling Tian let out a cunning smile, "Then… what about the other matter?"
Li Xue snorted and rolled her eyes, "I originally did not think that your plan would work but those Shui Family trashes actually followed what you said step by step. But with Shui QianRou aiding you from within the family, it would be strange if things didn't go your way. One thousand and two hundred members of the Shui Family came to Heavenly Star and after ambushing the Yu Family, almost 900 had perished. Of the few elders that came to Heavenly Star, one died and two were seriously injured. Most of their strength was wiped out and the fighting spirit which they came with had also been extinguished. Currently, they no longer had the strength to negotiate with the Ling Family. If we want to talk about troubles, it would be the other two Shui Family young noble trying to fight for authority. But with just the two of their abilities, they would always be thoroughly enraged by us and leave in defeat. Hahaha…"
With a smile, Li Xue continued, "Among the Shui Family forces in Sky Bearing, Shui QianRou had the absolute authority. Even though the other elders and young nobles of the Shui Family was unresigned, they had no other choice. Shui QianRou had our complete support and we would not listen to anyone else. Thus, even if they weren't willing to accept Shui QianRou's lead, they had no choice but to submit."
Ling Tian stroked his chin and chuckled. Since they wanted to push Shui QianRou up to the position of Shui Family Head, they naturally needed to create prestige for her by helping her accomplish some feats and merits. At the same time, they also had to help her create a base in Heavenly Star which completely belonged to the Shui Family. All of these years, the Shui Family had been trying to set up a base in Heavenly Star but they had never managed to succeed. Now that Ling Tian handed such a big accomplishment to Shui QianRou, Shui QianRou's status in the Shui Family would definitely rise up quickly.
With Ling Tian's protection, it would be almost impossible for the Yu Family to disrupt them.
Naturally, in order to allow Shui QianRou's position to become stabilized, Ling Tian made extremely meticulous arrangements. After their battle with the Yu Family in the Black Pine Forest, the Shui Family was completely bankrupted… When they were doing battle with the Yu Family, their residence in Sky Bearing was robbed…
This thief cleaned out every single last possession of the Shui Family members and did not even leave behind a single piece of undergarment! Helpless, the Shui Family could only seek help from the Ling Family Courtyard. Ling Chen naturally rejected them without any hesitation. Then, both parties had a three day long discussion and the disciples of the Shui Family had suffered for a full three days. Especially the First Elder of the Shui Family who cared the most about his face and bearing…
Their food and accomodation was provided by the Ling Family and they didn't need to worry about it. However, they just returned from the battlefield and were all riddled with injuries. They needed medicine to treat their injuries! However, all the medicine shops in Sky Bearing refused to sell them any medicine. The Ling Family Courtyard also rejected to help them…
Err, in actual fact, the medicine shop didn't exactly refuse to sell them anything. They just inflated the price up by a hundred to thousand times. Despite spending more than ten thousand taels of silver, Shui QianHai was only able to buy three bottles of medicine. This profligate Young noble was angered to the point he cursed for a full four hours…
Helpless, the two Shui Young Nobles could only pluck up their courage to seek assistance from the Ling Family Courtyard. They did not even have the chance to meet Ling Chen and Ling Feng rejected them without hesitation. After which, the few Shui Family Elders could only put aside their faces to visit the Courtyard. While they were able to meet Ling Chen, she mercilessly rejected any form of aid…
Finally, the Shui Family had no choice but to invite Shui QianRou to seek aid from the Ling Family. When she first sought an audience with Ling Chen, she was locked out of the Courtyard mercilessly. After which, she waited outside the Courtyard for a full night and it was said that Miss Ling Chen was extremely moved by her actions. The Ling Family then sent physicians and medicine to the Shui Family. As such, the inflated prices quickly returned back to normal…
Then, the Shui Family brought up the matter of building a base for the Shui Family in Heavenly Star. Naturally, Shui QianHai and Shui QianJiang was completely useless in the negotiation process and the Shui Family Elders were treated like air. As such, the Shui Family could only plead with Shui QianRou to carry out negotiations with the Ling Family. Shui QianRou took action again and the negotiations naturally went smoothly…
Everyone obviously knew that the Ling Family was intentionally supporting Shui QianRou. However, even if they knew that, they were completely helpless and could only play along with the Ling Family. This matter was far too important after all…
With a first, there would be a second and Shui QianRou's authority in the family grew everyday. With Shui QianRou working together with the Ling Family, the Ling Family generously took out large amounts of silver to build the Shui Family Courtyard. With a wave of her sleeves, Shui QianRou signed a 50,000,000 loan agreement with the Ling Family. Despite the Shui Family Elders being enraged by the large amount, they did not dare to voice a single word of complaint. As for Ling Chen, she claimed that 300,000,000 taels of silver would be needed and the few old fogies were frightened to the point they almost went crazy. Using Li Xue's words, she called it psychosis!
This 50,000,000 debt was properly recorded and calculated under the eyes of everyone present. From the materials used to the manpower costs and land cost, everything was calculated clearly. Everything was done out in the open with all the members of the Shui Family as witness. However, this was not because the Ling Family was afraid of the Shui Family reneging on their debts.
Currently, even if the Shui Family Head were to personally arrive, his status probably wouldn't be that much higher than Shui QianRou's. Who would dare to go against her words? As long as Shui QianRou threatened to make the Ling Family stop all of their provisions and even stop work, all of the old fogies in the Shui Family would shut up immediately. Similarly, whenever there was a problem, only Shui QianRou would be capable of solving it. There was once where Shui QianHai argued with Shui QianRou for a bit and the thousand plus workers squatted on the ground together the very next afternoon. Upon asking them why they weren't working, they all complained that they were suffering from athlete's foot. As such, they all stopped work for two days…
A thousand plus people suffering from athlete's foot at the same time, such a ridiculous excuse angered all of the Shui Family Elders into sickness…
After the Shui Family pleaded with the Ling Family and paid a large amount of medical bills, which was naturally paid on credit as well, Shui QianRou's prestige was like the sun in the sky but the loans of the Shui Family grew thicker and thicker…
Actually, Shui QianRou had already thought things through. With their debts accumulating to such a point, any more wouldn't be too much of a difference. Shui QianRou had signed off the debts to the point where she was extremely used to it. Even her personal guards would carry with her ink and brush wherever she went…
Hearing Li Xue's narration, Ling Tian laughed to the point he almost fell down. Finally, Li Xue snorted, "Before I went out, the debts of the Shui Family accumulated to almost 200,000,000 taels of silver. By the time the Shui Family Courtyard is built, it would probably increase by many times over. I am afraid that even if you sell away all of these Shui Family members, they would not be able to repay the debt. It seems like the Shui Family princess can only repay off the debts with her body. This would definitely be to the liking of young noble Ling Tian."
Hearing Li Xue's dangerous tone, Ling Tian felt his back turn cold. Li Xue then grunted, "Shui QianRou could naturally understand this fact herself. If you ask me, that lass is probably extremely willing to sign as many loans as she can. If she doesn't sign any loans in a single day, she would look at Ling Chen with a tinge of bitterness. It seems like this lass is extremely clear about that but she would still work together with Ling Chen. Hmph hmph hmph, this is a super big spy hiding within the Shui Family. Young noble Ling, you truly have great fortune." Li Xue's eyes narrowed and said with a sarcastic tone.
"Cough cough…" Ling Tian coughed ptitfully and laughed dryly, "The meat is cook, cough cough…"
Li Xue rolled her eyes, "That's right, the 'meat' is cooked and we can finally eat it. Congratulations."
Ling Tian was completely defeated…
Li Xue plucked off a leg of the roasted boar and blowed on it twice. She then acted as though he was intoxicated and said, "This 'meat' is truly fragrant. It is truly quality meat of Heavenly Wind."
Ling Tian let out a groan and cupped his ears with agony. A woman is truly scary when she is jealous. Regardless of whether it is in this lifetime or his previous, regardless of whether it was a foolish or educated woman, there wouldn't be an exception…
A rustling sound could be heard from the forest by the side of the road and both Ling Tian and Li Xue stood up immediately. Without any breeze in the sky, why would there be rustling sound from the forest? If there was an enemy, for him to be able to approach them without them knowing, his strength was not to be underestimated!
"How fragrant, how fragrant. It must definitely be some good quality stuff." Knowing that he was already detected, he let out a laugh and three people walked out from the forest.
"It is actually old brother Ye." Ling Tian's expression relaxed.
The one who was speaking was dressed like a fortune teller with a staff in his hands. His face was lean but his eyes was glowing with energy. He drifted out of the forest as though there was a spatial door in the forest. This person was the green robed fortune teller, Ye QingChen. Beside him, there were two others. One was dressed in a set of white scholarly robes with a smile on his face as he waved a fan in his hand. He was dressed like a penniless scholar but he looked at Ling Tian with an arrogant gaze as though he was an emperor up above. The other person was short and pudgy and was raggedly dressed like a woodcutter with beard all over his face. However, this person looked at Ling Tian with an unfriendly look as though he was facing an enemy.
Ling Tian was naturally clear about Ye QingChen's strength. It wouldn't be much if Ye QingChen was alone but there was currently another two individuals beside him and the three of them had came together. For both him and Li Xue to not notice their presence, it only meant that the two others were at least as strong as Ye QingChen. According to Ling Tian's judgement, the strength of the other two was very likely to be even higher than Ye QingChen! The formation of these three individuals could be described as luxurious!
Ye QingChen took off the wine gourd on his back and laughed, "Over the past half a year, little brother's name resounded in the entire continent and this elder brother is extremely gratified. Let me offer you a toast! A pity that we do not have Man's Blood with us."
Ling Tian's brows furrowed and could not understand the intentions of the three in front of him. Carefully, he probed, "My life was almost lost in the process and it was truly a miserable half year. I am not worthy of a toast from big brother."
Ye QingChen smiled and before he could say a thing, the short woodcutter dressed man pointed at Ling Tian and roared, "Ling Tian, where is Justice? Rumors are spreading all across the world that you have killed him. Is that true?!"
Ling Tian was stunned for a moment and understood the intentions of these three individuals. It turns out that the rumors which he had spread had created such a huge trouble for himself. The other two individuals must definitely be the experts of Beyond Heavens as well. If the three of them were to join hands to deal with him, it would definitely be troublesome for him as well.
"May I ask senior for your name?" Ling Tian smiled and looked at the woodcutter. Despite a smile being on his face, his eyes was filled with calmness.
"Why the f**k do you need to know what this daddy's name is? Let me ask you, were you the one who killed Justice?" The woodcutter glared at Ling Tian ferociously and his killing intent was locked onto Ling Tian.
The way this fellow spoke was truly too adorable. Previously, he was asking if Ling Tian killed Justice or not. From these words, Justice may still be alive but the very next moment, this fellow asked if Ling Tian was the one who killed Justice. In just a couple of seconds, Justice had went from being alive to dead…
Aren't you thinking too highly of me?!
"Martial Order Medallion owner, Justice?" a glow flashed past Ling Tian's eyes, "Even if I said that I killed Justice, would you believe me?"
The woodcutter shook his head, "This daddy wouldn't believe it! How can a gigolo like you kill that fellow?"
"Since you don't believe me, then why are you here for? Are you here just to seek trouble with me?" Ling Tian glared, "Do your Beyond Heavens really think that I am someone easily bullied?" A tyrannical aura suddenly exploded forth and an endless killing intent gushed out from Ling Tian, breaking the aura which the woodcutter had locked onto Ling Tian. The powerful aura smashed towards the woodcutter without any restraint!
The woodcutter's face turned red and knew that the little brat in front of him had caught onto his faulty wording. Right when he was about to retort, he felt a powerful aura breaking through his aura and pressed towards him. He immediately knew that Ling Tian was a powerful opponent and did not dare to delay. His aura was instantly pushed to its peak and his killing intent also oozed out without restrain.
Ling Tian glared at the woodcutter in front of him and snorted, "Hmm?!" His body then leaned forward slightly.
The woodcutter's face turned purple and he let out roar in retaliation. Only after taking three to four steps back could he stabilize himself. Raising his head up to look at Ling Tian, a solemn expression could be seen on his face.
Ye QingChen and the white robed scholar by the side was actually completely unaffected by Ling Tian's aura! Despite his exploding aura, he was actually able to lock it onto a single person! Ye QingChen and the white robed man looked at each other and shock could be seen on their faces.
Ye QingChen hurriedly said, "Little brother, don't be angry. We are only here to seek some clarification. It would naturally be the best if this matter isn't true. Ah ah, you don't need to mind. However, just where is that crazy guy at right now? The head of two empires have taken out their Martial Order Medallions but this fellow disappeared at such a moment. This… this is just too much. Naturally, my fellow sect mates are also extremely anxious. But right at this moment, such a piece of news was actually spread out from Sky Bearing…"
Ling Tian shook his head and laughed, "Old brother Ye, even if others do not know my strength, aren't you familiar with it? With my strength, do you really think that I am capable of killing Justice? Aren't you thinking too highly of me?"
The woodcutter walked forward with his face flushed red and shouted, "Your strength isn't too weak either. Apart from Justice, this daddy here has not met anyone else who has such strength. Although you are still a distance away from him, you can already be considered a peerless expert. A man must act in an open manner! If you say that he isn't dead, then where is he right now? At the very least, you should be the last person who met him right?!"
Facing Ye QingChen, Ling Tian would naturally not be disrespectful. But facing the woodcutter, Ling Tian would not show any mercy. With a sneer, he said, "How do I know where he is? The world is such a big place and if he chooses to hide in a random brothel, who would be able to find him? This young noble had always liked cleanliness and would never visit a brothel. As your fellow sect mate, shouldn't you guys know where his little lover is?"
The woodcutter was stunned for a moment and roared, "This daddy has never visited brothels before. How would I know where his little lover is?"
"Puchi…" Ye QingChen's mouthful of wine was spit onto the fire in front of him and a greenish flame rose, "Cough cough cough…" Ye QingChen began coughing incessantly.
The white robed scholar by the side shook his head helplessly as though he ate ecstasy.
Hearing the burly's man rude tone, Li Xue was already about to explode. But upon hearing what the burly man ended up saying, Li Xue laughed to the point her sides ached.
The woodcutter looked at the others with a puzzled expression, "What are you guys laughing about? Old Ye, you are the closest to that crazy man. Do you know who his little lovers are?"
Ye QingChen glared, "I only know who your little lovers are! You only know how to throw my face. Shut your mouth."
The woodcutter face flushed red, "Ye QingChen, I will fight you to the death! You actually dare to smear me for having a little lover? Don't you know that this daddy here cultivates the Celibate Formula? I am a virgin from head to toe!"
Hearing that, Ling Tian immediately choked on air.
Even though this fellow seemed looked extremely ferocious and unreasonable, he was actually a fool. Thinking about that, the anger in Ling Tian's heart was dissipated.
The white robed scholar sighed and flapped his fan, "Justice definitely isn't dead. That fellow is probably is closed door cultivation and there isn't a point for us to search for him."
"Why do you say that?" Ye QingChen and the woodcutter asked together. Not to mention the both of them, even Ling Tian was also puzzled about why this scholar was so certain. Since he could be so certain, then why did they still bother searching for him?
"Look at that sword." the white robed scholar pointed to the sword on Ling Tian's back, "If Justice is dead, how would this sword be on Ling Jian?" The two of them let out an 'oh' together and the way they saw Ling Tian became different.
This time, it was Ling Tian who became puzzled and he asked, "Why is this so? If I were to kill Justice and steal his sword, wouldn't it make even more sense? For you guys to see this sword, shouldn't you guys suspect me even more? Why has it become the evidence for him to wash of his crimes?"
The white robed scholar smiled and said proudly, "Because this is the Heaven Splitter. Justice would rather destroy it then lose it. If he knows that he is going to die, even if he has to let go of his chance to escape, he would first destroy this sword. Since this sword is currently with you, it would only mean that he handed it over to you willingly. Apart from this, there isn't any other possibilities. Besides that, even if your strength is above ours, it is still a distance from Justice. It is impossible for you to take his life and steal his sword!"
Ling Tian nodded his head and said, "I see."
The white robed scholar studied Ling Tian carefully before saying calmly, "This is probably the reason why he wasn't willing to accept the Martial Order Medallion. Since he gave this sword to you, it means that our sect has given the world to you. If that's the case, then there isn't any purpose for the Martial Order Medallion."
"Ah?!" Ling Tian gasped in surprise. He never expected that Justice handing the Heaven Splitter to him had such a meaning.
"What does it mean to be the Martial Order Medallion owner? It means that the person who he points at would be the ruler of the world! For Justice to give the sword to you, it means that he has appointed you as the ruler of the world!" The white robed man laughed with pity, "This fellow indeed chose someone with a thicker killing intent than himself." His tone was filled with the regret of a bright pearl falling into darkness. Obviously, he was displeased with Justice choosing Ling Tian
"F**k!" Ling Tian cursed, "If that's the case, why don't he stay behind to help me?"
The three of them looked at Ling Tian with both anger and laughter, "You are really too greedy. Isn't it enough for him to give you the world? Should he stay behind to help you as well? Don't you know that Beyond Heavens isn't permitted to enter the conflicts of the world?"
Ling Tian grunted in his heart and grumbled, Then why are you guys still talking so much? However, his face remained calm and he said, "I see, I thought that he only gave me a sword to kill."
"You said that you are going to use this sword to… kill?" the face of the white robed scholar became strange and his tone became high. He eyes narrowed and the veins on his forehead pulsed.
"Obviously!" Ling Tian rolled his eyes, "If I don't use it to kill, am I going to use it to chop up vegetables?"
Everyone felt like fainting on the spot!
The white robed scholar went into a daze and jumped in anger as his spittle flew in all directions, "This is the Heaven Splitter! The ancient Heaven Splitter! You are using it to kill? This this this… this is preposterous!"
Chapter 589: Battle of Words
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The white-robed scholar fell into a daze for a moment and then jumped up with spittle flying in all directions as he roared, "This is the Heaven Splitter! The ancient Heaven Splitter! The Heaven Splitter which signifies the ownership of the world! We gave you the entire world but you are using it to kill? How how how… preposterous!"
Ling Tian was rendered speechless for a moment, then said "This is a peerless killing weapon after all! What is wrong with using it to kill? Besides that, the world must be fought for and my enemies will not surrender the moment I take out this sword. Hahaha, what a joke. Even if you guys are the number one sect on the continent, do you guys think that the continent is for you to give away? The ruler of the world is not someone for you guys to appoint!"
The white-robed scholar was angered to the point his lips trembled, "Non… nonsense!"
"Hehe," Ling Tian smiled calmly, "If you guys think that you can appoint the ruler of the world, then alright then, I shall accept this appointment. You guys should go and announce this to the other powers on the continent that I am the ruler of the world so that they will all surrender to me. As long as they surrender obediently, the world will be under my rule. After accepting your arrangements and the continent that you have given to me, I will owe you a huge favor. How about that?"
The three of them were completely baffled and the white-robed scholar stuttered, "This… our sect has always separated ourselves from secular affairs, how can we persuade your enemies for you?"
"Impossible?" Ling Tian let out a weird smile, "Then how are you guys going to give the world to me? How are you guys going to appoint me to be the ruler of the world? You guys aren't even willing to give out any news and only your sect is aware of my possession of the Heaven Splitter. Are you guys going to give me the world like this? Are you guys going to make me, Ling Tian, owe you guys a favor without doing anything? What a joke? What can a sword represent?"
Ling Tian stretched out his hands and grabbed onto another pig's leg before handing it over to the white-robed scholar.
The white-robed scholar looked at Ling Tian with a doubtful expression. After thanking Ling Tian, he received the meat but kept it far away from his white robes. Ye QingChen smiled and took two steps back with the woodcutter. According to his understanding, Ling Tian probably had another sly idea up his sleeves again. It would be best for them to keep some distance.
Ling Tian had a bright smile on his face, "This wild boar's leg is the symbol of authority of the Heavenly Wind Continent. I am going to give it to you right now. As long as you take it to the Heavenly Wind Continent, you will become the ruler of the continent. Do you think it is possible?"
Wild boar leg? The symbol of authority? By the time he took it to the Heavenly Wind Continent, it would have probably become rotten…
The white-robed scholar held the wild boar's leg in his hand and went into a daze for a short while. His face then turned ashen as he roared, "You are going to anger this old man to death!" His anger then assaulted his heart and he collapsed onto the ground.
The woodcutter shot forward and just when everyone thought that the woodcutter would support the white-robed scholar, the woodcutter grabbed the barbecued leg in his hand and took a big bite. With his mouth full of oil, he praised, "This truly tastes good. How about you roast another leg for me? A single leg certainly won't be enough."
The white-robed scholar had no one to support his collapsing body and he collapsed onto the ground without any cushion whatsoever.
Li Xue chuckled and took out a tael of silver from her sleeves. Placing it in Ling Tian's hands, she said, "Tian'ge, this tael of silver symbolizes the ruler of the universe. From today on, you will be the Jade Emperor. Hurry up and take up your position…"
Ling Tian burst out laughing and winked at Li Xue. "Who knows, this old fellow may be angered by me to the point there is internal bleeding in his head."
Li Xue pursed her lips, "He deserves it. Who asked him to act so high and mighty? Just a broken sword that will create trouble for you and he seems to think that Beyond Heavens has given you a huge favor. Just looking at him makes me angry and its best for him to fall to his death."
Ling Tian's face cramped up as he thought to himself, This lass is even more vicious than me.
A short while later, the white-robed scholar who lay on the ground motionlessly suddenly stood up straight as though he was a living zombie. It was as though there was a person supporting him from the back and pushing him up slowly. He had actually displayed his pure inner qi.
Ling Tian looked towards the sky and let out a sneer as he thought, Is there anything here worth showing off? Even Ling Chi can do this!
"Ling Tian, do you have any thoughts about our Beyond Heavens?" the white-robed scholar said with a mellow tone. A cold glare flashed past his eyes as his battle intent oozed out. Seeing the situation turning bad, Ye QingChen took a few steps forward with an awkward expression on his face, ready to stop the fight.
"Thoughts? None at all." Ling Tian shrugged his shoulders and smiled, "They are just your own thoughts about Beyond Heavens and not mine."
"Our own thoughts? What do you mean by that?" The eyes of the white-robed scholar narrowed. The way he saw it, Ling Tian was only humiliating him.
"Why would Beyond Heavens become the number one hidden sect in the world?" Ling Tian sneered, "A thousand years ago, Beyond Heavens led the pugilistic world into the battle of the three continents and not only did Beyond Heavens emerge victorious, they even preserved the strength of our Heavenly Star Continent. After that, Beyond Heavens contributed greatly to the peace of the continent and the pugilistic world. Thus, everyone respected Beyond Heavens and was willing to recognize Beyond Heavens as number one under the heavens. This is because the heart of the people was with your sect and not because of your peerless martial arts. It was also not because of your sheer numbers or strength!"
Ling Tian was a little displeased. So what if Beyond Heavens was the number one sect? You can't treat everyone else like the fool as well. Casually giving me a sword and saying that it represents the entire continent. Isn't this too exaggerated? This young noble has to exhaust millions of soldiers to fight wars all over the continent so that the continent will be within my grasp. At the end of the day, I still have to owe your Beyond Heavens a huge favor?! You guys do not want to do a single thing and get the biggest slice of the cake? You guys must be dreaming!
If you are trying to swindle this young noble, this young noble won't care if you are number one in the world! If you expect me to remain silent and accept such a loss, impossible!
"However, all of these merits were done by your ancestors of a thousand years ago and has nothing got to do with all of you. In the past thousand years, what have you guys done for the commoners? Probably nothing right? All of you have only inherited Beyond Heavens or perhaps the pride of Beyond Heavens. Currently, what does Beyond Heavens have to be proud of? What right do all of you have to use the accomplishments of your ancestors to command the world?" Ling Tian chuckled, "Isn't this a great joke? Even after a thousand years, you guys are still living in your past glory? You still dare to act with such righteous confidence?!"
"Touch your hearts and ask yourselves, are you guys living up to the glory of your ancestors? Martial Order Medallion? It is only a tool to protect the peace of the world but you guys are actually treating it like the summoning order of an assassin! The medical skills that your sect has passed on over the years are for you guys to save the world with, but you guys are only willing to save a life with a single medallion? You guys would rather hide deep in the mountains rather than come out to save people? Not letting you guys dabble in the conflicts of the world is so that Beyond Heavens is able to uphold justice in the world. But where is justice? Being detached from worldly affairs, what a nice way of putting it!"
Ling Tian's gaze was like a sword as he said mercilessly, "All of you have completely twisted the meaning of those words and hidden in the depths of the mountains but still treat yourselves like the messiah? Having the ability to contribute to the empires and save the commoners but generation after generation rots away like the crops of the land. Let me ask you, how many of your sect members over the years have heaven shaking medical skills but have never saved a single person? Then what do they study medicine for? Did your ancestors pass down all of these skills just so that all of you can kill time with it? Ridiculous!"
Ye QingChen, the white-robed scholar, and the woodcutter were completely drenched in sweat after hearing what Ling Tian's criticisms. The white-robed scholar was filled with sweat all over his face and despite wanting to retort against what Ling Tian had just said, he realized that he was unable to do so. With just a couple of sentences, Ling Tian had completely flipped the ideals that he had been living by for the past few decades.
Ling Tian took two steps forward and continued, "As for I, Ling Tian, my intention to rule over the world is definitely not so noble either and it can be said to be for my own selfishness and ambitions. However, after I rule over the entire world, I can ensure that the continent will be peaceful for the next few decades. At the very least, there won't be any conflict for the next century and the commoners of the world will be able to lead a peaceful life. Even though it is for my own selfish ambitions, it is also for the happiness of the world."
"While millions will lose their lives in the process of fighting for hegemony, after the world is united, there won't be anyone who will suffer from the bitterness of battle! Before the world is united as one, there will be frequent battles between the empires and this is true throughout the three continents! At least a million will die every year and while millions will die in the process of me fighting over hegemony, it is only the combined figure of a couple of years. However, the long peace that will follow after can last for at least one century or even longer! Even if it is only a hundred years of peace, do you know what this hundred years would signify? Do you know what benefits a hundred years of peace would bring to the continent?"
"However… is there no other method to unite the world apart from slaughter?" the white-robed scholar asked weakly.
"Slaughter? How would there be unity without slaughter? Another method? Haha… do you think that we can create peace in the continent with a book in our hands? Complete nonsense! The only way to quench the wars of the continent would be to use the cruelest methods and fastest speed to unite the world! Even if the world falls into chaos again after a few hundred years, we would have created our own peaceful generation at the very least!"
Ling Tian laughed out heartily and spread his arms out wide towards the starry night as though he wanted to embrace the entire world in his arms, "I will admit that my hands are drenched with blood and my body is full of sin. Even if I kill people like they were ants with a mountain of corpses behind me, I can face up to my conscience! However, all of you do not interfere in worldly affairs and have a body full of skills but let it go to complete waste. Not only do you guys fail to live up to your own conscience, you guys are sinful!"
Ling Tian glared at the white-robed scholar and shouted, "Sinful! Sinful to the world, sinful to mankind and sinful to yourself!"
Hong!
The white-robed scholar felt as though a hammer pounded down on his heart and he took a few steps back with his face blanched completely white.
Ye QingChen let out a long sigh and lamented with endless regret, "Little brother is right, all of these years, our Beyond Heavens has been…" As he said that, his tone became hoarse.
After a long while, Ling Tian looked at Ye QingChen and said, "It is not too late!"
The white-robed scholar let out a long sigh to the heavens with desolation in his voice. Ling Tian's previous words were like a bucket of cold water being dumped on him. The white-robed scholar felt his mind become clear as though he was awoken from a long slumber.
He took a few steps forward towards Ling Tian with the arrogance in his eyes completely gone. Fixing his gaze onto Ling Tian, he bowed down respectfully, "Thank you for your pointers!"
Ling Tian went silent for a moment and upon seeing the other party's sincerity, he replied, "This little one was rude."
The white-robed scholar straightened his back and said with solemness, "No! You guided us back to the right path and young noble Ling is the greatest benefactor of our Beyond Heavens! Even a hundred bows would not be able to display a fraction of our gratitude. After hearing the words which you have spoken today, this old man is filled with guilt."
Ling Tian replied sincerely, "There are still many more days to come, why does Sir have to act in such a manner?"
The white-robed scholar shook his head and a look of embarrassment could be seen on his face.
Ye QingChen suddenly thought of something and asked, "Why is little brother here alone? Does little brother have something to do?"
Ling Tian let out a cunning smile, "That's right. The experts of Above Heavens are about to pass by here to ambush my Sky Bearing. Ling Tian is here to await their arrival and unleash a massacre."
The woodcutter walked forward excitedly, "Above Heavens? Those b*st*rds who ambushed Justice a while back? D*mmit, count this daddy in as well! I just ate a leg of yours and I can't just take it for nothing! Your words also made a lot of sense and this daddy here thinks that you're pretty good!"
Just ate my leg? Ling Tian burst out into a sweat and tried to reject him, "Ling Tian thanks elder for your good intentions…"
The white-robed scholar suddenly took a step forward and said, "Above Heavens has been mortal enemies with our Beyond Heavens. Young noble Ling Tian is doing this for the welfare of the entire world. How can we allow those ghostly creatures to create trouble? Even if there wasn't enmity between us and them, this old man would definitely stay behind to lend young noble Ling a hand."
Ling Tian felt warmth in his heart and smiled, "However, the scene may be a little bloody, this…"
"So what?" the white-robed scholar chuckled, "Could it be that the few of us can't kill?"
Ling Tian sighed and could only let them have their way.
All of a sudden, there were three more people to join in his feast and the two wild boar leg which he roasted wasn't enough. But if he were to find more ingredients from the corpse of the wild boar which he had thrown aside, it would seem a little rude as well. After all, that corpse was thrown away like it was rubbish to him.
Ling Tian frowned and took out half an incense stick before walking into the forest. As Ye QingChen and the others looked at his action, they were also filled with bewilderment and could not understand what Ling Tian was doing. Li Xue, however, knew what Ling Tian wanted to do and could not help but chuckle. Of course, if it was the other person from Beyond Heavens, Justice, he would definitely be able to guess what Ling Tian was doing. After all, the two of them had fought with this incense stick before.
After just a short while, Ling Tian had returned with a bag full of rewards. He held onto six to seven rainbow-colored venomous snakes and walked out of the forest. There were a few which had a triangular head and obviously looked extremely venomous.
Ye QingChen and the white-robed scholar looked at each other wondering how Ling Tian was able to find so many venomous snakes in such a short period of time. Only the woodcutter dressed man took in a deep breath of cold air. He was different from the other two. After living in the depths of the mountains for a long time, he was extremely familiar with the different species of snakes. With a single look, he could tell that all of the snakes in Ling Tian's hands were extremely venomous.
If an ordinary person were to be bitten by any one of these snakes, merely seeing blood and dying on the spot would be considered a simple outcome. It was very likely for their whole body to be reduced into a pile of bloody water. Furthermore, all of these snakes were extremely agile and they weaved through the forest like the wind. Even if he wanted to catch one of them, he would definitely have to put in a considerable amount of effort. However, the little gigolo in front of him had caught six to seven snakes in just a short period of time! He was indeed someone who had successfully escaped from the hands of Justice!
"Good stuff." A green divine light shot of the woodcutter's eyes like he was a starving wolf looking at a harmless rabbit. He was extremely familiar with how delicious all of these snakes were. The more venomous the snake was, the more delicious it was as well. There was once where he spent a great deal of effort to catch a few of these snakes and he could still clearly remember the intoxication up until now.
Ling Tian burst out laughing and retrieved the snake's gall easily, handing one to each person present. He then skinned and deboned the snake after removing its innards. Following that, he took Ye QingChen's wine gourd and bathed the snake in aromatic wine before sprinkling it with seasoning. Piercing a clean wooden branch through it, he began roasting it over the flame.
Ye QingChen's eyes widened as he grit his teeth with heartache. Snatching the wine gourd back, he hugged it in his embrace with a face full of bitterness.
Ling Tian burst out laughing, "Old brother Ye, your wine isn't anything special. Using it to wash the meat of the snake, I still find it a pity for this snake meat. Look at how heartbroken you are over it."
Ye QingChen's face became taut, "Isn't this all your fault? After drinking all of your exquisite wine such as Hero's Blood, Maiden's Heart, etc, how would I be able to even swallow the wine of the secular world? This wine is the famed 'Mouth of Intoxication' with a prolonged aftertaste. While it cannot be compared to your wine, it is also a world-famous wine and is extremely pricey. With this old man's limited wealth, how can I waste it like this?"
Ling Tian was stunned for a moment before bursting out into laughter, "Since it cannot be compared to my wine, how would it be considered a waste?!" He then signaled to Li Xue.
Li Xue smiled and stood up. Walking over to their horses, she untied two leather pouches and threw it over.
Just when Ye QingChen was about to retort to what Ling Tian had said, he saw those two leather pouches and could smell a familiar aromatic fragrance. His eyes lit up and threw his wine gourd to the side. How could he still be bothered with the pricey Mouth of Intoxication? He quickly grabbed one of the leather pouches and laughed out in delight.
The actions of the woodcutter were also extremely swift. He immediately snatched Ye QingChen's wine gourd as though he was afraid that Ye QingChen would snatch it back. Opening the gourd, he raised his head and began indulging in the wine. A long while later, the woodcutter finally shifted the wine gourd away for his lips as he laughed, "Good wine indeed! How satisfying! It indeed lives up to its name of being a world-famous wine. It is truly delectable upon entry into the mouth and has a prolonged aftertaste! This is too d*mned satisfying!"
Ye QingChen beamed, "Since it is satisfying, this old man shall be generous for once. Woodcutter, why don't you finish the rest."
"Really? Ah… hahahaha… then I shall not stand on ceremony and will thank you for your gift." The woodcutter was overjoyed.
"Of course I am serious. Drink it all. Why don't you finish it all right now?" Ye QingChen had a bright smile on his face. It is best if you drink so much now that you can't drink a single drop of liquor later. All of this fragrant wine will then become mine. Hahahaha.