624 - 630

Chapter 624: Joyous and Harmonious

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Yu XiaoRan replied with a strange tone and fake smile, "How can we trouble young noble Ling for such little things."

Ling Tian replied with a tone of shock, "Could it be that the few of you who came to Sky Bearing this time are experts in the trade? Ling Tian was flaunting my knowledge in front of the true experts previously and I seek your forgiveness!" Without waiting for the elders to reply to him, Ling Tian walked out of the room.

In the room, the six 'true experts' looked at Ling Tian's departing figure with their mouths open in speechless shock. A long while later, a series of curses exploded forth from the room, and the elders were even better at it than the little hoodlums on the streets…

If their resentment could kill, even a dozen Ling Tian's wouldn't be sufficient. If their flames of rage could burn, Sky Bearing would definitely be engulfed in a sea of flame right now.

A long while later, Yu XiaoRan collapsed into the armchair weakly and said, "Old Five and Six, the two of you are to return to the family at top speed to inform the family head. You must inform us of his decision at the fastest possible speed. This old man no longer has the face to meet family head and I do not wish to stay in this place for a second longer…"

Ling Tian whistled as he walked in the snow feeling extremely delighted. Upon thinking about Yu ManLou's expression after seeing his letter, Ling Tian could not help but be filled with delight. As he walked in the snow, he suddenly remembered that Yu ManLou took in a new concubine under his urging. Who knows if this Yu Family Head was diligent during this period?

Thinking about that, Ling Tian's body began to heat up and his little brother seemed to be raising his head. He immediately stopped walking and changed his direction towards Ling Chen's office. As he walked over, he began fantasizing about having some office romance in the snow…

His saliva began drooping down from the corner of his lips!

There wasn't anyone in the room!

Young noble Ling who had a belly full of lust had no place to vent it. Seeing Ling Chen's office empty, he rubbed his nose for a moment before another idea sprouted in his head. He then walked towards Yu BingYan's room but was disappointed again.

How strange. In the freezing winter, where would these two lasses be? Ling Tian scratched his head in doubt. Haiz, if I am unable to find anyone, I shall go and tease the little beauty of the Xiao or Shui Family. Even if I cannot have a real battle with them, it would be fun to tease them still.

Making a loop around the Courtyard, Ling Tian stood in the snow with depression. He wasn't able to find a single one of them!

He still hadn't checked Miss Li Xue's room. However, Ling Tian would not go to Li Xue's room at this moment as that demoness was still at the peak of her anger. She definitely had a belly full of jealousy last night and he still teased her this morning. Then, she was further angered by Yu XiaoRan in the afternoon…

Currently, Li Xue was like a volcano on the verge of erupting. Wouldn't he be seeking trouble for himself if he found her now? It was best that he didn't tease her now lest he ended up burning himself.

Of course, Ling Tian still had another solution in the Courtyard and he turned towards the little yard where Ling Jian and the other assassins of the First Pavilion stayed. Since Ling Tian had nothing else better to do, he could vent his frustrations on those little brats and train them at the same time. Just a while ago, Justice had trained Ling Feng, Yun, Lei and Dian until he was addicted to the feeling and the four of them would run whenever they see Justice! Ling Tian could also experience such a feeling!

From afar, Ling Tian could hear loud laughter and the owner of the laughter was obviously laughing heartily. Ling Tian immediately went forward to take a look…

Currently, all of the assassins were excitedly seated around the fire as they heard Ling Jian describing how he made fun of the Yu Family elders. They were all filled with laughter and did not notice that their young noble who was at the peak of his frustration walking over.

When Ling Tian walked over, Ling Jian was at the climax of the story, "… when I gave that old fogey a tight slap to the face, that old fogey flew into a rage…. then… at this moment, young noble suddenly appeared…" Ling Jian paused for a while intentionally to build up the suspense.

The few of them who were eager to hear the continuation of the story asked eagerly, "What did young noble say?"

Ling Jian chuckled and stretched lazily, "Take a guess."

The few of them burst out laughing together and a few others said together, "Is there still a need to guess? The thickness of those old fogies' skin would be like the thickness of the Ling Family Courtyard's wall at the very most. However, our young noble's skin is as thick as two rounds of our Ling Family Courtyard's walls! He would only need to use 30% of his ability and make an unreasonable statement! Those old fogies would immediately be rendered speechless."

"Hahaha…" Everyone burst out laughing together as they slapped their thighs. A few of them laughed to the point their tears were oozing out.

The few of them did indeed understand Ling Tian very well. However, they were just too unlucky…

With a loud bang, the door of the room flew open and young noble Ling Tian stood outside of the door with a blackened expression.

"Is my skin very thick? Is it that the thickness of my skin is enough to go two times around my face? Half of my face stands for my shamelessness and the other half my impudence?! Can someone answer me clearly!" Ling Tian clenched his teeth and said slowly.

Pin-drop silence!

Everyone had a look of despair on their faces. Ling Chi looked at Ling Tian and his mouth cramped up without daring to say a single thing. He did not dare to say a thing as he stood up pitifully with his head lowered. The rest of their faces were also completely pale…

A short while later a couple of figures were punished to stand outside in the snow with their heads lowered. According to young noble Ling's original words, their laughter was too loud and assassins should know how to maintain their cool. Thus, they need to cool down in the snow before copying a thousand-word essay a hundred times…

The few of them wanted to cry but had no tears. Why were they so unlucky? It was one thing to stand in the snow but copying a thousand-word essay a hundred times… that was 100,000 words!

Their tears began rolling down the corners of their eyes and onto the ground!

There wasn't a single person in the room who dared to plead for mercy!

******

At this moment, Li Xue's room was filled with laughter and chattering. In the room, everyone present was a unique beauty and were all like fairies. They were the beauties who young noble Ling was unable to find. All of them were gathered together in the circle being filled with laughter.

On the table, there were ten different snacks and a few jugs of wine. Mmm, the wine was the 'Maiden's Heart' which Ling Tian treasured the most. However, a full five jugs had appeared in this room!

The window was open and the snow drifted into the room. At the same time, there were three peach blossoms swaying in the wind.

In actual fact, the reason for all of their disappearance was extremely simple. They were gathering together to enjoy the snow and blossoms. Who could be bothered about young noble Ling?!

The faces of the five beauties were pinkish and they had obviously drunk a fair bit of wine. Occasionally, a joke from one of them would cause the five of them to burst out into laughter. Their arms were hanging on each other's shoulders and they looked extremely lazy. None of them had the disposition of a little princess, well-mannered lady, or chivalrous expert!

If Ling Tian was present and witnessed this scene, he would probably turn into a wolf on the spot…

Her rosy red lips took a sip of wine and even Li Xue who was supposed to be sober seemed a little drunk, "…when that little boy was bathing, his clothes were all stolen by someone. He did not even have a cloth to cover himself and could only squat in the water naked. Looking around, he used his hands to cover his…" Li Xue stood up and demonstrated the action.

"Hahaha…" The ladies burst out laughing together and Xiao YanXue spat out a mouthful of wine.

If Ling Tian was present, he would definitely be angered to the point he vomited blood. The little boy which Li Xue was describing was Ling Tian who was pranked by her in their previous life! It was also no wonder why the lass could remember the details so clearly as she animated every single scene.

At the very end, the few ladies laughed to the point their sides ached and the story ended.

Shui QianRou laughed as she asked, "The little boy in sister Xue's story seems to have left a deep impression on sister Xue."

Li Xue was already pretty drunk and replied without thinking, "Nonsense, of course he left a deep impression on me. Isn't he…" As she said that, she suddenly regained clarity and stopped.

Looking at the other ladies awkwardly, she laughed dryly, "Let's not talk about this. Come, everyone drink." She then lifted up her glass to propose a toast.

All of the ladies present were extremely sharp individuals and immediately looked at Li Xue with a profound gaze. After letting out a long 'ohhhh', they said in unison, "That little brat must be sister Xue's lover right?"

Li Xue was immediately reduced to a pathetic state as she scolded, "How could he be?! All of you little scoundrels, all of you only know how to think in such a crooked manner."

Ling Chen frowned in thought, "How can he be sister Xue's lover? All of you may not know but I am extremely certain that sister Xue's lover is young noble. However, young noble grew up with Chen'er and the little boy in the story would never be young noble."

"Then who is the little boy?" The few of them began guessing.

For some reason, Ling Tian's figure drifted in Ling Chen's head and she recalled Ling Tian's lonely gaze…

Ling Chen's body shook as she gasped in disbelief, "Could sister Xue be talking about young noble? But…" As her words left her mouth, all of the ladies had the same thought and they looked at Li Xue with doubt.

"How could it be possible?" Li Xue forced a smile, "Younger sister Chen has already said that Tian'ge accompanied her when he was young. I did not have the fortune to meet him then."

Chapter 625: Good Guy Bad Guy

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The other ladies also agreed with her but still felt a strange feeling in their heart. However, they all knew that they shouldn't continue to probe.

Yu BingYan smiled with happiness in her eyes, "Talking about Tian'ge, I truly find it strange. There doesn't seem to be anything in the world that Tian'ge cannot achieve. There isn't anything he doesn't know and anything that he is incapable of doing. How can there be such a capable individual in the world? Even Justice from Beyond Heavens is also incomparable in this aspect."

These words had truly struck the heart of the ladies and they nodded their heads in agreement. The only exception would be Miss Li Xue who knew Ling Tian the best!

Shui QianRou lifted up her wine glass and did not take a sip but looked distracted and said, "In truth… he is an extremely strange person. In my eyes, he seems to be wrapped up in layers of mystery. Every time I feel like I am about to unveil the mystery, I would find myself only unveiling a thin layer of the mystery. It seems impossible to find the truth behind the mystery."

These words of hers immediately received the approval of the others and Xiao YanXue said with a smile, "I agree. I also feel the same but I have already decided to not think about this matter any further. After all, no matter how we try to dig up the truth, it is impossible…"

Shui QianRou chuckled and said with a perplexed tone, "It is strange indeed. If you call him a good guy, he can be worse than anyone else at times. But if you call him a bad person, you will feel that he is extremely nice at times. The most frustrating thing is the fact that even if I know that he is making use of me, I cannot help but go along with his wishes…" Shui QianRou's voice turned soft and her fringe fell down blocking half her face as she muttered, "He… is he someone good or bad?"

The room fell silent.

Is Ling Tian someone good or bad? This question is one that even Li Xue who transmigrated with Ling Tian had no answer to.

Li Xue rubbed her eyes and said, "Good man? Bad man? How can you use such a simple adjective to describe Tian'ge? So what if he is good or bad? All of you are too naive! There are far too many things in the world that can't be described by just good or bad."

Li Xue's body shook and she continued, "If someone steals something, would he be a bad person? If someone robs another person, would he be a good person?"

The other ladies did not understand what Li Xue meant, "Of course a thief and robber is a bad person! Do you even need to ask?"

"Not necessarily right!" Li Xue pointed out, "If the family of the thief or robber has to starve if he doesn't steal or rob, would he still be considered a bad person?"

"Similarly, what if someone beats a little thief to death when attempting to catch him? Would this person be a good person or hero? Would the kin of the dead thief have goodwill towards the person who killed the thief? The person would only be seen as their enemy! An enemy who killed their father and husband! Naturally, there are many other possibilities. What if the family of the thief starves to death because of the death of the thief. Then would the person who killed the thief be responsible for the deaths of the thief's family?"

"It is impossible to determine the good from bad! Everyone has a different standard of good and bad in his heart. Thus, the so-called good and bad is no more than a temporary feeling." Li Xue said with disdain, "Everyone has their motive for doing anything, us included. We cannot judge the good from the bad. I only know that a person who thinks for his own kin, family and women, is a good person. Regardless of the methods they employ, at the very least, they are someone with responsibility!"

"In my impression, Ling Tian is someone like that. He can't be considered good because he has done many despicable deeds and even harmed the lives of countless people! Of course, you cannot say that he is bad because of this. He has also done countless good deeds, brought joy into the hearts of many and contributed greatly to the commoners! More importantly, he is the ideal husband for us ladies. Regardless of the past, as long as we are his family and woman, he will protect and care for us with all he has. He would fight a bloody battle on the frontlines just so that the people around him can live in joy and peace. To us women, this is enough! What more do we have to ask for? I would actually more afraid if my husband was a chivalrous hero or gentleman. Such a character would only bring hardship to his woman! What do you guys think?"

That's right, what more do we have to ask when we have such a husband? All the other ladies looked at Li Xue in agreement. All the ladies present today could definitely be considered a 'strong woman' and they fully understood what Li Xue said!

Just as the saying goes, 'it is easy to find a priceless treasure but rare to find a sincere husband'. As ladies, they were all emotional creatures and as long as their husband could treat them well, they would be satisfied for the rest of their lives. As for how he fights on the outside or how much blood he spills, they only need to ensure that he can return to a safe and comfortable home. This would be the happiest life in the world.

In this world where the strong reign supreme, just who is the one in the right? Who is wrong? Who is the good and who is the bad? What is the point of bothering about all that! Is it truly meaningful?

Li Xue's voice sounded again, "Ling Tian truly does not have it easy. Do you think that he doesn't wish to lead a peaceful life with his women and enjoy the rest of his days? It is just that the circumstances of the world forced him to the forefront of danger. As long as he takes a step or even half a step back, his death is certain! Furthermore, he would be bringing all of us together with his many followers down together with him! He can only soldier on and walk to the peak of the world before having his peace.

Li Xue then looked at the ladies and asked slowly, "Let me ask all of you a question. If Ling Tian announces to the world right now that he is going to back out from the war for hegemony and disperse all of his armies, do you think the other powers would let go of him? Do you think they would be able to allow such a frightening character to live in their land?"

All of the ladies faces turned dark and they shook their head. They all understood what it meant to uproot all potential sources of trouble.

"That's right. Thus, conflict is born. Little sister BingYan is from the Yu Family, little sister QianRou the Shui Family, little sister YanXue the Xiao Family and Tian'ge's cousin Princess JiaoYue the Sky Bearing imperial family. All of these powers are not to be underestimated and if one lets their guard down when maneuvering among these powers, death is certain. However, because of all of you around here, everything that Ling Tian does is filled with difficulties and challenges but he never speaks about them."

"Just like the battle with the Xiao Family. We had countless chances to kill their commander, Xiao FengYang, on the battlefield! It wouldn't be difficult for us to do that but we still chose to capture him alive. Why? Because of little sister YanXue. However, there is something that I am certain of. If Xiao FengYang or the Xiao Family captured Tian'ge, would they spare him because of little sister YanXue? Have any of you thought about that?"

The ladies looked at each other and a chill ran down their spine. If the Xiao Family caught Ling Tian, they would probably execute him on the spot! How would they give him a chance to survive?

Xiao YanXue's face was filled with guilt as she lowered her head. However, her heart was filled with sweetness.

"On top of that, all of us understand that the Yu Family is the mastermind of the attack of the Lei Family. But so what? We have all the most elite assassins in the world and if we want to assassinate the important characters of the Yu Family, Bright Jade City would already be filled with blood. Even if it would be a difficult matter for us to assassinate the Yu Family Head, what about the others of the Yu Family? However, Tian'ge did not say a single word about it or even made a reaction. Why is this so? Isn't this because of little sister BingYan?!"

"Little sister QianRou, while Ling Tian has his own motives when dealing with your Shui Family, he could also choose to use a completely different method to deal with your Shui Family. He had at least three different ways to completely destroy the Shui Family! However, Ling Tian also did not make such a choice and I believe I don't need to point out the reason."

Li Xue looked at the ladies with a profound gaze and they all lowered their head with guilt, "I believe that all of you hadn't thought about such things before, right? I should not be the one to say such things but I still have to say them. Currently, the biggest dilemma that Ling Tian faces is how he should treat the three of you. He has to be wary of the three of your emotions and not hurt any of you. If not, Ling Tian might have already been the ruler of the world! There isn't a need to go through so much trouble! Not to mention the Sky Bearing imperial family, even the Shui, Yu and Xiao Family would disappear in a single night!"

"AH?! He would already be the ruler of the world?! He would be able to destroy the families in a single night?" The four ladies cried out in unison, "How is this possible?!"

Li Xue downed her glass of wine before saying slowly, "Do you here think that I am bragging? I wonder if all of you remember that during the battle with the Xiao Family, a mountain collapsed to block the Blue Jade River, cutting off the communications of the Xiao Family and allowing us to gain the upper hand. I believe that all of you should not have forgotten about it right?"

"Of course we remember, but what has this got to do with ruling over the world?"

Li Xue sneered, "Let me tell all of you. That mountain did not collapse on its own but it was because of Ling Tian's hidden card! Ling Tian was the one who used a mysterious method to cause the collapse of the mountain!"

Apart from Ling Chen, the other three ladies were astounded!

"Causing a mountain which has been around for millions of years to collapse in an instant. Is wiping out a Yu, Shui or Xiao Family really that difficult?" Li Xue said profoundly.

The three ladies were in complete shock!

Chapter 626: Heart Knot Untied

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

It was only after a long time that Shui QianRou finally woke up from her reverie and hurriedly asked, "Sister Xue, do you really mean it?"

Li Xue smiled as she replied, "Whether it's real or false, can you not tell them apart? That mountain peak has been standing there for tens of thousands of years, so how could it suddenly collapse for no reason at such a critical juncture? Furthermore, Ling Jian and Feng Mo's group played a part in this, and you can know the truth by just confirming it with them. Is there a need for me to lie to you?"

Shui QianRou, Yu BingYan, and Xiao YanXue all fell silent immediately.

Ever since she came over, the war between Ling Tian and the Xiao Family was a knot in Xiao YanXue's heart. She couldn't help but still have a little bit of anxiousness and grudge. However, upon hearing this news, a sense of bliss suddenly occupied her heart.

"So it turns out, that Tian'ge has always been sacrificing for me! But instead, I've… I've really disappointed him." Thinking along these lines, she did not speak further, but instead, tears rolled down her face.

Shui QianRou acted in the same manner, her whole face red with guilt.

Li Xue pressed her brows together as she replied, "What are you girls doing? I'm saying these only because I don't wish for all of you to misjudge him. So long as everybody is aware of what he has done for us, it will be fine. Just look at the two of you, even openly crying. Imagine what would happen if that sentimental fool came in? He would be so heartbroken at the sight of you two, and if that's not all, he would even come after me for revenge. What do you want me to do then?! Anyway, he has done all this for your sake, and this is his way of embodying his message of love. You all should feel happy because of this, instead of crying!"

While choking back her tears, Xiao YanXue replied, "Sister Xue, I, I am just too happy… so happy that I cried…."

Li Xue was at a loss for words. It was only after a while that she said, "Then today, let us sisters enjoy appreciating the snow and wine. The wine today was specially brewed by Tian'ge, and it's called Maiden's Heart. I believe the meaning in this does not need to be said further. Today, I'll make it clear to all sisters here, that Tian'ge works so hard is purely to steal all of our 'maidens' hearts'!

Meaning cannot be understood without explaining, and a conversation cannot be understood without speaking. Now that Li Xue had pierced through the veil covering this reasoning, all of the women present fell into silence. All of them truly felt the heartfelt effort that Ling Tian had put in for them, and their eyes began to redden as the tears began to flow.

With her intelligence, upon observing this scenario, Li Xue knew that none of the ladies present would have any knots within their hearts regarding this point. Thus, this was the time to strike while the iron was hot! She immediately exchanged a glance with Ling Chen. Some matters needed Ling Chen to speak instead, because while she was not the oldest, her position would always be the first! This was something no one could surpass, nor would any of the ladies present dare to! Even the proud and arrogant Li Xue would not dare to do so. Simply because, if anyone tried to do so, they would immediately come face to face with Ling Tian's full wrath!

No one was willing to incur the wrath of Ling Tian! Nor did they have the intention!

Noting the glance shot towards her, Ling Chen coughed twice, before softly saying, "Little sister BingYan, little sister Rou, the two of you will be returning to your various families in a short period of time for the generational battle. Inside the battle, you two are even the pre-destined enemies, with the aim of fighting each other to the death. Is that true?"

Yu BingYan and Shui QianRou suddenly raised their heads. After exchanging a look, they remained silent, finally nodding.

Ling Chen's tone became slightly more solemn as she continued, "Right now, young noble wants me to pass down the message that no matter which one of you, no harm is allowed to befall you two. Not even the slightest injury!"

The two of them still did not speak, only carrying expressions of respect as they quietly listened.

Ling Chen slowly continued, "After this, I'll draft out a separate practice field for the two of you. What we need to do next is a lot, but also very simple. It will be to familiarize yourselves with the skills of your opponent, every last one of them! After that, both of you are to come out with ways to counter them. This point has to be completed within five days! The Yu Family is already here to escort sister BingYan back, and Young Noble says that he can at the most delay them for another five days. Thus, this is the only span of time you two have left."

Time was tight, and both Yu BingYan's and Shui QianRou's face turned solemn and heavy.

Outside the window, the snow continued to float about, as though it was endless…

The ladies who have had all their heart knots untied began rearranging the cups and chopsticks again, before serving up the wine and snacks. The ladies then drank till they were dead drunk, leaning upon each other for support, before contentedly passing out and sleeping…

Only Li Xue, with her left hand around Xiao YanXue's head, and her right hand supporting Shui QianRou, stared at the fluttering snow in the air. She sighed deeply, and a hint of tears appeared in her eyes even as she muttered, "Tian'ge, this matter that you were most troubled about, I've helped you to solve it. You… are you happy?"

She silently sat there looking at the window, sighing ceaselessly in her heart. As a female from the modern era, not only did the husband have to be faithful to the wife, but he even had to go on bended knee to propose before the female would consider the marriage. To think that right now, not only did she have to share her husband, but she was even required to come out and solve the problem of her husband's concubines! Even if she did not say it out loud, Li Xue was rather dissatisfied in her heart. However, thinking about the love that she had pursued across two lifetimes, as well as the miserable fate she had given him in her previous life, Li Xue immediately began to feel ashamed in her heart.

Forget it, treat it as what she owed him from the past life. This enemy yet also her loved one…

It was only after a long time that Li Xue fell asleep due to the influence of the wine. Furthermore, it was a deep and comfortable sleep…

This snowfall lasted for more than three days.

On the third day, Yu XiaoRan and this entourage felt like captured beasts, only able to be seated in an enclosed area worrying about the walls, at their wit's end.

Ever since they met up with Ling Tian three days ago, the highest ranked people they had seen inside the Ling Family Courtyard were only those in charge of operations, bringing in wood and necessities for them. For their everyday activities they had to take care of themselves, and the Ling Family Courtyard did not even give them a single servant to call upon. Their three meals were all delivered by someone, and even the hot water, as well as tea, were brought in regularly. As for the reason why they were not provided with any servants, the reply was truly maddening. Ling Tian said that because the Ling Family Courtyard was a place where everyone earned an honest living, there was thus no servants present. Furthermore, he even infuriatingly added that the elders themselves were all experienced people, able to take care of their own needs, and having servants would only hinder them if they chose to wander around!

They ate well, drank well, and even lived well, yet all four of them had the impression that they were serving their jail terms currently! While the Ling Family did not send anyone to monitor their actions, how would the few elders still dare to walk out? If they were falsely accused of going out to 'look for happy endings', then they would be throwing all their old faces away! After enduring for one or two days, an even worse form of torture arrived, which was that snippets of whispering came from the surrounding courtyards around them. The contents made them blow their tops and almost sink into despair.

"…. Did you hear? A few experts from the Yu Family are staying in that courtyard, and apparently, their grand elder was defeated by young noble's study aide. You know, that weak guy who always stays beside young noble! And to think they're still considered experts from the Yu Family, what kind of shitty experts are those?" One could imagine the scorn on the person's face as he was saying this…

"Is that true? How could a great elder of the Yu Family be so worthless? Even failing to defeat a mere study aide? While Jian'ge status is high, that's because he's the personal study aide of the young noble, thus he receives his favor!" a light and curious voice replied.

"Maybe it's that the Yu Family experts are rubbish, right? I really saw it with my own eyes, so how could it be false? It was your bad luck that you missed out on such a show. A short elder was rolled into a snowball by Jian'ge, and the taller one even got smacked in the face by him, and oh my, the sound was unbelievably crisp. The old man was really embarrassed, like a maiden just about to get married. Hehe, his face looked just like a peach."

"This part you might not know, but I heard that these few elders only have an old appearance but not an old sex life. They even asked the young noble where that particular place in Sky Bearing was! I'm curious to know that when they're doing the dirty deed, will their faces turn red like peaches?!"

"Maybe when they go up into 'heaven', they'll never come down afterward, hehehehe…" A round of sniggering could be heard.

This type of conversation actually happened a few times, causing the elders to feel like they were going to have a stroke. From then on, all their windows were fully closed, and let alone talking about walking around, they did not even dare to move out of their house…

The snowfall finally cleared up, leaving the world wrapped up in a layer of white and silver, gleaming beautifully in the skies and lands.

Today, Ling Tian woke up early, smiling to himself as he walked towards a certain area. After making a few turns, he came to a chamber with four guards tightly guarding the location, before opening the door and walking in. Inside was a table and chair, coupled with a bed, all impeccably arranged. The materials were of high quality, but that was not the main point. The main character was actually a thin old man sitting in front of his desk, a book in his hand as he engrossed himself within. To that point, he was not even aware of Ling Tian's presence, without even the twitch of an eyebrow signaling his notice, as he continued to read. The person was no bystander, but rather Xiao FengYang.

In this period of time, Ling Tian practically visited him once every other day, and could be considered a familiar face by now.

"It's been a long time, Second Master Xiao. I trust that you have been well these few days?" Ling Tian greeted courteously, with a mild tone.

"With your blessings, I've been able to survive." Xiao FengYang did not even blink, merely replying in an indifferent tone.

Ling Tian did not even show any courtesy, immediately sitting down on Xiao FengYang's bed. Feeling its softness and warmth, he contentedly let out a sigh as he spoke, "That's right, to be able to stay in peace, together with a comfortable bed and pillows, even having enough food and water. There are books to keep you occupied, no noise to bother your ears, and no problems to drain your energy. One can literally live here like an immortal, free of all of bloodshed and politics in the world. To speak the truth, Ling Tian here really admires Second Master Xiao for being able to escape like this."

Xiao FengYang only furrowed his brows in response. It was not because of the sarcasm that Ling Tian spoke with, but because Ling Tian was seated on his bed. Xiao FengYang was mysophobic, and even when he was out in the field, his requirement to himself was to keep everything clean and tidy. Even though he had turned into a prisoner of war, Ling Tian's apparent lack of restraint made him inwardly angry. However, because Ling Tian had been doing the same thing the last few weeks, Xiao FengYang was also beginning to get used to it.

Snorting coldly, Xiao FengYang replied, "Since that's the case, why don't you also move in and accompany this Xiao?"

"How would I dare to disrupt the peace and quiet of Second Master Xiao?" Ling Tian carelessly laughed out loud. "I only came here to report something to Second Master. The Xiao Family has wantonly fielded 2 million soldiers, and ignoring the chilling conditions, has rushed towards the west for an assault. There's a total of 200,000 men in the vanguard, already nearing the natural stronghold of Heavenly Water Ravine Pass that my Ling Family is currently occupying. To hold a battle in this severe weather, there might be a chance that something out of the ordinary will occur, and our Ling Family could lose control of the Heavenly Water Ravine Pass. Right now, the morale of the Xiao Family is high, and they believe that they have victory in their hands. Ling Tian here congratulates Second Master Xiao in advance!"

Pa! Xiao FengYang could no longer maintain his calm attitude, and his hand landed heavily on the table. His body trembled and his face turned pale. How could this be a congratulatory note from Ling Tian? He was just mocking them for lacking a godly military strategist.

Chapter 627: Heart Attacking Blade

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Fighting during winter is the biggest taboo in warfare. Especially trying to siege a city during winter as it was a battle that would be lost for sure! Even if one had ten times the number of soldiers than the defending party, it would be impossible to successfully take down the city during the winter. Furthermore, the target of their attack was the Heavenly Water Ravine Pass! This was akin to a suicidal battle! So what if you had two million soldiers?!

Especially after hearing the words 'my Ling Family's Heavenly Water Ravine Pass' coming out from Ling Tian's mouth, Xiao FengYang's mouth could not help but cramp up.

After a long while, Xiao FengYang finally came to his senses and shook his head. "I don't believe you. My brother also knows the art of war and will not make such a foolish decision. You are definitely lying to me."

Ling Tian chuckled, "Second Master Xiao is a grandmaster in the art of war and it is only natural for you to not believe me. However, whether or not you believe my words isn't very important anymore. I am not trying to convince you but am only informing you. Besides, you are already my captive and what good would it do for me to lie to you? Do you truly think that you will be able to leave this place? Oh, one more thing. I heard that the overall manager of the army is Sect Head Meng QiHun of Above Heavens and all the experts under him moved out this time. It seems like this Sect Master Meng truly hates me to the bone."

Ling Tian then teased, "Are you interested to know my arrangements? If you are, I am very willing to share them with you!"

Hearing that the overall manager of the army was the Above Heavens Sect Head together with the fact that Ling Tian even knew the name and origins of the Above Heavens Sect Head, Xiao FengYang began to believe what Ling Tian said. Above Heavens had always wanted authority in the Xiao Family army but Xiao FengYang had always been wary of them. Without him around, if Above Heavens truly held onto the military authority of the Xiao Family, their Xiao Family would no longer be of any worth to Above Heavens. When he was captured in defeat, Xiao FengYang already knew that Above Heavens would take this opportunity to take advantage of the Xiao Family. Now that he heard it from the mouth of Ling Tian, his heart clenched up in nervousness.

He then replied calmly, "It is your choice if you want to talk about your plans. Besides that, what has your plan got to do with me?"

Ling Tian smiled mysteriously as he said, "My plan is actually very simple. I only ordered the guards of the Heavenly Water Ravine Pass to seal the city gates towards the southeast. I ordered my troops to first crush the enemies with rocks before pouring freezing water down onto them. My troops have already collected all of the snow inside the Pass and filled up 5000 large pots. Haha, I have increased the number of elites in the Heavenly Water Ravine Pass to 50,000 men and apart from that, I stationed another 400,000 men in the valley of the Heavenly Water Mountain.

Ling Tian looked at Xiao FengYang merrily, "Second master Xiao, do you think that the little troops of mine would be able to defend against the crazed attacks of the Xiao Family's army? You are a grandmaster in the art of war and I trust your judgment!"

Xiao FengYang could no longer keep his cool and shut his eyes in agony.

Melting snow into ice isn't anything special and even dousing the enemies in boiling water was an ordinary defensive method. However, the weather was at its coldest and this method would be extremely effective.

When the Xiao Family attacked the city, there wasn't any need to pour boiling water on the soldiers as pouring the melted snow would be equally effective. In the freezing weather, as long as the melted snow was poured on the soldiers, the soldiers who didn't take off their armor in time would be frozen to death with their armor. Even if the soldiers wanted to take off their armor, they would definitely peel off a layer of their skin.

Regardless of the sacrifice that the Xiao Family made and how many layers of city walls that the Xiao Family broke through, it wouldn't matter as long as the Pass was held in the hands of the Ling Family. All the Ling Family needed to do was to pour water on the walls and after a night, all of the damage done to the wall would be filled up by the frozen water.

On top of that, Ling Tian had already increased the number of soldiers stationed in the Pass to 50,000 men and had even arranged for reinforcements of 400,000 men!

With the narrow terrain of the Heavenly Water Ravine Pass, they would only be able to send a small batch of soldiers up to siege the city in waves. Not to mention the 2,000,000 man army of the Xiao Family, even if they added another 2,000,000 soldiers, it would be impossible to take down the Pass during the winter!

Originally, the experts of Above Heavens might have been able to sneak into the Pass with their martial arts to open up the city gates but Ling Tian had already sealed up the city. Ling Tian's single move had completely destroyed the final hope of the Xiao Family.

Xiao FengYang sat motionlessly in a daze and a look of hopelessness could be seen in his eyes.

Ling Tian stood up and cupped his fists, "Second Master Xiao, Ling Tian only came here to report to you about these military affairs. Now that my report is over, I shall not disturb Second Master Xiao any longer. I shall take my leave!" He then smiled and walked out proudly.

The entrance to the stone chamber was slammed shut. Xiao FengYang's body trembled and his previously straight back slowly curled down. In that instant, he seemed to have aged greatly.

"The Xiao Family is… finished!" A long desolate sigh came out from Xiao FengYang as he sat on the ground hopelessly.

******

However, was what Ling Tian said really the truth?

Of course it wasn't.

Apart from Ling Tian's plan to deal with the Xiao Family being real, the news of the Xiao Family attacking them was not.

Ling Tian did not want to wipe out the Xiao Family and never had such a plan. This was something that he had decided a long time ago. Old Master Ling and Xiao FengHan were sworn brothers and while Xiao FengHan betrayed Old Master Ling, Old Master Ling still placed a great deal of importance on this sworn brotherhood. As he grew older, Old Master Ling would reminisce about the times when he was young, and his adventures with Xiao FengHan were some of the happiest memories of Ling Tian's grandparents.

However, these two elderly Lings only watched from the side and did not interfere with Ling Tian's plans. They did not want and were not willing to add another huge burden on the tender shoulders of their grandson. Thus, the two Lings did not do or say a thing.

However, just how intelligent was Ling Tian? Every time he went back to the Ling Residence and talked about the situation of the continent, his grandparents would obviously be depressed when he mentioned the Xiao Family. After the battle with Xiao FengYang, Ling Tian could see how his grandparents had visibly aged.

Ling Tian was not a fool and would understand the reason behind this. The two of them were already old and if their sworn brother's family was extinguished by the hands of their grandson, these two would probably be unable to take such a blow. At that time, if something untoward were to happen to his grandparents, it would be too late for Ling Tian to regret. Ling Tian was not willing to give them any more blows. Thus, Ling Tian had always been looking for a way to perfectly settle this matter.

As for the reason behind cooking up this lie to Xiao FengYang, it was Ling Tian trying to assault Xiao FengYang's heart. Ling Tian would first throw Xiao FengYang into despair before giving him hope. It was akin to giving him the cane before giving him the candy. This was what Ling Tian was best at. As an important character in the Xiao Family, the meaning that he had to the Xiao Family was even above that of the family head Xiao FengHan. At the same time, his attitude would also be crucial to changing Xiao FengHan's attitude. As long as Xiao FengYang gave in to Ling Tian, there would be hope for his plan to succeed if he also had the help of Xiao YanXue.

Over the past few days, Ling Tian had slowly inched nearer and nearer to his plan. He first talked about the information that he collected, the deployment of troops and supply of grains. Because none of these were false or exaggerated, a seed of truth had already been planted in Xiao FengYang's heart and Xiao FengYang truly believed that war was imminent. After lying about the large reaction of the Xiao Family today, it was indeed effective.

Naturally, if Xiao FengYang did not fall into his trap and refused to submit to him, Ling Tian would have no choice but to take a risky move and send out all of his experts to wipe out Above Heavens. If the biggest supporter of the Xiao Family was wiped out together with a few threats from him, there would still be the chance for him to subdue the Xiao Family. However, this plan would have to be shelved for the moment. The strength of Above Heavens couldn't be underestimated and it would be a dream to wipe them out without paying an appropriate price. Furthermore, even if Above Heavens was wiped out, the Xiao Family might not surrender immediately. After all, they still had their 2,000,000 man army!

The second reason for him to make such meticulous plans would naturally be because of Xiao YanXue. Since he had already accepted Xiao YanXue as his woman, Ling Tian wasn't willing to see his woman lead a miserable life or have a knot in her heart. If the other party was his enemy, Ling Tian could use the most unscrupulous and vicious means to wipe them out. But if he wasn't able to coax his own woman, he would not be a man. These were Ling Tian's principles!

Ling Tian then planned about how he should report to Xiao FengYang about the 'newest battle situation' as he left with delight.

******

Yu ManLou's resolute attitude was shown at this very moment!

After receiving Ling Tian's letter, Yu ManLou pondered for an entire night before finally making a decision.

Three days later, Ling Tian received news that all of the men, women, and children of the Lei Family who were in Bright Jade City had been killed without mercy! Their deaths were extremely miserable and the killer was unknown. The killer only used fresh blood to write on the wall, "A blood debt shall be paid in blood! Those who provoke Ling Tian shall have their family wiped out!"

As this matter was spread, the whole world was shocked!

Everyone knew about the Lei Family attacking the Ling Family and with the bloody words on the wall, the deaths of the Lei Family would naturally be attributed to Ling Tian! There were many who were frightened by Ling Tian's viciousness and some who were furious!

Taking his revenge so openly through the employment of such vicious means had truly stirred the continent. Ling Tian even had signs of becoming the number one public enemy…

It was reported that Yu ManLou was devastated about the death of his alliance mate and personally arranged a majestic funeral for the Lei Family. It was said that as he read out the eulogy, tears streamed down his cheeks and he was visibly agitated. He swore to the heavens in front of the public that he would seek justice on behalf of the aggrieved souls of the Lei Family!

After Ling Tian heard about this incident, his suave face cramped up in disbelief and he let out a bitter laugh.

The old ginger is truly spicier! Yu ManLou's move was truly devious but extremely effective. Ling Tian could not help but give Yu ManLou a thumbs up.

Chapter 628: BingYan Returns Home

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Ling Tian's original plan was to have Yu ManLou step out and kill off all the Lei Family remnants, then Ling Tian would take the chance to announce to the world his misdeeds and sully the reputation of Yu ManLou. The best scenario was to completely isolate him, thus allowing himself to achieve an easier time in the final battle.

Furthermore, what Ling Tian asked for was the heads of the Lei Family members. Inside his plan, Yu ManLou would need to personally deliver the heads, and by that time, there would be no way for him to deny this accusation.

How would they know that Yu ManLou would actually act so shameless?! Although they did not meet, Yu ManLou evidently saw through Ling Tian's scheme and countered it immediately. You told me to bring over the heads, but you didn't mention I had to do it in person! Now that the heads have been taken, all I just need to do would be to write a few words on the wall. I have the freedom to do so…

In this manner, he had instead pushed Ling Tian to bear the brunt of the accusations from the public.

To go for wool but end up being shorn, this was the exact feelings of our Young noble Ling Tian.

"Truly an old fox! A scheming and wily old fox!" Ling Tian viciously cursed. However, he suddenly laughed out loud. One would not have the ability to take benefits from every opportunity after all.

"I had actually wished to borrow the matter of the Lei Family to flaunt my influence, with the intention of warning everyone before taking advantage of the situation for my own benefit. This would push the Yu Family to the point of no return, and they would be forced to take the path labeled as deviants of society. To think that Yu ManLou would actually be so scheming, to convert a dying situation to counterattack, using my name to accomplish the task. He not only completed my request perfectly, and he did not even compromise a single bit of the Yu Family reputation. Indeed my destined foe." Ling Tian let out a bitter smile, as he thought that this might not be a bad thing even though he did not achieve his ideal scenario. At least in the future, if any of the families had evil intentions against them, they would first need to consider the ending of the Lei Family. In this world, how many families could boast that they had a force stronger than the original Lei Family? Whichever was the case, even the evildoers themselves would fear another evildoer!

With the precedent of the Lei Family, who would dare to make a rash move? Even if they had the intention, they would not have the guts!

However, Ling Tian was still feeling a little troubled. So in this manner, did he benefit this time or did he suffer a loss? This debt was really difficult to calculate. Yu ManLou not only successfully resolved his problem this time but also managed to counterattack. While he got rid of the Lei Family once and for all, they both did not manage to do any lasting harm to each other, only managing to feel each other out.

Three days later, the two elders from the Yu Family came back.

This time, Ling Tian did not make any excuses, but instead straightforwardly dispatching 500 of his troops to accompany Yu BingYan as they escorted her to Bright Jade City. As a precaution, Ling Feng, Yun, Lei, and Dian dressed up as part of the troops to infiltrate and protect Yu BingYan on her journey. Her original bodyguards, the Xue Brothers, had perished in the battle against the Lei Family, and Ling Tian did not feel comfortable leaving her safety to outsiders even if they were from her own family.

Furthermore, the four Ling bodyguards had received personal coaching from Justice himself, and after consuming the flood dragon inner pellet they experienced a huge improvement in their inner strength. Since they had already acclimatized to the huge increase in strength, Ling Tian believed that even if an army of 10,000 came along, they would still be able to ensure that not a single hair of Yu BingYan's head would be harmed. In addition, now that Yu BingYan herself could cultivate, she had achieved a strength that could be comparable to the Feng and Yun brothers.

With these five great experts present, how could they be stopped by any mere motley power? This was especially so considering their unique ability, which was that they were able to completely conceal their own strengths. The four Ling brothers even received teachings from Justice on how to properly control their breaths that would even make Ling Tian ashamed of his own skills. On the surface, the four of them only exuded the strength of a first-rate expert in the HouTian stage. Of course, if one took their age into account, this was something that was already outstanding.

As for Yu BingYan, she was in the midst of recovering and had coincidentally opened her own Conception and Governing Meridians. After absorbing the various remnant medical efficacy left in her body over the years, her own strength immediately shot up to the XianTian realm, giving her a vibrant appearance. Just with the basis of her current cultivation, she did not lose out to Ling Chen nor Shui QianRou. In addition, having practiced the secret manual, the Mysterious Yin Essence Heart Sutra that Ling Tian had gifted her, it suited her innate Yin constitution greatly. While the technique might not possess a destructive strength, it was the best at concealing one's cultivation. As such, Yu BingYan did not appear to have improved greatly when compared to her past self.

Ling Tian added another layer of precaution, asking Li Xue and Ling Chen to infuse a pure strand of frost true energy into her body. One, this could act like the symptoms of her ailment, where it would retaliate if someone used their true energy to probe her meridians. The second point was that these two strands could turn into Yu BingYan's secret weapon!

Knowing that it was the time for her to leave, Yu BingYan became extremely crestfallen. She first went over to the Ling Family in Sky Bearing to bid farewell to the elders, crying out rivers of tears. Before she actually left, she also ended up hugging Li Xue and Ling Chen, bawling out loud.

Ling Tian also felt a little sour in his heart, but he forcibly endured it. It took him quite the effort to coax Yu BingYan up into the carriage. As the carriage left, Yu BingYan continued to lean halfway out of the carriage, all the while waving.

After he sent Yu BingYan off, Ling Tian also began to get busy, and furthermore, he was overwhelmingly busy. The current Ling Tian could only hope that he could take care of all his current affairs and matters, and run over to the Heavenly Wind Continent to take refuge.

Even without him, following the successive victories of the Ling Family army, first swallowing Southern Zheng, then conquering Eastern Zhao, the entire half of the country had already been occupied by them, their positions stable. This would be the time for them to sit back and digest, allowing the place to return to its former peace as well as for the wild lands to give rise to life once more.

In view of such circumstances, all the various officials in Sky Bearing became restless. This included the overwhelming majority of those in Ling Family Courtyard. On this topic, Meng LiGe was one of the most resolute.

It was about rushing the Ling Family to quickly take on the title of a dynasty, establishing an empire. This would allow the future generations of the Ling Family to hold formal authority, and be raised as an emperor. Because of this matter, the people were bubbling over in excitement, causing Ling Tian to be at a loss for words.

If one decided based on seniority, then naturally Grandpa Ling Zhan would be the most suitable. However, his attitude was extremely firm against this decision, stating that he was already old and muddled, and did not have that many years left to live. It would be better to ask Ling Xiao to hand over command of his troops and return back to Sky Bearing to accept the appointment of the Emperor.

However, our dear Grand Marshall Ling was even more resolute, "Anyone can be the emperor, but definitely not me! Give it to that brat Ling Tian!"

Ling Tian now naturally had his own reasoning, "Above me, there's my father and even my grandfather, what I am worth compared to them? If I really ascend as the emperor, then wouldn't I have to receive the pointing and scolding of everyone under the heavens?! Such an unfilial act unbefitting of a ruler, treating his elders as though they did not exist, how could he bear to perform it? Better to hand it to Grandfather instead."

Just like that, the position of Emperor was kicked around by the three generations just like a rubber ball. None of them was willing to sit on the throne.

In this manner, everyone was thoroughly exhausted by them. Meng LiGe even tried to invite the great Mister Qin, who had already secluded himself from politics and worldly affairs, but to no avail. Instead, he gave Ling Tian the chance to invite Mister Qin over to the Ling Family Courtyard to live out the rest of his retirement in luxury. However, the true purpose was to thoroughly milk that poor old man of his surplus value.

Helplessly, Meng LiGe could only resort to doggedly following behind Ling Tian every day and nagging continuously, causing Ling Tian much misery. However, every method has a way to counter it, and the cunning Ling Tian was just like a sly rabbit who has three burrows. He started to avoid Meng LiGe as though he avoided ghosts when he saw them, running as fast as he could in the opposite direction. Under his supreme movement technique, Meng LiGe naturally could not even manage to catch his shadow, making the old man depressed.

Bright Jade City, Yu Family.

Yu BingYan slowly got out from within the carriage. As she stared at the majestic decorated archway of her front gate, she could not help but feel her emotions fluctuate. That year, she brought with her the intention to face death as she walked out of this place, ready to squander all her wealth and live the rest of her life in luxury. However, she actually met with her loved one as a result, obtaining the most sincere love and bliss. What was even better was that the illness that plagued her for eighteen years had actually vanished for good. Standing here right now, she suddenly felt as though her past few years were like scenes from a previous lifetime flashing past her eyes.

In the great hall, Yu ManLou, Yu ManTang and Yu ManTian looked at Yu BingYan as she walked in, an emotional look on their faces. A trace of guilt actually flashed past Yu ManLou's face at this time, but it instantly vanished.

Yu ManTian boomed out loudly as he laughed and Yu ManTang could not help but walk down a few steps. As he gazed at his daughter's figure, his expression was anxious and her figure trembled.

"Daddy…" Yu BingYan let out a soft cry as she pounced in front, right into the arms of her father. Yu ManTang's eyes got a little wet as he hugged his daughter tightly. "Yan'er, come, let father look at you. Did you lose weight? My good girl… you've really suffered…"

Yu BingYan's tears slowly dripped down.

Yu ManTang looked at his daughter as he slowly sized her up, his eyes revealing boundless affection.

Yu ManLou stroked his beard as he happily watched the father and daughter reunite. Suddenly, he discovered something, and an incredulous look filled his face.

"Second Brother, BingYan… her illness has been treated?!" Yu ManLou exclaimed in joy, but it was also laced with some suspicion.

"BingYan…" Upon hearing this, Yu ManTang too discovered the anomalies in his own daughter, the lack of the frost energy that always accompanied her. An expression of ecstasy filled his face. "BingYan, you've truly recovered?!"

"En, Tian'ge knew about my terminal illness from the start, and he did not spare any price to bring about various famed doctors as well as treasured medicines, it was just that they could not do much. Finally, Tian'ge got the Beyond Heavens' Justice to personally act, The Divine Black Negative Meridians turned out to be domineeringly strong, to the point that even Justice could not do much. However, he indeed holds the reputation of the number one person. He actually used his internal energy to forcefully lock the frost energy within the Divine Black Negative Meridians into a small portion of my body. While he couldn't remove it completely at once, and there will still be repercussions, the frost poison will not activate within the next decade as long as there are no unforeseen circumstances. Compared to the situation of the past, it is akin to heaven and earth."

As she talked about this, Yu BingYan had a sweet smile on her face. Regarding the matter of her illness, they had long ago come to a consensus that the Great Cyclic Pellet, as well as the inner pellet of the flood dragon, were definitely matters that could not be spoken about. The cultivation levels of Ling Chen, Ling Tian, and Li Xue were matters that could not be revealed either. After much consideration, they could only pin the source of the cure on Justice.

Chapter 629: War of Words

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"However, such a method would not uproot the Divine Black Negative Meridians and even if the Divine Black Negative Meridians don't act up again, they still exist in my body. Senior Justice also gave me another cultivation sutra named 'Mysterious Yin Essence Heart Sutra'. With the training of the Mysterious Yin Essence Heart Sutra, it is useful for suppressing the Divine Black Negative Meridians. As long as I do not purposely agitate them, the Divine Black Negative Meridians will lay dormant for a relatively long period of time. As long as I properly cultivate the Mysterious Yin Essence Heart Sutra, there is a chance for me to even purge the frost toxins in the future."

"I see. This is truly the fortune of my Yu Family!" Yu ManLou laughed heartily. The three brothers only had a single daughter or niece and Yu ManLou also greatly doted on Yu BingYan. The moment Yu ManLou saw Yu BingYan and thought about how she was extremely obedient since she was young, Yu ManLou was immediately filled with love and tenderness. Everything was fine as long as the one who cured Yu BingYan wasn't Ling Tian. If Ling Tian could even cure the Divine Black Negative Meridians, Yu ManLou would have to reconsider his evaluation of Ling Tian. As for Justice curing the Divine Black Negative Meridians, Yu ManLou wasn't too surprised by this. After all, it was only natural for the number one expert in the world to have such abilities!

Yu ManTang still couldn't be at ease and grabbed Yu BingYan's wrist and sent his inner qi into her body to investigate her condition.

"Father, no!" Being caught off guard, Yu BingYan was immediately anxious. The icy inner qi within her body wasn't to be underestimated and she was afraid that her father would be harmed by it.

Before she could finish her sentence, Yu ManTang trembled and he unsteadily took two steps back with a pale countenance. He never expected that his warm inner qi would suddenly meet two waves of extremely icy inner qi and half his body was almost frozen. Only after he let go of Yu BingYan's wrist and circulated his inner qi for a few cycles was the chilly condition dispelled.

"What a powerful frost toxin!" Yu ManTang said with lingering fear and worry, "Yan'er, with such a powerful frost toxin in your body, how will you be able to endure it?" Through his probing, Yu ManTang could feel that the Divine Black Negative Meridians in Yu BingYan's body didn't weaken in the slightest but seemed to have flared up instead. He couldn't help but be filled with worry for his daughter.

"I am fine, father!" Yu BingYan smiled, "Although the frost toxins in my body seem to be more severe, it is only because Senior Justice used his inner qi to suppress the Divine Black Negative Meridians. The frost toxins are no longer a huge burden to my body and with the aid of the Mysterious Yin Essence Heart Sutra, your daughter will be able to deal with it." After the excitement in her heart from returning home died down, Yu BingYan could not help but recall the days she had in the Ling Family Courtyard and Ling Tian's warm embrace.

"That's great! That's great! For you to receive the aid of a peerless expert from Beyond Heavens, it shows that my daughter is a fortunate individual. It seems like Ling Tian truly put in a great deal of effort as well!" Yu ManTang nodded his head with gratification. Looking at his daughter, a merciful and doting look could be seen on his face. As the Second Master of the Yu Family, he naturally understood how difficult it was to invite Justice to take action. He was sure that Ling Tian would have definitely needed to pay a huge price to invite Justice.

Seeing the strands of white hair on her father's head, Yu BingYan felt a stabbing pain in her heart. When she left home, her father's head was still a silky black color but after a short half a year, his hair had actually whitened greatly. It was obviously because of him worrying constantly about her all the time and it was all thanks to her being unfilial!

Yu ManLou coughed twice, took a few steps forward, and stroked Yu BingYan's silky hair. At the same time, his gaze was filled with a myriad of emotions including pity, guilt, shame, resolution, and even killing intent.

"Yan'er, Uncle is also glad to see you return safely. You are back to participate in the generational battle between the Shui and our Yu Family. As a member of our Yu Family, there are some responsibilities that you cannot push away. You have to prepare yourself mentally for that. Since you had the fortune to receive a mysterious skill from Justice, you may be able to turn things around." Yu ManLou hesitated for a moment before finally talking slowly. At the start, he spoke slowly as though he was hesitating about something but he gradually spoke faster and faster as though he made a decision.

Yu BingYan felt a tinge of coldness in her heart as she said gently, "I wonder what kind of responsibility Uncle is talking about? What does Uncle mean by turning things around?"

A glare shone in Yu ManLou's eyes and he said slowly, "For a family to survive for a thousand years without falling, countless sacrifices and hardships must be endured along the way. How can a person who does not belong in an aristocratic family understand the bitterness and sourness of the rise and fall in a family? Currently, the family has already reached its peak and the Yu Family has never reached such heights before in history. However, a huge enemy also lies before us at this moment."

Yu ManLou's eyes were vacant as he sighed, "The enemy that our family is currently facing is also an enemy that our family has never faced before in a thousand years of development. Thus, in order to defeat the enemy and ensure the prosperity of our family, we need to pay a certain price! Regardless of whether or not we are willing to pay this price, this price is a necessary one. As a member of the Yu Family, no one shall be allowed to avoid the matter. Even if it is me, your father or your third uncle. As long as the family needs us to sacrifice ourselves, we wouldn't hesitate in the slightest! BingYang, as the only daughter from the direct descent of the family, even if you were lucky to receive the teachings of the number one hidden sect, as a member of the Yu Family, you have no choice!"

Yu BingYan lowered her head, afraid that Yu ManLou would see the proud look on her face. That's right, she had a look of pride! The powerful enemy who their Yu Family had never faced before in the past thousand years was without a doubt her Tian'ge!

Yu BingYan said in a soft tone, "First Uncle is trying to say that BingYan will have to pay a price in the upcoming generational battle? I wonder what kind of a price BingYan will have to pay? I hope that First Uncle will enlighten me!"

Yu ManLou turned around and did not wish to continue looking at Yu BingYan as he said with a heavy tone, "The battle between the families will be a battle of life and death! The date of the battle has already been set and it cannot be changed! Since you have spoken out openly, I shall not hide anything from you either. While the Divine Black Negative Meridians in your body have been suppressed by Justice's mystical might and you even received a legendary secret manual, you have not come into contact with martial arts for the past decade and you are like a blank sheet of paper. You don't have to worry about victory or defeat when facing the little princess of the Shui Family but the price that you will have to pay will probably be the price of your life!"

Yu ManLou suddenly turned around with a burning gaze, "This is the arrangement of destiny! I know that you are unsatisfied and unresigned but I do not wish to lie to you at this very moment. I only hope that you will prepare yourself for it. Regardless of the reason, you are still my niece and even if I have to send you to your death, I want to give you an explanation first!"

The atmosphere in the hall immediately became chilly.

Yu ManTang turned around with a desolate expression and his eyes shut. The joy from his daughter's illness being cured could no longer be seen. He originally wanted to risk the fury of his big brother and sneak BingYan out of the Yu Family but he never imagined that Yu ManLou would see through his plans and openly say his piece at this moment!

The moment Yu ManLou said his piece, it would be the decision of the family and the decision could no longer be changed! Even if Yu ManTang didn't want to face the decision, he had no choice but to accept it. If Yu ManTang still thought of sending his daughter away at this moment, it would be akin to betraying his family and this was something that Yu ManTang would never be able to accept!

A bitter smile could be seen on Yu BingYan's face. She knew that her first uncle would definitely show his cards during this trip of hers but she never expected him to show his cards this quickly! It seemed like her first uncle could not wait to send her to her death just so he could give Ling Tian a blow!

Half a year ago, her first uncle sold her out for the ambition of swallowing the Ling Family. Today, he wanted to make use of her to strike a blow at the Ling Family and her husband! So what if she was Yu ManLou's flesh and blood?!

I won't let things go your way!

"Ever since I was young, BingYan understood my destiny and knew that I was the main character of the generational battle. BingYan already understood that I had to sacrifice for the family…" Yu BingYan said in a righteous manner.

Yu ManLou's face turned dull as he heard that but he was elated in his heart. "Yan'er is truly understanding…"

However, he never expected Yu BingYan to interrupt him with a sneer, "However, First Uncle seems to have forgotten something important. Things are no longer like before. When First Uncle talked about the Yu Family disciples, it includes everyone within these premises except for me." While she had already made relevant arrangements to deal with Yu ManLou's demands, Yu BingYan could not help but speak out the words of her heart. Ever since she was young, she had always been filled with fear and reverence for her first uncle. But at this moment, Yu BingYan no longer had a single trace of fear.

"Oh?" Yu ManLou's expression changed and his cold gaze shot over, lowering the temperature in the room, "Niece BingYan is trying to say that you do not acknowledge that you are a Yu Family disciple?"

Yu BingYan lifted her head up proudly, "This niece is already Mrs. Ling!"

"Preposterous!" Yu ManLou flew into a rage and slapped a chair beside him. With a loud 'pa' sound, the sandalwood chair was reduced to dust, "Even if you are married to Ling Tian, you are still Yu BingYan! The first word of your name is still 'Yu'!"

"Yes, if this was half a year ago, that would be the case indeed." A mocking smile could be seen on Yu BingYan's face, "At that time, if BingYan died, I would have to be buried in the tomb of the Yu Family. But now, even if BingYan dies, I can only be buried in the Ling Family's tomb!"

Yu BingYan took two steps back and glared at Yu ManLou without backing down, "As the Family Head of the Yu Family, First Uncle can naturally give an order to the daughter of the Yu Family! If BingYan does not remember wrongly, First Uncle instructed Third Uncle to propose a marriage to the Ling Family and form goodwill between the families even if BingYan was a concubine!"

Yu ManLou's face flushed with awkwardness and despite what Yu BingYan said being the truth, Yu ManLou refused to admit it and roared instead, "That was just a stop-gap measure, how can it still count right now?! The matters of today cannot be compared to the matters of yesterday!"

"As the daughter of the family, BingYan can naturally sacrifice anything. It was the same back then even if I had to become someone else's concubine. However, the BingYan today isn't the BingYan from yesterday and I am already the daughter-in-law of the Ling Family. If the Ling Family wants me to sacrifice myself, I can only sacrifice myself for the Ling Family! I hope that First Uncle will remember this. A woman who marries out is like a tub of water being spilled out. I, BingYan, am already a member of the Ling Family!"

PA!! Yu ManLou had no retort to Yu BingYan's words and swung his arm out to give her a tight slap.

Chapter 630: Intense Argument

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Yu BingYan's cheeks immediately swelled up and her hair was in a complete mess. However, she still glared at Yu ManLou stubbornly without the slightest intention of backing down.

"Second brother! Look at your good daughter! Look at how she has turned out! She actually dares to spout such heresy and forget her ancestors!" Yu ManLou roared with his veins all bulging.

Both Yu ManTang and Yu ManTian looked at each other and what Yu BingYan had said finally sunk in. That's right, Yu BingYan was already the daughter-in-law of the Ling Family and she wasn't just the daughter of the Yu Family. Why did the three of them still treat her as an ordinary junior who didn't know anything?

In the depths of their heart, the three of them had never accepted the fact that Yu BingYan had married into the Ling Family. It was truly a marriage for political gain without the slightest bit of festive joy. Because of that, the three of them were still stuck in their old thought patterns up until now.

However, the truth is the truth!

Yu ManLou treated Yu BingYan as a tool to wrestle for power and would naturally not bother about her thoughts. If not for the fact that he needed to make use of Yu BingYan at this moment, he might not even remember that he had a niece! Yu ManTang loved his daughter dearly and regardless if she was the daughter of the Yu Family or daughter-in-law of the Ling Family, she would still be his precious daughter. As for Yu ManTian, he did not even bother thinking about anything at all. Besides, he had a favorable impression of Ling Tian and doted on his niece greatly. Thus, he was actually pretty happy about the marriage. Furthermore, he didn't think that there was any difference in her status either. Wasn't his niece still his niece?

"Calm down big brother… It is best for us to discuss this matter further." Yu ManTang persuaded. Hugging his daughter in his embrace and looking at the palm mark on her face, he felt his heart aching greatly.

Yu ManLou snorted, "What's there to discuss? To have such a disgraceful daughter, you are better off not having one at all! As the daughter of the Yu Family, she is only thinking about outsiders and still has the cheek to say that she already belongs to another family. Does she still know what shame is?!"

Yu ManTian could no longer hold his anger in and retorted in dissatisfaction, "Big brother, how are BingYan's words unreasonable? Didn't big brother personally give the order to betroth BingYan to Ling Tian? From the moment the agreement was made with the Ling Family, BingYan already belongs to the Ling Family. Is there anything wrong with what BingYan said? During this battle with the Shui Family, we should not have summoned BingYan back at all. Only direct descendants of the family are allowed to participate in the generational battle between both the families and BingYan probably does not have the right to participate any longer. I feel that big brother is in the wrong regarding this matter."

"Preposterous!" Yu ManLou was enraged, "Did I not explain to you the reason behind my decision back then? Do you not understand the reason behind my decision?! Do you think that this marriage is valid? How absurd!"

"Why wouldn't it be valid?" Yu ManTian was angered to the point his face flushed red as he retorted while panting, "Big brother personally gave the order for me to be my niece's matchmaker. The whole world already knows about this matter! What does big brother mean when you say that this marriage isn't valid? I would never be able to accept such a matter of going against my word!"

Yu ManTian's spittle flew in all directions as he continued, "Why do we have to find the daughter-in-law of the Ling Family to participate in the battle between the Yu and Shui Family? Does our Yu Family really not have anyone else? If we do not have anyone else, then since we will be sending someone to their death either way, why don't we send your new concubine instead? For us to send the daughter-in-law of the Ling Family to her death, aren't we asking to get cursed by the world?!"

Just when he was about to continue, Yu ManLou had already sent his palm flying towards Yu ManTian. With two tight slaps, Yu ManTian staggered back pathetically with a trace of blood flowing down his lips and a look of disbelief on his face, "You hit me?!"

Yu ManTian burst out like an exploding volcano, "I wouldn't have anything to say if you hit me because of a mistake I made but what did I do wrong?! Am I not speaking the truth?! Even if BingYan is a daughter of the Yu Family, she is still the daughter-in-law of the Ling Family! If you want to send the daughter of your own family to her death, that is completely your choice! But what right do you have to send the daughter-in-law of the Ling Family to her death?"

"What right? Because I am the Family Head of the Yu Family! Because I am Yu ManLou!" Yu ManLou glared at his third brother with fury burning in his eyes and his palms trembling slightly, "I am doing all of this for the family! I am doing all of these for the foundations of the family! What don't you understand?!"

Yu ManTian refused to back down and continued scolding, "For the family? What nice words! You can be despicable just because it is for the family? You can resort to such unscrupulous means just because it is for the family? Then what is the point of the family existing?! Why don't we just disband the family and go and play soccer?! Your darn mother! F**k your m…" Yu ManTian paused abruptly and covered his mouth with a shocked expression but it was far too late. He immediately regretted his words and cursed his tongue for spouting out the words that it did.

"What did you say?!" That seemed to have been the spark to ignite Yu ManLou as he pounced forward to deliver a good beating, "Continue scolding! Continue scolding… continue… continue…"

Yu ManTian's body flew around the hall like a ball and knowing that he was in the wrong, Yu ManTian did not dare to fight back. He guarded his head with his arms and allowed his brother to hit him as his brother wished. In any case, this wasn't the first time he was smacked in such a manner already. However, he did not cry out for mercy in the slightest, obviously still filled with anger from before.

"Big brother!" Yu ManTang shook his head with a sigh. This was the first time in the past ten years where his big brother was so mad. It seems like his third brother would have to suffer greatly this time. However, Yu ManTang did agree with what Yu ManTian had said before and didn't agree with the scheme that his big brother had laid. However, he would not say it so openly like his foolish third brother. After all, some things should only be arranged in secret and there wasn't a point in saying it openly.

He naturally knew that Yu ManTian was being beaten up because of Yu BingYan. As for Yu ManTian cursing Yu ManLou, all three brothers knew that it wasn't enough to ignite such terrifying anger from their big brother.

With a loud bang, Yu ManTian's burly figure was slammed onto the ground and Yu ManTian was already reduced to a pig head. They were brothers after all and Yu ManLou would never land any killing blows on Yu ManTian. However, Yu ManTian would probably need a good month or two to recover from his injuries.

"BingYan's matter shall be concluded as such! There will not be any changes! If anyone has any disagreements, they shall be punished with the crime of treason!" Yu ManLou ordered coldly and flicked his sleeves, ready to take his leave.

"I'm unresigned!" Yu ManTian stood up with his face completely swollen, "I'm just unresigned! This is obviously a senseless decision, and I will oppose it even if you beat me to my death!"

"Men, throw Third Master into the prison and allow him to sober up! Without my orders, no one shall be allowed to release him!" Yu ManLou kicked Yu ManTian back to the ground before ordering.

"First Uncle," Yu BingYan took a step forward and said coldly, "there isn't a need for you to waste your effort and reveal such an ugly side. Doesn't First Uncle just want me to participate in the generational battle? I will just agree to it." Yu BingYan said with disdain in her voice as though she was trying to say that this would be the last thing that she would do for the Yu Family.

"BingYan!" "BingYan!" Both Yu ManTang and Yu ManTian cried out together with anxiousness.

"With the secret manual of Beyond Heavens from Senior Justice, I may not necessarily die. So what if I really die?!" Yu BingYan controlled the tears in her eyes and said stubbornly.

A flash could be seen in Yu ManLou's eyes and he chuckled, "This is the true daughter of my Yu Family! BingYan, you…"

"Let me repeat myself. I am no longer a daughter of the Yu Family. Your niece Ling Yu BingYan shall take her leave." Yu BingYan chose to put the surname of Ling before the surname of Yu. Taking a bow coldly, she pulled onto her father's sleeves and walked out.

"Cough cough… big brother, I shall take my leave as well. Let me discipline this lass." Yu ManTang hurriedly gave a bow and followed his daughter out. From afar, the sound of him reprimanding his daughter could be heard.

"Hmph!" Yu ManTian crawled up from the ground and spat a mouthful of blood out. Trying to open his swollen eyes, he growled fiercely, "This daddy is still unresigned!"

"You!" Yu ManLou raised his arm up before letting it fall back down weakly. A lonely expression could then be seen on his face as he waved his hands weakly, "Go!"

Seeing Yu ManTian still standing on the spot, he roared, "SCRAM!"

Yu ManTian wobbled his way out limping as he cursed under his breath, "I am just unresigned… even if you beat me to death, I will still be unresigned!"

Yu ManLou sent a palm strike to the window frame and kicked the sandalwood chair that Yu ManTian was seated in out of the door. He then let out a long sigh and quietened down.

"BingYan, have you really thought things through? Your chances of making it out alive in this battle are extremely slim! It is said that Shui QianRou is a rare martial arts talent who made it into the XianTian stage before the age of 20. Even if you received the secret manual of Beyond Heavens, the time is far too short and I am afraid…" In the garden, Yu ManTang looked at his daughter with an unconcealed doting expression. "While your name was already listed on the list for the battle, the circumstances of today are different from before. You are already the Young Madam of the Ling Family and you can completely choose to reject going to the battle. As long as you do not want to go, no one will be able to force you if you don't want to go."

Yu BingYan lowered her head and walked silently on this familiar path. However, an extremely foreign feeling surfaced in her heart. Hearing her father's words, Yu BingYan raised her head and shook her head with a smile, "Father, ever since I was young, I was plagued with illness and have already worried both Father and Mother greatly. I am participating in the generational battle of the Yu Family for Father and not for the Yu Family. If I voice my objection, Father would definitely be cast out from the family with everyone gossiping about you behind your back. Father brought me up for 18 years and as your daughter I was unable to repay you with anything. The only thing I can do would be to not put you in a bad spot."

Yu BingYan leaned on her father's figure and chuckled, "The words that I said in the hall were to intentionally anger First Uncle. I had already made a decision about this matter before coming back."

Yu ManTang felt his heart trembling as he said with agitation, "But Yan'er, you are using your life as the stake to enter a battle that you will almost certainly lose! You cannot afford to make the slightest mistake! Even if you have a miraculous encounter, you may not be able to deal with it. You should reconsider the matter again." Pausing for a moment, Yu ManTang lowered his voice and said with a resolute tone, "Yan'er, a single word from you and even if I have to sacrifice my life, I will immediately send you back to Sky Bearing!"