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Chapter 679: Position of Empress

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Ling Tian let out a long breath. He belonged to the side branch of the Ling Family in his previous life after all and he did not understand the different taboos of the Divine Ice Formula. If Ling Chen could not conceive because of the Divine Ice Formula, it could be imagined how big a blow it would be to her. Thankfully, there was still hope for her and it wouldn't take too long for the problem to be solved.

He immediately came to a decision in his heart. After finding out which herbs were useful to their condition from Li Xue, he would immediately issue an imperial decree to collect all of these herbs in bulk. Even if the two ladies had to consume these spirit herbs every day, he would ensure that their cultivation would rise rapidly. This shouldn't be a difficult matter for him at all.

Two years? How can I possibly wait for such a long time? I will make sure that you two are well in a year or less.

The most important thing would be for him to have a son. With a son, he wouldn't have to be afraid that there wasn't anyone to pass down the throne to.

Li Xue smiled slightly and changed the topic. "According to the news, Xiao FengYang's troops are about forty miles away from us. Their movement is extremely slow as though they are waiting for something."

In truth, Li Xue already had her own plans with regard to giving birth to a child. This was also the reason why she wasn't willing to do that together with Ling Tian. While she was completely capable of resolving this matter in secret, her character would not allow her to do so. As a woman of the current generation, Li Xue would ensure that her good deeds were known by the people around her. Especially if the person was her beloved man.

Furthermore, she had wounded Ling Tian in their previous life far too deeply. While they were in a completely different world and all of their grievances had been sorted out, Li Xue did not wish for Ling Tian to think about those matters from time to time. She could not bear to lose Ling Tian again. Thus, she had to slowly solidify her position in Ling Tian's heart. She did not wish to be the only one in his heart but only wished to be irreplaceable!

I am not going to fight for the position by your side, even if no one will be able to stop me. I will not fight or compete with the other ladies. However, I will fight for the position in your heart. Even if you have ten thousand ladies by your side, I must have a position in the most tender portion of your heart that belongs solely to me.

"Xiao FengYang…, he is probably waiting for me." Ling Tian raised his brows and smiled, "Since that's the case, we should speed up slightly. Things would be bad if my dad's messenger envoy catches up to us."

Li Xue looked at Ling Tian with a smile which didn't seem like a smile, "What's so scary about being the monarch of an empire?"

"Nonsense!" Ling Tian rolled his eyes, "I would understand if it is someone else asking me this question. That position is definitely frightening! How will I be able to endure those kinds of restrictions?"

"Indeed so. The person who understands you the most in this world is I, Li Xue!" Li Xue nodded her head in agreement. "You are like a wolf in the mountains and your biggest joy is to roam unhindered in the forest and do as you wish. Asking you to remain in the imperial palace and face the endless mountain of memorials is truly too torturous for you."

Ling Tian's face was full of black lines. While those words of hers seemed to sound nice, why did they sound so strange at the same time?

Ling Chen by the side burst out giggling. Ling Chen also did not know why but every time these two met each other, they would not coexist peacefully! They would always end up bickering and would even exchange blows at times. After exchanging blows, everything would go back to normal.

There had never been an exception. It seems like this time wasn't any different.

"If I am a wolf in the mountains, what are you?" Indeed, Ling Tian began mocking, "The female wolf in the mountains? A wolf beauty?"

Everything developed as Ling Chen had predicted and she took a few steps back.

"How bold! You dare to scold me right after I helped you?" Li Xue's brows furrowed and her eyes glowed with coldness.

"You were the one who scolded me first!" Ling Tian retaliated, "A little lady like you dares to scold your husband. Are you seeking a beating?"

"Divine Ice Formula!" Li Xue's eyes turned red and she summoned a wave of cold air with a flick of her sleeves.

"Do you think I am afraid of you?!" Ling Tian snorted and fought back. Ling Chen was baffled. This was the second time they had fought along the way. These two fellows were truly loggerheads.

However, what Ling Chen didn't know was that both Ling Tian and Li Xue were using these blows to vent out something. If not, how would it be possible for the two of them to exchange blows so easily with their cultivation?

A long while later. "You only know how to bully women! What a shameless man." Li Xue wasn't a match and she escaped. While they were trying to vent something, Ling Tian would definitely not let go of her. While Ling Tian wouldn't do much to her, she definitely wouldn't be able to escape being spanked on the ass.

"Want to run? Do you think you will be able to escape?" Ling Tian chuckled and gave chase.

Ling Chen shook her head and could only follow behind them. At the same time, she pondered to herself if she should stop them if they fought next time. After all, she couldn't possibly allow them to fight all the time.

Xiao FengYang rode on the horse and proceeded forward at a slow pace with a calm expression on his face. However, an observant individual would be able to tell that both worry and relief could be seen on his face.

There wasn't a chance for his family to turn back!

After the six corpses from Above Heavens were found, Xiao FengYang knew that nothing would turn the situation around!

Thankfully, Ling Tian had chosen to take action and he would definitely aid the Xiao Family in escaping from the grasp of Above Heavens. However, the glorious days of them ruling over the south-east would also be gone. From now on, they would only be the subordinates of the Divine Prefecture Empire.

Was this a good or bad thing for the Xiao Family?

They no longer needed to be puppets and could lead a carefree life. However, the thousand-year foundation of their family would be completely wiped out!

Xiao FengYang let out a long sigh. Regardless of whether it was a good or bad thing, turning back now would only destroy their Xiao Family completely! Both Above Heavens and the Ling Family wouldn't let them off if they turned back now! Both parties were not figures that their Xiao Family could deal with and the difference between the two families was that one was strong, the other stronger!

Xiao FengYang originally thought that he would need to spend a great deal of effort to persuade Old Master Ling but never expected matters to go so smoothly. While this was because of the brotherly ties between Old Master Ling and Xiao FengHan, it was difficult to say how much of their brotherly ties were left. At the very least, Xiao FengYang did not believe that there would be anyone in the world who would treat brotherly ties with such importance! Even if there were such brotherly ties in the world, Xiao FengYang did not believe that it would appear in the imperial family!

Currently, the Ling Family was already an imperial family and the sword brother of his big brother was the founding emperor of the Divine Prefecture Empire!

Xiao FengYang could clearly feel that the only reason behind for the Ling Family believing them so easily was largely due to Xiao YanXue. Because Xiao YanXue was a lady who had received Ling Tian's acknowledgment, Ling Tian would not be willing to put Xiao YanXue in a spot or hurt her. Thus, their Xiao Family had this opportunity that Xiao FengYang believed was almost impossible to grasp!

While Above Heavens had already lost quite a bit of their forces in the previous clashes with Ling Tian, those that remained were the absolute elites. Any family in the world today would have to be cautious in the face of these forces and even the Yu Family wasn't an exception!

However, Ling Tian had agreed without hesitation and had even made a promise!

Thinking about their family's attitude towards Ling Tian and Xiao YanXue, Xiao FengYang let out a long sigh. Did he feel guilt or regret? Who would have thought that the granddaughter who the entire family had decided to sacrifice would save the family when they were at their wits end?!

The soft breeze could be heard and three individuals appeared. Ling Tian, Ling Chen and Li Xue.

Xiao FengYang hurriedly got off his horse, "For Crown Prince your highness to come personally, this old man is truly overwhelmed with favor. This old man greets Crown Prince your highness."

News of Ling Zhan passing down the throne to Ling Xiao had already spread and Xiao FengYang was naturally aware of it. He also knew that Ling Tian had also risen from imperial grandson to crown prince. However, what Xiao FengYang didn't know was that Ling Xiao's imperial decree was probably on the way as well.

At that time, this young noble Ling who was the imperial grandson three days ago and crown prince today would probably become the yellow-robed emperor.

"Second Master Xiao does not need to be so courteous." Ling Tian smiled and turned his face to the side. It couldn't be helped, one of the crown prince's consorts had just given the crown prince a good punch to the face and his cheek was still swollen. It wouldn't be good for the crown prince of an empire to be seen in such a pathetic state after all. Even if Ling Tian wasn't bothered about his face, he still had to bother about the face of his Divine Prefecture Empire…

Xiao FengYang immediately gave the order for his troops to set up camp on the spot and sent out his men on patrol. He then invited Ling Tian into the tent. For Ling Tian to appear at this moment, it definitely meant that he had something to discuss with him. They couldn't possibly talk while riding their horses after all.

"Second Master Xiao, I have made a promise to deal with the matters of the Xiao Family and so I am here to ask about Meng FanYun from Above Heavens. Also, if Second Master has any information about the other elders of Above Heavens, I hope that Second Master will let me know as well." Ling Tian said with a smile and sat down on a comfortable chair with Ling Chen and Li Xue by his side.

Xiao FengYang's eyes glowed and looked at the position of the two ladies with a knowing gaze.

Ling Chen sat on Ling Tian's left extremely naturally as though it was an extremely habitual action. While this lady was a maid at birth, she grew up together with Ling Tian and had probably sat at Ling Tian's left side since they were young.

Why had Ling Tian made such an arrangement? It was extremely obvious!

The position of the crown prince's consort had already been decided! Her position as empress was also one that couldn't be shaken! Even if she was a maid before, everything was possible as long as Ling Tian was willing!

Xiao FengYang let out a long sigh and completely gave up on the idea of Xiao YanXue becoming the empress in future.

Chapter 680: Beauty as a Mental Demon

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Xiao FengYang raised his head, only to discover Ling Tian sending a smile at him, full of deep meaning and intention.

Ling Chen would never in her dreams expect that the standard that Ling Tian expected her to follow since she was young, to always sit on his left, would be a clear signal to Xiao FengYang and the rest and even to his women as well as their families! It became the most obvious hidden signal!

Just this small action, no matter the Xiao Family, Shui Family, or even Jiao Yue and the Ling Family, no one dared to utter a word about the question of Ling Tian's official wife, the Empress!

Xiao FengYang's face reddened, and he cleared his throat, saying, "Meng FanYun is the current generation sect master for the Above Heavens sect. His XianTian realm cultivation is deep and unfathomable, most likely already at the transformation boundary. His behavior is eccentric, and he is always gloomy and depressed. However, there will be a period every year in which he will become irascible. During that period of time, he will mysteriously disappear, but this old man here saw him during that phase a few times…" Xiao FengYang was aware that since Ling Tian wanted to know all about Meng FanYun, it would of course have to be information that his own people could not obtain. Thus, he decided to begin from his behavioral problem.

"Eccentric behavior? Normally gloomy, but sometimes irascible and violent?" Ling Tian's fingers idly drummed on his armrest as he looked at Li Xue.

Li Xue rolled her eyes at him, explaining, "To have such a situation appear, and furthermore on a XianTian realm expert, it should be said to be a rare occurrence. It could be that Meng FanYun is schizophrenic, with two personalities: one gloomy and one violent. Most of the time, the gloomy personality would be on the surface, suppressing the violent one, but when it is unable to suppress it, then that would be when the violent personality surfaces. As for the cause, it is either a problem with his cultivation, causing a cultivation deviation, or it could be an inborn trait."

"There's a third possibility, and that is of Meng FanYun being a mental patient," Ling Tian evilly guessed. "Or maybe… he's epileptic!"

Li Xue let out a snort of laughter.

Xiao FengYang was completely lost in a fog of conversation, unable to understand them. He only understood the term 'cultivation deviation', but while he thought this was unlikely to be the case, he did not dare voice out his thoughts.

"Meng FanYun, the sect master of Above Heavens. It is said that he has already practiced the hereditary secret manual of Above Heavens, the Divine Blazing Sun Formula, to perfection. When he unleashes a palm strike, it is able to melt gold and disintegrate stone. Just based on the purity of his inner qi, he would only be above that of the Yu Family head, Yu ManLou. Against his enemies, he is merciless and even vicious. I heard that he is only focused on the martial way, and in order to preserve his yang energy, he has remained unwed, using vicious methods to achieve the head position of Above Heavens. Within the sect, his order is law." Ling Chen recited whatever she remembered from the Ling Family Courtyard about Meng FanYun like a mathematician reciting formulas.

Beside Xiao FengYang, Xiao YouHan who was seated there had a change in expression. It was not surprising for the Xiao Family to have information on Meng FanYun, but for Ling Tian's side to have such detailed information was totally out of her imagination.

"Turns out that he's an old bachelor, then that's a given. Since there is no harmony between Yin and Yang, this will easily lead to feelings of irritation and violence." Ling Tian concluded

"However, the more the facts are so, the more we have to pay attention to the enemy. To have cultivated the Divine Blazing Sun Formula to perfection using a virgin body, he is not to be slighted." Li Xue smiled and warned, "We definitely have to guard against this!"

Ling Tian looked like he wanted to speak, but his expression suddenly changed. He raised his voice, "Since you're already here, just come straight in."

"Yes!" Following a sound of assent, Xiao FengYang and the rest suddenly felt the air being filled with a cold and bloody aura, the pressure making them feel it was hard to breathe.

A dark shadow flashed, and Ling Jian, dressed in black robes, appeared like an apparition in front of Ling Tian. Throughout this, his body remained ramrod straight.

"How did it go?" Ling Tian asked.

Ling Tian never asked if Ling Jian if the mission was a failure or success because he had never let Ling Tian down once!

"It went pretty well, the 'three souls and seven mortals' of the Yu Family have all been buried outside of Yan County. Not a single one escaped." Ling Jian replied calmly, as though he had just performed something insignificant.

"En, then how many of our brothers are injured?" Ling Tian frowned. For Ling Jian to only mention that of the Yu Family and not their side, Ling Tian immediately concluded that there had to be some injuries on their side, or else Ling Jian would report to him about their status.

Ling Jian's eyes dulled as he stated, "Ling Yun was hit by the final counterattack of the three souls, and has received serious internal injuries to his organs. Ling Forty-Nine took a wound to his chest and has injured his little finger on his left hand. The rest are unharmed."

"Are there any in danger of losing their lives?" Ling Tian exclaimed while frowning deeper. "How could you all be so careless?!"

"Yan County had the fourth elder of the Moon Climbing Star Picking Tower helming the place. We killed him as well alongside the others!" Ling Jian calmly replied. "Ling Forty-Nine is not in any mortal danger but will require half a year of rest. And Ling Yun has consumed the Heaven Reversing Restoration Pill given by Justice before, and has taken a turn for the better already."

"It's good that they are in no mortal danger. When they return, I'll ask Senior Justice to have a look at them again, to ensure that there are no hidden injuries." Ling Tian breathed out in relief, but he still felt the heartache. He had watched this group of youths grow from a young age, and to hear that two of them suffered from grievous injuries today, it naturally did not sit well with him.

"What about Third Master Yu?"

"Third Master Yu… I've sealed his acupoints and arranged for a group of merchants to escort him back to the Yu Family." Ling Jian's eyes flashed with a tinge of guilt.

"We are on different sides, and for you to do so is already extremely noble. Take a seat." Ling Tian let out a long breath of air before saying.

Ling Jian let out a sound of assent, but before he could sit, his eyes fell onto Xiao FengYang, followed by swirling onto the face of Xiao YouHan who was seated beside him. She was exactly the mental demon that had been haunting his dreams during this period of time. Now, they had met once again!

Xiao YouHan immediately flared up, wondering why this person was so impolite. She raised her eyes to stare back, not backing down the slightest bit.

She was however unaware that just based on her identity as a disciple of the Above Heavens sect, if it was not because she was the mental demon in Ling Jian's heart, even with her status as a third generation Xiao Family member and the cousin of Xiao YanXue, she would still have to queue behind six others if she wanted to speak to Ling Jian!

When their gazes collided, it was like an ice blade crossing with a frost sword. In that instant, the temperature within the tent dropped quite a few degrees.

Everyone sitting inside looked at each other in dismay.

After a long while, Ling Tian could not help but break the silence by awkwardly laughing, "Ah'Jian you brat… you're really direct." Ling Chen and Li Xue's mouths curled up into grins as they looked towards the two that were akin to roosters battling it out.

"What are you looking at? What's there to look at?!" Xiao YouHan, in the end, was a woman, so how could she stoop as low as Ling Jian? She could not take the staring match any longer, and forcing down her embarrassment, she spat at him.

"I'm looking at you! You're my mental demon!" Ling Jian stated as though it was a matter of fact. "Young noble once mentioned to me, that if I wished to reach the pinnacle, then I'll need to sever all mental demons!"

"Cough cough cough…." Ling Tian choked so badly, he started to cough in a pathetic manner. 'What I told you was to sever your mental demons, not the person you fell in love with! Ling Jian, Ling Jian, you really know how to twist my words!"

"Mental demon? I'm YOUR mental demon?" Xiao YouHan could not help but yelp in surprise. This was the first time she felt so incensed in her life, as she rebutted, "What kind of dogsh*t b*stard talk is that?!"

"Whatever it is, you're my mental demon!" Ling Jian was adamant, and maintained his icy disposition as he pressured her, "If I cannot expel you out of my mind, then my martial arts and sword skills will never reach the realm of great success!" He snorted, "In the past, I refused to believe in such a thing, but now I found out that this thing such as mental demons actually exist! If I cannot subdue you, then I'll never be able to improve an inch in my entire life!"

"You! Lecher!" Xiao YouHan was almost driven mad with anger. She was nowhere as pure as Ling Jian's mind was, and based on her gut instinct, she could see that the guy had probably fallen for her. How else would he have such a weird gaze? But she never expected that he would actually resort to such a method in order to woo a girl. Mental demon? What a joke! He even righteously said that he had to subdue her. How shameless!

She had a mind to run up and give him a good, tight slap. But having witnessed his martial skills the last round, she knew that she would not be a match for him, and she couldn't help but to grind her teeth in frustration.

Meanwhile, Xiao FengYang, that wily old fox, how could he not be able to see the intricacies behind this fiasco? Noting the weird smiles on Ling Tian and company, he knew immediately that Ling Tian was aware of this situation.

He coughed twice, ready to step out and mediate, but he suddenly realized a point. Since Xiao YanXue already belonged to Ling Tian, if Xiao YouHan was also betrothed to Ling Jian, even though she was from the Above Heavens Sect she was still a descendant of the Xiao Family, and to be able to marry Ling Tian's closest aide… wouldn't that mean an elevation of status for the Xiao Family? He immediately swallowed the words that he was about to speak.

"Ling Jian, actually, this mental demon can be removed in more than one way." Li Xue spoke, all the while smiling like a little fox.

"Eh? You have other methods?" Ling Jian's interest was indeed piqued to the point that he did not care that the idea was from the witch Li Xue!

Li Xue smiled, before whispering a few words into Ling Jian's ear.

"WHAT? I can get rid of my mental demon by marrying her?!" Ling Jian shouted out, startled. His face turned red. "Nonsense! What sort of solution is this? How is this possible?! You witch, what kind of weird scheme are you plotting again?!"

Never in her dreams did Li Xue expect this idiot to just blurt out her plan, and she felt her face turn red with embarrassment. She fiercely glared at him, before turning her head away, ignoring him completely.

"What? What a good lecher, to actually have such delusional thoughts!" Xiao YouHan was in a fine temper. One reason was because she thought Ling Jian actually harbored such a thought, and second was that this person whom she thought was a decent fellow actually turned out to be like this! What was so good about him? Wasn't it just his high accomplishment in the martial arts? What sort of right do you have to reject this option immediately? At this moment, due to her anger, she had already forgotten her own stand, that she should have agreed to disagree on the marriage. However, her entire mind was clouded with fury at being disdained.

"Don't imagine that your love is reciprocated." Ling Jian snorted loudly. "Young noble has long said that you're my mental demon. How could I ever marry my destined foe?"

Xiao YouHan trembled violently, and her eyes could no longer maintain that aloof and icy expression. She stared at Ling Jian, as though wishing to be able to swallow him down immediately. She had seen her fair share of hateful and shameless guys, but this person refreshed both her records!

"I just discovered that actually, Ah'Jian is an expert at picking up chicks." Ling Tian suddenly whispered in a soft tone.

"What? Him?!" Li Xue and Ling Chen almost wanted to laugh out loud. To be even unaware that he was in love with someone, and treat the party as a mental demon, such a person could also be classified as an expert in picking up chicks?

Chapter 681: Fan of the Assassin

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"What do all of you know?" Ling Tian shook his head in disagreement, "To deal with an icy beauty like her, the first thing one must do is shatter that ice-mountain mask of hers. You must first reveal a gap in her heart's defenses so that you can enter her heart. This is something that Ling Jian is already successful in doing. The moment their two eyes meet, they will both fly into a rage within a couple of sentences. He is truly a genius for learning how to pick up girls without a teacher!"

"But he is complete trash after that. He actually wants to kill the other party!" Li Xue let out a sigh as she shook her head, "How noobish!"

Ling Tian suddenly burst out into laughter, "Ah'Xue, based on your judgment, how do you think Meng FanYun from Above Heavens compares to Ling Jian?"

The moment this was mentioned, Xiao FengYang, Xiao YouHan, and Ling Jian's attention was drawn over. Xiao YouHan looked at Ling Jian and compared him to Meng FanYun in her memories. While the martial arts of this stone-faced fellow wasn't too bad, he was a young boy after all. However, Meng FanYun was the head of one of the three hidden sects. How could they even be mentioned in the same breath?

Indeed, Li Xue frowned and said, "If our information isn't wrong, Meng FanYun's martial arts are above Yu ManLou's and Ling Jian probably isn't a match for him! There is definitely a gap between both of their martial arts."

"What you mean is that Ling Jian will definitely not be a match for Meng FanYun if they fight in a face-to-face battle?" Ling Tian asked purposefully.

"Yes!" Li Xue replied.

"If that's the case, I will hand Meng FanYun over to Ling Jian. Ah'Jian, I want you to take off Meng FanYun's head. Are you able to do that?" Ling Tian asked coldly.

"Yes! I will definitely cut off Meng FanYun's head and present it to young noble!" Ling Jian swore.

Xiao FengYang and Xiao YouHan were both startled upon hearing that. Handing Meng FanYun over to him even though he wasn't a match for Meng FanYun? Isn't this forcing Ling Jian to his death?

Ling Tian looked at Xiao YouHan and smiled, "Miss, Ling Jian offended Miss just now and I shall let him take this mission as a punishment. I wonder if Miss is satisfied?"

Xiao YouHan was dumbfounded. Why was I pulled back into the matter after such a round-about conversation? Is this stone-faced fellow going to accept a suicide mission because of her?

This, just where did this come from?

Xiao YouHan could not help but stutter, "Crown Prince Ling Tian, isn't this a little inappropriate?"

Ling Tian replied with a low voice, "What's inappropriate about that?"

Upon witnessing Ling Tian's displeasure, Xiao FengYang gave an eye signal to Xiao YouHan to indicate that she should stop talking. However, Xiao YouHan could not bear to see Ling Jian give up his life just because he offended her. Ignoring Xiao FengYang's eye signal, she said anxiously, "Even if he has made mistakes, you can't just send him to his death, right?"

"Send him to his death?" Ling Tian raised an eyebrow, "Why does Miss say that? I have only given him a challenging mission. Since when did I say that I was sending him to his death?"

Xiao YouHan was exasperated and said loudly, "Our sect master's martial arts are a hundred times better than his, but you want him to kill someone that he can't kill? Isn't this akin to sending him to his death? Besides, he… he didn't even offend me or make any mistake. How can you do that?…"

The moment these words were said, Xiao FengYang's face turned blue. To think that she dared to reprimand the crown prince of an empire to his face…

"Oh?" Ling Tian was completely unbothered and looked at her with a profound gaze instead, "It's such a pity. Since this young noble has given an order, I will not be taking it back! Miss's words are a little too late and even if he is wronged, he has no choice but to go."

"Could it be that you are going to send your loyal subordinate to his death because of your face?" Xiao YouHan reprimanded with tears in her eyes. She never imagined that a small little argument with Ling Jian would send him to his death. Her heart was immediately in turmoil.

"A woman should not interrupt the matters of men." Ling Jian frowned and scolded, "Why are you babbling rubbish when this has nothing got to do with you? You are indeed my heart demon, you actually dare to try to stop my young noble from giving me a mission!" Ling Jian was originally extremely delighted that his young noble would give him the exciting mission of killing Above Heavens' sect master. However, Xiao YouHan spoke out to stop his young noble and had even said that he wasn't a match for Meng FanYun. How could he not be frustrated?

"You!" Xiao YouHan never imagined that her goodwill would be met with such a response from Ling Jian! She could not help but well up with grievances as tears flooded her eyes, "Who do you think you are? Do you think that you are the First Pavilion Head? Do you know how high Meng FanYun's martial arts are? With just your substandard martial arts, how will you be able to kill him?"

The moment these words were said, Ling Tian, Ling Chen, Ling Jian, and Li Xue had a strange look on their faces. They looked as though they were about to laugh but were trying their best to hold it in. Xiao YouHan's words had accurately pointed out Ling Jian's most secret identity!

The lives of all humans are in my hands, the winds and rains heed the first pavilion!

The First Pavilion Head!

"The First Pavilion Head?" Ling Tian asked curiously, "Does Miss Xiao think that the so-called First Pavilion Head would be able to kill Meng FanYun? I think that my Ah'Jian is more outstanding!"

"How can the two of them be compared? One is like the clouds in the sky while the other the dirt on the ground. Is there anyone in the world that cannot be killed by the First Pavilion Head?" Xiao YouHan said with pride on her face as though she was the First Pavilion Head. Worship could be seen in her eyes and stars could be seen glimmering in them. The moment her idol was being mentioned, she no longer had the demeanor of the icy goddess. "The fame of the First Pavilion Head shocks the entire world and he never returns empty-handed. Even the monarch of Eastern Zhao died under his sword with a single strike! How majestic is he! What amazing killing intent! What kind of a hero is he! A despicable scum like you cannot even be compared to a finger of his!"

"Even in an army of millions, the First Pavilion Head is able to take the heads of individuals at ease! The First Pavilion Head is even able to come and go as he pleases in the number one aristocratic family in the world, the Yu Family, rendering the thousands of Yu Family experts helpless! The Northern Wei back then was extremely tyrannical with its citizens in rage. The First Pavilion Head sought justice for the world and wiped out the Northern Wei imperial family in a single night!"

Xiao YouHan said with excitement on her face before sweeping Ling Jian with a look of disdain, "Look at his coffin-like face full of bad luck. It would be sufficient for him to protect himself if he had one-hundredth of a percent of the First Pavilion Head's abilities. If this Miss is going to marry someone, I will marry a hero like the First Pavilion Head!" She then looked at Ling Jian with the meaning of 'a brat like you should just give up'.

So it turns out that the mysterious First Pavilion Head is the dream lover for that lass! Ling Tian was dumbfounded!

Talking about the past First Pavilion Head, it seems like the past First Pavilion Head truly wasn't a match for the current Ling Jian. After all, Ling Jian had already achieved multiple breakthroughs and he was far more powerful than before. However, he was actually disdained for being dirt on the ground!

Life is truly mysterious!

Ling Chen and Li Xue who knew the truth covered their mouths tight and strictly maintained their poker faces, afraid that they would burst out into laughter if they made any movements. If they burst out into laughter at this moment, it would truly ruin matters.

It was best for them to watch the show quietly.

Ling Jian coughed awkwardly before saying with a depressed tone, "Err, Miss, that so-called First Pavilion Head is no more than an assassin. What's the big deal about him? He definitely isn't as exaggerated as what you described. You are describing him as though he is omnipotent."

"He is no more than an assassin?!" Xiao YouHan jumped up immediately with her face flushed red in anger, "You are making it sound so simple! There have been plenty of assassins from ancient times until now! Which one of them had a good ending? Either they were caught or killed. How many would be able to achieve the heights of the First Pavilion Head? Not only is he always successful, he is always able to fully retreat. He comes and goes without a trace and is capable of playing the entire world in his palms! Up until now, no one knows where the First Pavilion Head lives or what his name or appearance is!"

"His ability to conceal himself isn't something that just any individual is capable of achieving! Just like young noble Ling, despite acting like a profligate young noble, weren't you also exposed in the end? However, the First Pavilion Head hasn't been revealed even up to now! When comparing the two, the superior individual is obvious! Besides, the First Pavilion Head rarely takes action but the moment he takes action, the entire world will shake! Such a hero is 'just an assassin' in your eyes?!"

"What are your intentions?!" Xiao YouHan looked at Ling Jian with a blazing rage as she inched nearer to him, "Do you think that you are capable of achieving that?"

She then walked closer again, "Are you able to?! ARE YOU?!"

With another step, "If it were you, you would probably have announced it to the entire world right? Hmph!"

Ling Jian was forced back by Xiao YouHan and looked extremely pathetic. When she finally stopped walking forward, Ling Jian stood up straight and bellowed angrily, "Isn't it just killing a couple of fellows? There isn't anything amazing about that! I may not have killed any less than him!"

However, it is impossible for me to kill any more than him. Ling Jian added on in his heart. Comparing himself with himself, is there a point? No matter how he compares, it would always be a draw!

Xiao YouHan suddenly felt as though it was a waste for her to be so worried about such a fellow! Such a fellow deserved death! She then glanced at Ling Jian with disdain and waved her hands expressionlessly, "Do you even believe your own bragging?! How shameless! On behalf of young noble Ling Tian's face, this Miss shall not be calculative with you today! A frog in the well looking at the sky, how can you know how large the ocean is? What would a despicable scum like you know? Quibbling with you is akin to lowering my status."

"So it turns out that the mysterious First Pavilion Head is the ideal candidate for Miss to spend your entire life with?" Ling Tian said with a smile that didn't seem like a smile as he coughed awkwardly. It was truly too difficult for him to hold his laughter in.

Chapter 682: Building a Bridge

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Xiao YouHan's face turned red and she turned shy. However, she quickly lifted her head up and her face returned back to her chilly self, "That's right! The First Pavilion Head roams unhindered in the world and is an unparalleled existence in the world. How can he belong to YouHan alone? There are numerous individuals who have such a hero in their hearts! Is it wrong for me to admire such an expert?!"

"I see!" Ling Tian smiled, "Miss, I have seen the First Pavilion Head who you were talking about before. It's true! I have even worked together with the First Pavilion before. From the few assassination missions that I arranged, it should be easy to tell that I have worked with the First Pavilion Head before. Ah ah… actually, it isn't too surprising for the member of a Great Family to meet the First Pavilion Head…"

He then paused with a smile on his face which didn't seem like a smile. Xiao YouHan's eyes lit up immediately and she dashed over losing all composure, "Really? Have you seen him before? How does he look like? He must be very handsome right? How tall is he? Is his face always frosty and expressionless? Does he have a dense and sharp killing intent all over him? Is he like an arrogant lotus resting at the peak of an ice mountain? He shouldn't be too young anymore and it would be best if he isn't more than 40…"

"Cough cough cough…" Ling Jian began coughing pathetically.

Xiao YouHan's gaze swept past Ling Jian before she said to Ling Tian, "Young noble Ling Tian, how can your subordinate be so rude?!"

"Err… errr… I will definitely teach him a good lesson." Ling Tian was caught off guard by the series of questions and his sides were already aching from holding in his laughter. "I didn't notice all of these things but the First Pavilion Head is probably someone pleasing to the eye. He has quite the character and I don't think that he is even thirty."

Nonsense, if he wasn't pleasing to the eye, why would I bother keeping him beside me for ten plus years to groom? He is indeed less than thirty years and probably no more than one to two years older than young noble Ling Tian. It seems like he is even less than 20!

However, Ling Tian finally understood where this lass' frosty expression came from. It turns out that she heard about the First Pavilion Head's frosty personality and wanted to mimic him…

Ling Tian wasn't the only one who guessed this and Ling Chen, Li Xue, and Xiao FengYang had a look of understanding on their faces. No wonder this lass had such a huge change in her personality a few years back! To think that the family assumed that Above Heavens had tortured her…

This celebrity chaser was truly too crazy! Ling Chen winked at Ling Jian and Ling Jian's face flushed completely red.

"Not even thirty? Wouldn't that mean that he is extremely young?" Xiao YouHan's eyes glimmered as though she was shot by cupid's arrow. "Really? Is he really so young???"

"I am certain about this! That First Pavilion Head is definitely less than thirty and may not even be twenty. Furthermore, he is still unmarried," Ling Tian said solemnly before adding on, "Furthermore, I have never seen any ladies appear by his side before!"

"Really?!" Xiao YouHan had the urge to jump up in excitement. "This is great! Hmph! I knew it! A hero like him would not have ordinary ladies in his eyes!"

Xiao YouHan had already gone into complete fan-girl mode and completely didn't notice that Ling Tian's words were pretty incoherent.

"That's right, only a beauty like Miss would be a match for someone like the First Pavilion Head." Ling Tian said with sincerity.

Xiao YouHan immediately squirmed with awkwardness and said expectantly, "I… I also…" All of a sudden, her eyes lit up with a bright glow and she pleaded, "Young noble Ling, I wonder if you are able to give me the opportunity to meet him once? I really want to meet this amazing talent!"

Ling Tian immediately frowned with frustration in his eyes as though he was extremely troubled, "This…"

"Young noble Ling definitely has an idea, hehe." Xiao YouHan took up the teapot and began filling up Ling Tian's teacup with an expectant gaze.

Ling Tian drank the cup of tea calmly and the moment he placed the cup back on the table, Xiao YouHan quickly filled it up again as though she was afraid that she wasn't taking care of Ling Tian properly.

Ling Tian frowned, "It is difficult to talk to that person…"

Ling Jian was speechless. While it isn't easy for others to talk to me, for young noble…

Xiao YouHan almost burst out into tears.

Seeing that Ling Tian was going a little too far, both Ling Chen and Li Xue stretched their hands out to Ling Tian's waist and were about to pinch down with all their strength.

Ling Tian pretended as though an idea came to his mind and quickly changed his tone, "… however, it isn't as though there isn't a way at all. Since we are all of the same family, I shall just ignore this face of mine and help Miss with this matter! Besides, I believe that the First Pavilion Head will like someone as adorable as Miss."

"Thank you young noble Ling, thank you young noble Ling. You are really a good person!" Xiao YouHan was filled with boundless joy and looked as though her long-standing wish was finally fulfilled.

"However…" Ling Tian said with difficulty.

"However what?"

"However, it is truly difficult for this brother of mine to assassinate Meng FanYun… Since Miss is extremely familiar with Above Heavens, I wonder if… you can give us some aid?" Ling Tian said with embarrassment.

"Cough… this…" Xiao YouHan quickly came to a conclusion, "No problem! He is carrying out this mission for my Xiao Family and it is only right for me to help him! You can call me along when you are about to take action. Mmm… as long as he doesn't die on the spot, I will have a way to save him!"

Ling Jian rolled his eyes. Before even starting the mission, this young Miss is already thinking of how to save me… doesn't she have too little confidence in her idol?

"If that's the case… Thanks! I will definitely try my best to have the First Pavilion Head repay your gratitude!" Ling Tian said with gratitude.

"It's nothing much." Xiao YouHan said in embarrassment before asking excitedly, "Then… when will young noble Ling allow me to…" As though she thought of something, her face flushed completely red.

"When this matter is over, I will immediately contact that First Pavilion Head." Ling Tian purposefully emphasized the words 'First Pavilion Head' and said with a righteous tone, "Miss should know that I, Ling Tian, will never go back on my words."

"That's… of course." Xiao YouHan seemed to have something else to say but decided to remain silent.

"Rest assured Miss," Ling Tian promised, "I am good friends with that First Pavilion Head and he treats my opinion with great importance. If I say anything, he will definitely consider it carefully. Even if I want to be a matchmaker, I believe that he will not reject me. I will definitely put in a few good words for Miss."

"Really?" Xiao YouHan cried out with excitement and began her imagination, "If… if… it would be great…" She then suddenly lowered her head with her entire face red. At the same time, she did not forget to roll her eyes at Ling Jian. In order to see my idol, I can only let you off with some benefits! Hmph!

By the side, Ling Jian was completely helpless and did not know where to hide his face…

***

"WAHAHAHA… this is too hilarious! She is too cute!" Ling Tian burst out into laughter.

"He is so young? Do you really mean that he is still so young? He he he… he is still a young man??? This is great! Hmph, I knew that a hero like him will not place ordinary ladies in his sight!" Ling Chen mimicked Xiao YouHan's voice and teased Ling Jian.

"Have you seen him before? How does he look like? He must be very handsome right? How tall is he? Is his face always frosty and expressionless? Does he have a dense and sharp killing intent all over him? Is he like an arrogant lotus resting at the peak of an ice mountain? Is he… is he…" Li Xue burst out into laughter.

"You two young Misses, I was wrong, please let me off…" Ling Jian almost wanted to find a hole to hide in.

"This is the first time I realized that Ah Jian is an expert at picking up girls." Ling Tian and the others were naturally back in their own tent and they were speaking in hushed voices, "How magnificent! Without even saying a word, you already captured the beauty's heart. You are indeed the best example for lechers."

"It is a pity that this lecher does not know how to date!" Li Xue clicked her tongue and said, "Ling Jian, you are truly too useless. You actually treated her as your heart demon and even said that you wanted to kill her. Hahahaha… I am going to die from laughter."

The moment these words were said, all three of them burst out into laughter again.

A long while later, Ling Tian finally managed to stop himself from laughing, "Ah Jian, I have already given you the chance. It is up to you to grasp it."

Ling Jian rubbed his head and said, "Young noble, you mean to say that… I really… like her? It isn't my heart demon making trouble?"

Ling Tian let out a long sigh and covered his face.

"Will your heart race when you see her?"

"Err… yes."

"Do you think that she is extremely pretty?"

"Err… yes."

"Do you have the urge to hug her when you see her?"

"Err… yes… a little."

"Do you really want to become closer to her?"

"Err… yes."

"If there is someone who wants to bully her, beat her, or kill her, what will you do?"

"Who dares to?!" Ling Jian roared with killing intent exploding, "I will dice the person into shreds!"

"If she marries someone else and sleeps with someone in the same bed…"

"Impossible!" Before Ling Tian could even finish, Ling Jian's eyes turned red, "She is mine!"

"Scram!"

"Ah!"

"Scram! Scram scram scram!"

"Why?"

"After saying so much, let me ask you, is she your heart demon or do you like her?"

"Err… I think that I like her…"

"Then why aren't you going to scram?"

...

Ling Jian left pathetically.

In the tent, Ling Chen and Li Xue were holding on to their stomachs as they panted heavily. "He is truly too… too amazing." Li Xue laughed to the point tears flowed out of her eyes as she rolled on the bed without the slightest appearance of a lady.

Ling Tian chuckled and pounced on the two ladies like a starving wolf, pinning the two of them under his body.

"AH!! Lecher!"

"Scram hoodlum!"

…

"How about it? Did you overestimate yourself and receive a scolding?" Just when Ling Jian left the tent, a cold face looked at him with a tinge of disdain and delight in his misfortune. Xiao YouHan had returned to the cold appearance that she had picked up from the First Pavilion Head.

Chapter 683: Choice

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

"Hmph hmph." Ling Jian ignored her and walked towards his own tent.

"What are you snorting about? Overestimating your own abilities and thinking that you can assassinate the Above Heavens sect master! Do you really think that you are the number one assassin? You're only the number one in bragging!" Xiao YouHan looked at Ling Jian's back and shouted out, "You better tie a rope around your body so it will be easier for me to save you!"

"Meng FanYun?" Ling Jian did not turn back and said with his back facing Xiao YouHan, "He is just a peak XianTian expert! If I want to kill him, a single sword is sufficient!" He then walked into his tent slowly.

For some reason, Xiao YouHan did not mock Ling Jian after hearing those words. She could clearly feel the immense confidence hidden under Ling Jian's calm voice!

Hearing those words and seeing his confidence as he left, Xiao YouHan suddenly had a thought in her mind, Could it be that he is truly able to kill Meng FanYun? How is this possible?!

Thinking about that, she scolded herself for thinking too much. Who was Meng FanYun? He was the sect master of Above Heavens, a character who was definitely one of the top five experts in the world! There were far too few individuals in this world capable of being a match for him!

Who was this stone-face fellow? He was only a subordinate under Ling Tian and is still far too young. How is it possible for him to kill Meng FanYun? Isn't this just a joke?

"King of bragging! Living in his dreams!" Xiao YouHan muttered under her breath. All of a sudden, she imagined the scene of Ling Jian attempting to assassinate Meng FanYun and being killed on the spot. She felt a wave of guilt in her heart again. After all, he only received such a dangerous mission because of her!

"No matter what, I will not allow him to die!" Xiao YouHan clenched her fists tightly. "Regardless of whether it is to meet the First Pavilion Head, I will not allow him to die because of me!"

Ling Tian lay on Ling Chen's thigh comfortably with his eyes closed as he heard Li Xue's arrangements.

"… fifty-five men. Apart from the four sent to the south-west, the two left behind in the Courtyard to take care of the injured together with Ling Fifty, fifteen to protect the safety of the imperial palace and Ling Family, the remaining more than thirty individuals have already split up and made their way to the south-east. The south-east information net has been activated fully and the Crystal Pavilion is also gathering information to the best of their ability. Everything is within our control!"

"As for the Yu Family, we have arranged for an additional 100,000 troops in Swallow County and began transporting military rations. We can ensure that the grains will be transported without stopping and there will not be any future worries. After all, a true battle may break out this time. The Yu Family army has already retreated five miles back and they have begun reorganizing their army. Before they can confirm our intentions, I believe that they will never dare to take the risk and launch an attack."

"We added another 100,000 soldiers to Mourning Soul Mountain as well. The general in charge of the Yu Family army is XiMen Sa and he will naturally not make a rash move."

"With advisor Meng overlooking the army and deploying the troops, there isn't a single gap and possibility for accidents." Li Xue ended her report with confidence.

At this moment, Ling Tian had already shifted all of his forces to the south-east to give Above Heavens a lightning-fast blow and remove all future trouble. However, the more he did so, the more he had to be wary of the Yu Family. If the Yu Family launched their forces at this moment, the Ling Family would face the risk of being assaulted from all directions. Even with Ling Tian's current forces, he might not be able to endure such an assault.

Besides, the Yu Family's three souls and seven bodies were just wiped out by Ling Tian and it would be understandable for Yu ManLou to launch an attack in rage.

Thus, Li Xue employed an extremely bold move. She decided to take the initiative and increase their forces deployed to their borders. At the same time, she began sending strategic resources to the borders endlessly as though battle was about to erupt. As such, the Yu Family would definitely think that the Ling Family was about to launch a military expedition and would not dare to make any rash moves.

A weak country has no diplomacy. Only a country that is strong enough can talk about diplomacy. As long as a country has sufficient strength, no other country would dare to thoughtlessly attack!

The true purpose for Li Xue's plan was to fight for two months worth of time. At that time, even if the Yu Family wanted to launch an attack, it would be too late!

"Mmm, that's right, but I still have to remind you about something." Ling Tian thought for a moment before saying, "Above Heavens has supported the Xiao Family for many years and it can be said that the entire Xiao Family is within Above Heavens' grasp. Our current mission is naturally for the Xiao Family. While it wouldn't be difficult for us to wipe out Above Heavens, if Above Heavens knows that there is no turning back, it wouldn't be difficult for them to drag the entire Xiao Family down with them. If the entire Xiao Family perishes, there won't be any meaning for us to wipe out the entire Above Heavens. It would even cause a huge uprising in the south-east. After all, the Xiao Family and Above Heavens have a huge influence among the commoners in the south-east. The only way to stabilize the people is to keep the Xiao Family."

"What do you think we should do?" Li Xue asked with a frown, "I thought of this matter before and thought that we should first lure them out. But if we lure them out, we would definitely end up alerting them. While we do not place a power like Above Heavens in our sights, it would be a huge headache for us if they were to hide within the pugilistic world and plan for their revenge. We need to choose the lesser of the two evils!"

"I understand your concerns. Just like what you say, we have to choose the lesser of the two evils! If that's the case, we shall protect a couple of important individuals in the Xiao Family before the start of the operation. Arrange some men to take care of this matter, and as for the rest…" Ling Tian pondered for a moment before saying with a mellow tone, "we can only leave matters up to the heavens."

"Alright!" As someone who was not as emotionally invested, Li Xue was naturally far more resolute than Ling Tian. Even if all of the Xiao Family members died, she wouldn't feel the slightest bit of compassion! She would naturally not bother about how many from the Xiao Family died.

She was extremely clear who Ling Tian was referring to as important Xiao Family figures. This was completely irrelevant to the authority hierarchy in the family. It was completely dependent on who Xiao YanXue was close to.

It could be said that the objective of this operation was to annex the entire south-east of the continent into the Divine Prefecture Empire. However, the main reason for the operation was because Ling Tian didn't want his woman to be hurt!

Ling Chen smiled gently as she combed Ling Tian's hair with her fingers, "It is already extremely rare for young noble to have such a heart. If younger sister YanXue knew about this, she would definitely be extremely touched. However, the moment battle breaks out, it will be impossible for even a celestial being to protect the weak and helpless members of the Xiao Family from the ferocious hands of the experts of Above Heavens. Thus, we only have to try our best. Just like what young noble always says, as long as we do not go against our conscience!"

Ling Tian and Li Xue both looked at Ling Chen with their eyes widened as though they had just known her. After a long which, Ling Tian let out a smile and continued lying down on Ling Chen with a look of ease on his face.

Li Xue chuckled, "I am truly the one at ease for younger sister Chen to say these words. With younger sister Chen as the empress in the future, she will definitely be able to manage Tian'ge's imperial harem extremely well."

Ling Chen's face flushed red, "Sister Xue is teasing me again. Actually, sister Xue is the most appropriate choice."

Ling Tian laughed and said, "Chen'er, she isn't teasing you but praising you. You are the only master of the imperial harem that I have acknowledged and no one will be able to change that fact. Do you understand?! As the master of the imperial harem and the mother of the world, it would be impossible for you to accomplish that without some means. While I do not support a woman being unscrupulous, there isn't a need for an empress to exist if she does not have some means. For you to say these words today, it proves your ability. Knowing when to sacrifice is the trait of an accomplished empress! Remember, you are the only master of the imperial harem that I will acknowledge!"

Ling Chen looked down in deep thought. As though she realized something, she suddenly smiled, "Young noble, sister Xue is also here. Don't you think that sister Xue is more suitable for the position of empress? If you want me to… I am afraid that I will not be able to do so."

"In terms of ability, Li Xue is truly the best choice." Ling Tian said slowly, "But Chen'er, you have to know something. Both Li Xue and I are too tired in regards to fighting for authority!"

"We are really extremely tired!" Li Xue muttered under her breath before leaning on Ling Tian's chest with a gentle look on her face. This was the first time such an expression could be seen on Li Xue's face.

"Everyone's the same, we are truly tired. It would be best if we can choose not to think about anything but lead a life without worry with our loved ones."

Ling Chen thought to herself and an apologetic look could be seen on her face. She could feel the fatigue in the hearts of both Ling Tian and Li Xue. This was a fatigue that came from the heart and it wasn't faked in the slightest.

However, how would she know that both Ling Tian and Li Xue had been fighting for authority for a full two lifetimes?!

They were truly sick and tired of it!

For Ling Tian, Li Xue would do anything and was willing to help him plan anything! However, she wasn't willing to touch authority! As long as Ling Tian held authority in his hands, Li Xue would never allow herself to hold onto any form of authority and power!

Perhaps it was just Li Xue thinking too much. But the intuition of a lady told her that if she were to hold onto authority, it was inevitable for her to clash with Ling Tian. After the experience in her previous life, she wasn't willing to let the slightest bit of displeasure to exist between the two of them!

Li Xue was confident that if she wanted to fight for the position of empress, no one would be able to beat her! Even Ling Chen wouldn't be a match for her. However, after she became the empress, it would be impossible for her to ignore everything even if she wanted to. After all, even if the empress wanted to ignore everything, she already had a huge amount of authority in her grasp. Any action or word of hers would be studied by the people around her!

Thus, Li Xue would only aid on the side and would never interfere directly.

It was the same when she was helping Ling Tian now and the same when she aids Ling Chen to manage the harem or Ling Tian to manage the world in the future!

Besides, both Ling Tian and Li Xue were clear that Ling Tian was invincible in the world today! If there was someone capable of being a threat to Ling Tian in this world, that person wouldn't be Yu ManLou or Justice but Li Xue!

There was only a single person who was capable of killing Ling Tian in this world! Only Li Xue!

Only Li Xue would be able to make use of everything within her grasp to defeat Ling Tian!

In terms of personal strength, Li Xue was Ling Tian's biggest opponent in the world! She was the only opponent worthy of Ling Tian! Regardless of whether it was in terms of schemes or means, Li Xue and Ling Tian were completely on par. In fact, Li Xue was slightly superior in some areas!

However, Li Xue would never become enemies with Ling Tian!

She would never touch any form of authority! This was something that Li Xue was adamant about! She had suffered for an entire lifetime because of Ling Tian and had even died because of Ling Tian! She had even chased Ling Tian to this world!

In Li Xue's heart, there was nothing more important than Ling Tian! Even if it was the authority of the world! In Li Xue's heart, there was nothing that she couldn't give up! The only thing she couldn't give up is love! Ling Tian!

These were Li Xue's thoughts and Ling Tian was extremely clear about that! Ling Tian was also clear that with Li Xue's strength, if she grasped authority in her hands, some of her plans would be the complete opposite of Ling Tian's. Their wisdom was comparable and Li Xue was extremely clear of all of Ling Tian's weaknesses. She was more familiar with Ling Tian's weaknesses than Ling Tian himself!

She understood what all of Ling Tian's expressions symbolized. What kind of emotion it meant and what kind of thoughts he had. In fact, there were many things that Ling Tian didn't even need to say before Li Xue noticed and settled the matter!

Currently, Li Xue was still able to manage and overlook everything while watching calmly from the sides and not touching authority. This was the best way for her to help Ling Tian. Furthermore, Li Xue herself would also prefer such a lifestyle.

Thus, Ling Tian would not force her. On the contrary, Ling Tian would purposefully make a few mistakes for Li Xue to correct as a form of entertainment for both of them. Ling Tian knew that he would absolutely not suspect Li Xue currently. However, Ling Tian would never use the word 'forever'. After all, human's would change.

Ling Tian could not be certain that his future would never change. Ling Tian was extremely familiar with human nature and thus knew that Li Xue's choice was the best one! This choice of hers had ensured that the two of them would never suspect each other in this life of theirs!

With Li Xue aiding Ling Chen in the future, Ling Tian's imperial harem would be impossible to break. Distancing herself from the struggle of authority, she would naturally be able to see everything clearly.

Of course, there were definitely cons with this. With an existence like Li Xue, the imperial harem will always be united. However, Ling Tian who was on the losing end would never be able to add anyone to his harem…

This was a point that Ling Tian lost completely! He lost completely to Li Xue in this life of his. However, for a man to lose to a woman for his entire life, it was also extremely fortunate!

For any couple to remain happy for the whole lifetime, there would always be a strong and weak party. Furthermore, the weak party would definitely have a way to deal with the strong party. If both parties were strong, conflict was inevitable! If both parties were weak, it would end in a tragedy! The best solution would be to achieve a balance between strong and weak!

Chapter 684: Yu Family

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The Yu Family.

Yu ManLou looked at Yu ManTian with his face ashen and eyes burning with rage.

Yu ManTian's gaze was filled with fatigue but he looked back at his big brother without backing down. Apart from the unbridled gaze in his eyes, there was a tinge of disappointment, grief, and unfamiliarity.

"They're all dead? Three souls and seven bodies, a full ten XianTian experts are all dead? The four elders who went as reinforcements… not a single one of them came back alive?" Yu ManLou glared at him fiercely, "Can you tell me what is going on? Tell me!"

"Big brother, you are asking me what is going on? I should be the one asking you that question!" Yu ManTian panted heavily as he grunted, "Big brother, Ling Tian had a five-year bet with you with the world as the wager. This bet is probably known by everyone in the world already! During the empire founding ceremony of our Yu Family, the Ling Family did not send anyone to create trouble and even gave us a huge gift. But why is it that you sent people to perform those despicable actions during the Divine Prefecture Empire's founding ceremony? Assassination and the bewildering grass? Big brother, I am a boorish person but I know what it means to repay kindness! However, how did you choose to repay kindness?"

"Our Yu Family has been the number one family in the entire world for the past thousand years. Why do we have to do something like this? Can it be that our thousand-year-old family does not have the magnanimity and bearing of a nouveau riche Ling Family? We will definitely be looked down upon by others!"

"Preposterous!" Yu ManLou flew into a rage. Since when would his foolish third brother know how to reprimand him? "Should you be saying such words? The victor is king and loser vilified! This has been true since ancient times! The history books will only be written by the victor. As long as we achieve victory in the end, who cares about the means we employed? On the contrary, if my Yu Family loses in this battle, do you think that there will still be a Yu Family in the future?! For the hegemony of the world and our future generations, what did I do wrong as the family head of the Yu Family? Don't forget that you are also a descendant of the Yu Family!"

"Yu Family descendant? Future of our Yu Family?" Yu ManTian let out a desolate laugh, "Big brother, if the future of our Yu Family has to be passed down through such despicable means, then… we should just give up on our future generations!"

"B*stard!"

"PA!!" Yu ManLou slapped Yu ManTian on the cheek and was angered to the point his body began trembling, "You you… you actually dare to speak such heretical words? Don't let me punish you with the family law! Don't think that I will tolerate you time and time again just because you are my brother!"

"Family law?" Yu ManTian burst out into laughter and could not be bothered about the burning sensation on his face. He then glared at Yu ManLou and roared, "Big brother, you have changed! Since when did you change? Why have you changed so much?"

"When did I change? How did I change?" Yu ManLou gave Yu ManTian another good beating.

"Big brother, there are some things that I don't know but don't want to know either." Yu ManTian turned around and said with a lonely tone, "Back then, the three of us grew up together and we both remember how big brother took care of both me and second brother. Back then, no matter the trouble on the outside, big brother would definitely protect us. The three of us brothers have always been as one and we would always talk through the night. The elders of our family had always said that they had never seen brothers with such good relationship before. In the past thousand years, only the three of us would not fight for authority without anyone of us leaving first."

Yu ManLou let out a soft sigh and tenderness could be seen on his face. Looking at the wounds on his third brother's body, he could not help but feel his heart ache, "Third brother!"

"Ever since big brother took over the position of the family head, the Yu Family prospered day by day, firmly stabilizing its place as the number one family on the continent. Both second brother and I were full of joy and tried our best to aid big brother, afraid that we might be lacking in some ways, allowing others to look down on us brothers. While I, Third Master Yu, am a brute, I know that big brother does everything for our Yu Family!"

"I don't know since when, but big brother has slowly changed. You have changed greatly. You have become too eager for success and will resort to any possible means in order to attain your goals! It isn't that second brother and I weren't aware, but we chose not to say anything and silently support big brother. However, the matter with BingYan chilled my heart completely!"

Yu ManTian suddenly flew into a rage as he roared with a malevolent glare, "Big brother! My heart is completely chilled! It is thoroughly chilled! BingYan is a direct descendant of our Yu Family! She is your biological niece! Your biological niece! How can you bear to treat her in such a manner and make use of her as such? You attempted to harm her life on more than one occasion! Before when BingYan was young, you hugged and kissed her! You also loved her greatly! How could you bear to do these things?"

"Third brother! I also have my difficulties! I am the family head of the Yu Family!" Yu ManLou roared with anger on his face before sighing, "There's no need to say anything else!"

"No! I want to continue! I will only say all of this once! Perhaps, this will be the last time I can talk to you like this!" Yu ManTian's eyes were red as he glared, "For you to treat BingYan as such, have you ever thought about second brother and sister-in-law's feelings? BingYan was plagued with illness since she was young, and what has our Yu Family given her? What right do we have to make use of her as such?"

"Why would BingYan suffer from such an illness? Why? Second brother and sister-in-law both knew the reason but they just weren't willing to talk about it!" Yu ManTian's chest rose and fell heavily. "Eighteen years ago when sister-in-law just conceived BingYan, big brother had also fallen ill! Have you forgotten? After the blood that you vomited out was buried, the place where it was buried still hasn't grown any form of grass even up to now!!!" Yu ManTian suddenly roared.

"At that time, sister-in-law was well versed in medicine and she helped you to treat your injuries and purged the poison! She refined the medicine for you when she was still carrying BingYan! The smell in the herb room was sufficient to choke someone to death! It was full of poison! Big brother, don't think that I don't know anything just because I am stupid!"

"Sister-in-law had always been healthy before that but she fell ill after treating you. After giving birth to BingYan, she passed away! She died because of treating you! Why would BingYan be riddled with illness? WHY? Aren't you clear about that? If not for sister-in-law refining medicine for you, how would BingYan be plagued with the Divine Black Negative Meridians?"

"Stop talking!" The arteries on Yu ManLou's face bulged and he roared loudly, 'Shut up! I am asking you to shut up!"

The guards on the outside heard the commotion and came in to ask, "Your majesty, do you have anything to assign us?"

"Scram! All of you scram far away!" Yu ManLou roared, "Anyone who dares come within 300 feet shall be executed without mercy!"

The guards were startled and left as though they were escaping for their lives.

"Why don't you allow me to say it? Why can't I talk about it if you are able to do it?" Yu ManTian sneered, "Sister-in-law already died in order to save you and her daughter was plagued with a strange illness. However, this is how you choose to treat her only daughter?! Big brother! Are you still my big brother?!"

Yu ManLou's face which was usually calm began contorting in pain, "Alright… you can speak your mind! What else do you know?! You might as well say it all now!"

"I am going to say it all anyway!" Yu ManTian exploded, "Even if you are the emperor now, I will still say whatever I want to! Hmph hmph, big brother, the sickness from eighteen years ago wasn't a sickness, right? What kind of sickness would be so sinister? What kind of sickness would be able to change the character of a XianTian realm expert?"

Yu ManTian continued with anger and his voice turned chilly, "Big brother, the graveyard to the north of Bright Jade City had been extremely strange over the past few years. There would always be strange corpses from time to time. Furthermore, big brother seems to visit the north very often right?"

Yu ManLou hurriedly turned around and glared at his third brother fiercely, "What do you want to say?"

"I will only ask you a single question. Did you cultivate the evil martial art that our ancestors forbade us from cultivating?" Yu ManTian roared, "Yes or no?"

Yu ManLou fell silent and the atmosphere in the room suddenly became extremely chilly.

"Ah ah ah…" Yu ManTian laughed desolately, "You do not need to answer me. I already know the answer. Ever since I was young, I was very stupid and naughty, so I do not know anything. But ever since Shui WuBo died a mysterious death under your hands, I figured it out. Even if Shui WuBo's cultivation wasn't a match for yours, the difference wasn't so big and it was impossible for you to kill him so easily! Furthermore, he had even made a breakthrough in the last moment but you managed to win and kill him without suffering any injuries."

"I have finished what I wanted to say. Do as you wish, big brother, your majesty. Hahaha…" Yu ManTian began laughing maniacally.

Yu ManLou's face was chilly to the point it was frightening. "Does anyone else know about this?"

"Who else would know about this? Rest assured, there isn't anyone else." Yu ManTian chuckled, "No one else apart from me. I didn't say anything to anyone else. Is this a glorious matter? Should I be letting others know about this? Even if you are shameless, I still want my face, the Yu Family still has to have our face!"

Yu ManLou shut his eyes and a violent glow could be seen in his eyes.

Yu ManTian was completely unhindered. His eyes were red and his breathing heavy. However, these could not conceal the grief and disappointment in his eyes.

Yu ManLou turned around and his originally scholarly face was completely dark. Looking at Yu ManTian, he waved his hand up into the sky. Yu ManTian shut his eyes with his arms crossed.

Yu ManLou struggled for a long while and could not bear to swing it down. He then let out a long sigh and ordered, "Men! Invite Third Master into the heavenly prison and take good care of him! Without my orders, no one can visit him!"

The guards who came forward were startled and did not dare to make a move. They never imagined that the emperor would give such an order to imprison his own younger brother, King Martial Bravery, into the heavenly prison!

Yu ManTian snorted and turned around. "Heavenly prison? That is a good place for me to retire."

Chapter 685: Sudden Change

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

A series of footsteps could suddenly be heard from the outside and a loud shrill sounded, "Emperor… Emperor… things are bad…"

The two brothers were startled. They could hear that this voice belonged to Yu ManLou's wife, the current empress! Just what would happen to make the usually steady empress so flustered?

With a loud bang, the door was flung open and a middle-aged woman dashed in with a gust of wind trailing behind her. With her speed, it is obvious that her martial arts weren't weak either.

"Emperor… the eunuchs and maids are revolting!"

"What?" Yu ManLou's body shook. How can this be possible? A bunch eunuchs and weak palace maids know how to revolt? It was both impossible and illogical!

Before Yu ManLou could even ask what was going on, he heard a commotion from the outside. In the imperial palace, a couple of places were smoking and on fire. Miserable shrieks, quarreling, and fighting could be heard all around.

Yu ManLou flew into a rage and roared, "I am going to take a look!" He then turned around and left.

"I am going as well!" Yu ManTian couldn't be at ease and followed behind Yu ManLou.

Yu ManLou looked at him silently and didn't say a thing. The two brothers then walked out one after another.

On the outside, the entire palace had already fallen into chaos. Fighting could be seen everywhere and those revolting eunuchs and maids all had a demented look on their faces. They did not have any weapons on their hands and they were fighting with their teeth and nails. They charged forward valiantly and faced the skilled guards of the palace as though they were mad. Perhaps it wouldn't be appropriate to say 'as though they were mad' because they were truly mad!

"Their minds have been thrown into chaos!" Yu ManLou could tell with a single glance. At the same time, he had an inexplicable doubt in his heart. With the sheer size of the palace, who would have the power to bewilder the minds of so many eunuchs and maids together? Furthermore, their situation was so severe!

During this short moment when Yu ManLou was pondering, a large change occurred again!

While the situation was chaotic, the guards were able to easily suppress the chaos. After all, those creating the chaos almost had no strength whatsoever. All the eunuchs and maids were caught and thrown to the corner of the wall in a pile. If not for their numbers and crazed antics, the chaos would have long been suppressed. However, the situation was gradually getting under control.

Right at this moment, a change occurred.

Just when a guard pushed a maid down onto the ground, his body suddenly paused for a moment before he let out a roar to the heavens. His eyes turned red as though he had turned crazy and he turned around abruptly.

The guard beside him who was his brother of many years cried out, "Wang San, what's going on?"

Wang San's eyes were completely red and he did not respond to his brother. After struggling with himself for a short while, he suddenly unsheathed his blade and cleaved his best brother into two with a loud roar!

A series of gasps sounded!

That Wang San held up his bloodstained blade and looked at the fellow guards around him with a ferocious gaze. He then let out a loud roar and waved his blade around without bothering who was around him. In just a short while, there were many who were injured!

"Kill him quickly! He has gone crazy! Kill him without mercy!" Yu ManLou ordered.

A dozen of blades immediately flashed and Wang San burst out laughing without bothering to avoid the blades. At the same time,he swung the blade in his hand down and cleaved a nearby guard into two. At the same time, his own body was diced into pieces by the incoming blades.

All the guards panted heavily and were still in shock. They did not understand why something so queer could happen.

Amid the heavy panting, a few of them began an irregular panting as they gasped for air and their eyes turned red. Finally, they had also become deranged like Wang San and mercilessly attacked their companions!

After noticing their oddities, the guards around them already placed their guards up and thus these few deranged individuals did not cause much damage before being slashed down.

Very slowly, the irregular breathing began spreading among the guards like a plague…

Yu ManLou suddenly circulated all of his inner qi and with his face ashen, he let out an earth-shattering roar. When everyone present was shaken by the roar, Yu ManLou's figure shot out. A series of banging sounds could be heard and all the guards were sent flying with a single palm. He used sufficient strength to ensure that they were rendered immobile without any threat to their lives.

Yu ManLou's face was calm and he ordered the few XianTian experts behind him, "With this chaos being so widespread, there must be a problem with the water source. All of you must take control of the imperial kitchen. From now on, no one will be allowed to consume any food or water. At the same time, order everyone who has inner qi to gather over! All of you must act quickly! Gather all of the imperial physicians as well and ask if they have any plan to stop this mess! Hurry up!"

"Yes!" Knowing that no delay would be allowed, they sped away quickly.

"What powerful means!" Yu ManLou's face was ashen, "They were actually able to cause so many to fall prey to their means without anyone noticing."

Yu ManTian was completely dumbfounded. With his brain, he still could not figure out what was going on, "Big brother, what is going on?"

"What is going on?" Yu ManLou glared at him, "If I am not wrong, the entire imperial palace has fallen prey to a strange medicine. The guards have martial arts and so the effects are delayed. Thankfully this started happening with those who didn't have martial arts so we have some buffer time. If not, there wouldn't be a Yu Family tonight!"

"It is actually so serious!" Yu ManTian gasped in shock.

"Are you still suspecting me? Look over there?" Yu ManLou bellowed, "That Wang San lost his mind and actually killed his own brother! If both me and you also fall into such chaos, will the Yu Family still exist?"

Yu ManTian was dumbfounded and could not say a thing.

Yu ManLou remained calm and he gave a series of orders. He knew that time was tight. The moment there was a delay, there would be no turning back!

His methods were resolute. The moment he noticed something was wrong, he immediately knocked out all of the guards and gathered the experts of the Yu Family. They then began treating the injured ones.

After all of the orders were given, Yu ManLou let out a long sigh. Currently, the only thing left to do was wait.

Yu ManLou then looked at his third brother with a complicated gaze, "Third brother, do you see all of these? These are the methods others have employed on our Yu Family. What do you think about these methods? Are they righteous?! This is war! A battle where no method would be spared!"

"…" Yu ManTian opened his mouth but could not say a single word. At this moment, Yu ManTian still could not react to what had just happened.

"It is impossible to attain such a frightening effect by relying on outside forces alone. There are definitely spies in the Yu Family!" Yu ManLou snorted coldly. The more complicated things were, the calmer Yu ManLou would be. He then took two steps forward and said, "Close the city gates. From now on, no one is allowed to leave the city!"

A White Jade expert beside him acknowledged the order and left.

At this moment, the entire palace was filled with silence with the smell of blood all around. Despite it being in the bright daylight, the place seemed extremely creepy.

On the outside, the chaos gradually spread in all directions and the whole Bright Jade City fell into a mess. Fire could be seen all around from all over the city as though the end of the world had arrived.

Yu ManLou approached the window with his face cold.

As the commotion approached the palace, fighting could suddenly be heard outside the palace.

A yellow dressed leader sprinted in and knelt on the ground, "Reporting to your majesty, for some reason, the second prince deployed his troops and is attacking the palace!"

"What?!" Yu ManLou, Yu ManTian, and the empress cried out in surprise!

Yu ManLou had ordered that all the guards with a cultivation beneath the Blade Jade grade to be tied up and await treatment. In the palace, there were less than a hundred guards at this moment. Why would there be a revolt at this time?

Yu ManLou turned around with frightening killing intent in his brows! It wouldn't matter if this was anyone else, but to think that his own son would also revolt! At this moment?!

Yu ManLou did not say a word and walked out.

A figure flashed and the empress spread out her arms to block him, "Your Majesty, you know that the prince… he may have been drugged… he isn't in the right frame of mind!"

"He can attack the palace because he isn't in the right frame of mind? He can attack his father? He is truly capable!" Yu ManLou's face was frosty. "If not for his mind being set on the throne, why would he attack the palace at this moment? Hmph! Not in the right frame of mind? The more he isn't in the right frame of mind, the more unforgivable his crimes! Move aside!"

Seeing the empress still blocking him, Yu ManLou's face remained cold. All of a sudden, his palm struck out on the empress' cheek and sent her flying thirty feet away. Yu ManLou then continued walking towards the exit of the palace!

"Stop big brother!" Yu ManTian quickly flew forward to block the way, "How can you be so rash in this matter? You know that this isn't the character of my nephew! Are you going to punish him?"

Yu ManLou looked at Yu ManTian with the blazing flames of rage in his eyes, "The entire world can go against me or kill me apart from a few individuals! You and second brother cannot! My son… all the more cannot!"

"But even if you want to punish him, you have to first cure him of the poison!" Yu ManTian had already forgotten about his previous displeasure and was anxious to the point his head was full of sweat, "If you… if you…" He was shocked by the words that were about to come out from his mouth. Even with his carefree personality, the words 'kill him' truly shocked him!

That was his big brother's biological son!