Chapter 165: ManLou Coming from the South
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
"Hahaha, big brother, you don't know but this little brother here…" Just as he wanted to say something, Yu ManLou sent a chilly glare at him, and he did not dare to continue. His head which was originally stretched out proudly retracted back into his neck, and the words he wanted to say were swallowed.
Yu ManLou let out a grunt and said with a solemn gaze, "Third brother, I am going to say this once more. While profound martial arts can solve many problems in the world, not everything in the world can be solved by martial arts. The only reason why Beyond Heavens is so powerful and a head above the rest is because of the logic of not fighting. This is something which all the other powers are not able to do. The reason why our Yu Family is incomparable to Beyond Heavens is because we will have to fight eventually! So, I do not want to hear you underestimating or slandering Beyond Heavens. Furthermore, this is also the same with Ling Tian — you can treat him with contempt, but you must never underestimate or ignore him. Do you really know his true strength? You must never let your guard down against an unknown enemy! Do you understand?"
Yu ManTian then nodded his head obediently in response. While he still looked unconvinced, he did not say another word.
Yu ManLou then looked at Yu ManTang and said, "Second brother, you know about Ling Tian as well. Do you really think that things are so simple?"
Yu ManTang hesitated for a moment before replying, "Big brother, I am extremely worried about BingYan… After all, for Wei ChengPing to send men to the Sky Bearing City, his main motive will probably be BingYan. Regardless of how the situation in the Sky Bearing City is, I want to make a trip there." As he said that, he looked towards Yu ManLou with a resolute gaze, "BingYan is my only daughter, but she contracted an incurable disease since young and do not have much time left. I do not want to let my daughter experience anymore hurt in her short and miserable life! I also wish to fulfil all of her wishes as far as possible!"
Yu ManLou became silent for a moment before letting out a long sigh, "If that's the case, I will write a personal letter to Ling Tian, and get the Second Elder to send it personally. As long as our Yu Family doesn't participate in this matter, I believe that Ling Tian will still show our Yu Family some face. He is a smart person, and the Yu Family is not something which he is able to offend presently."
Yu ManTang broke out into a smile and was finally at ease, "Thank you, big brother!"
Yu ManLou then frowned, "Without a doubt, this matter was definitely planned by Ling Tian! While I still do not know what his true motive is, I am very sure that he has his own plans! For him to boldly approach BingYan, I believe he wants to use her as bait to drag our Yu Family in because of concern."
Then, he began to relax for a bit, "Now that our Yu Family isn't involved in the whole affair, all of his plans are useless against us. So, he has no choice but to give us some face! But if our Yu Family really involve ourselves in this matter, he may not even place me in his sights!"
While he said that, a mysterious smile could be seen on Yu ManLou's face as he thought to himself, "Brat, you are still trying to test us, right? This old man will tell you that I have already found out about your existence. The eyesight of this old man is definitely much better than most others. This time, it is my turn to watch by the side to witness your true strength; at the very least, a portion of your true strength!"
That very night, a black figure stealthily left the residence of the Yu Family with Yu ManLou's handwritten letter! A short while later, another figure left the residence at high speed and disappeared into the darkness.
Dawn, in Yu ManLou's room.
"What did you say?" Yu ManLou questioned with a fiery gaze as he looked at the Second Elder in front of him, "Third brother took the letter from you? He went to Sky Bearing alone?"
The white-haired Second Elder was startled, "That's right. First, Third Master said that it was your intention. For this trip to the Sky Bearing City, there must be someone with sufficient competence to take charge of the matters there! He then gave a strict order for me to not follow him. Since this old man cannot defy him, I can only come back to report this matter to you. Second…"
As the old man gave his explanation, his moustache was also twirled up from anger. That brash fellow is obviously trying to say that I am not competent enough! In what way is this old man not competent? In the eyes of the Family Head, is this old man incomparable to that fool who is foolishly in love with martial arts? While…
For him to report the matter back, half of it was because of his suspicions and the other half was because of indignance. At the same time, his words were also a way to question the Family Head, "No matter what, this old man is still one of the elders in the Yu Family! My martial arts can also be considered to be the middle white jade class, and I will not lose out to anyone else in shrewdness. In what way am I incomparable to that martial arts fanatic? Even if you are biased towards your own younger brother, your words are far too crude! Besides, from the perspective of the family, we should definitely not send a brash fellow who does not know how to scheme at all!"
"This bastard! Unable to accomplish anything but always spoiling my plans!" Yu ManLou almost fainted from anger! He only wanted to send the Second Elder there to drop the letter and return immediately! They must definitely not take part in the affairs of the Sky Bearing City for sure! Furthermore, this was also a way for him to demonstrate his prowess to Ling Tian and give him a warning.
Besides that, regardless of how the matters in the Sky Bearing City turns out, as long as his Yu Family does not appear, Ling Tian will definitely be warier in future! Yu ManLou will then be able to achieve his goal of impeding Ling Tian! Even if Ling Tian becomes the biggest victor, he would not be able to achieve complete victory.
The moment Yu ManTian goes there, the situation would be completely different! While Yu ManTian plays no part in running the family, he was still one of the heavyweights in the Yu Family! Regardless of whether he brings men with him or not, his appearance in the Sky Bearing City would signify the participation of their Yu Family! If Ling Tian, or anyone else, made use of Yu ManTian's rash personality to create trouble, their Yu Family will no longer be able to stay out of the mess!
With Ling Tian's top-notch wisdom, how would he let go of this chance given by the heavens?! Regardless of how profound his third brother's cultivation was, he was still like a bull in a china shop! If someone wanted to make use of him, how would he be able to avoid that?!
"Third brother Yu! You, you, you… you are really going to anger me to death!" Yu ManLou flew into an outrage and let out a loud roar! Ever since he became the head of the Yu Family, this was the first time he flew into such an outrage! He really felt heartache at the actions of his third brother.
The familial ties within the Yu Family was extraordinarily strong and this was something which cannot be seen in the other Great Families. Because of his anxiousness from concern, he…
The second elder lowered his head without saying a word, but was secretly relieved in his heart, "So it was that rash fellow making his own decisions! But with that rash fellow's martial arts, there shouldn't be any problem, right?"
With a loud "Peng!", the red sandalwood table in front of him was reduced to dust! Yu ManLou then stood up and paced around the room with his brows furrowed.
The Second Elder was startled as he thought to himself, "The Family Head usually conceals himself very well. I never expected his Inner Qi to be developed to such a profound level! It seems that his is already at the middle gold jade class! So, it isn't just third brother Yu… even the Family Head has reached such a profound level! I should probably just keep all my other thoughts and just mind my own business!"
"Actually, Family Head do not need to be so worried. Third Master achieved another breakthrough in his martial arts recently, and this old man is incomparable to him. If Family Head isn't at ease, this old man can gather a few experts and rush to the Sky Bearing City through the night to aid Third Master." Knowing that it wasn't Yu ManLou's intention to revoke his mission, the anger of the Second Elder was quickly appeased. Instead, he began to worry for Yu ManTian! This was the Yu Family! If such a thing happened in any other family, it would definitely not be settled so peacefully.
Yu ManLou's face was calm as he paced around the room twice. After a long while, he said, "Forget it! For him to go alone, we will still be able to salvage the situation if something happens to him. But if we were to send more men there, it may only cause more chaos! It would also be a good thing to let third brother suffer a bit! At the very most, no one would dare to take his life with our Yu Family as his backing! Besides that, the letter in his hands would be his best protective talisman when it is sent to Ling Tian's hands!"
In Yu ManLou's heart, the gathering of all powers in the Sky Bearing City cannot be a mere coincidence! It must definitely be arranged by someone! This person can only be him and Yu ManLou had never suspected anyone else!
Apart from the little fellow, Ling Tian, who he had never been able to see through, it was impossible for anyone else to lay out such a plan! Although Yu ManLou was uncertain about Ling Tian's motives, he had long made a decision in his heart! Because he was uncertain, Yu ManLou was extremely cautious! He would never step into that little fellow's plan rashly! But for his third brother to go to the Sky Bearing City, it was equivalent to his own Yu Family stepping into the mess! This made Yu ManLou feel as though he had just lost the upper hand. While it wasn't his error, he was still extremely depressed!
However, it was also for the same reason that Yu ManLou wasn't worried about Yu ManTian. As long as Ling Tian was the one running the scene in the background, Ling Tian would definitely not kill Yu ManTian at the risk of offending the whole Yu Family! Even if the other powers wanted to do so, Ling Tian would definitely stop them! Thus, there was no need to doubt Yu ManTian's safety at all!
After thinking things through, Yu ManLou let out a long sigh as he lifted up his head to the white clouds and muttered, "Third brother! When can you make me not worry about you? Since you love martial arts, isn't it enough for you to just spend your time studying it?"
The Second Elder stood by the side and heard Yu ManLou mumbling to himself. Then, he thought about something, "Family Head, this old man forgot to report something important to you. Third Master's martial arts had already advanced into the gold jade class. The speed of his improvement is really…"
"Oh?" Yu ManLou thought about the matter for a while before saying, "If that's the case, then… ah ah ah, it may be a good move for third brother to go there!" Yu ManLou suddenly seemed to be at ease as he revealed a mysterious smile.
Chapter 166: NanGong's Conditions
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
Sky Bearing City
The Great Blessing Inn where the NanGong Family was staying at. Due to the large amount of troops they brought, they decided to just rent the whole inn!
"Peng!" A middle-aged man slammed the table and snarled, "Yang KongQun, you are really vicious! You will definitely not let matters rest if you don't wipe out my NanGong Family! If that's the case, how would I, NanGong TianLong, let you off so easily!"
NanGong TianLong! This middle-aged man was the family head of the NanGong Family, NanGong TianLing! He had hidden himself in the troops of the NanGong Family indeed!
In front of him, NanGong TianHu and the number one junior of the NanGong Family, NanGong WuMing, was seated. Behind them, a frail looking lady with vengeance filled eyes was seated — she was NanGong Yu!
"Yu'er, are you certain that those were the words he said?" Thinking about it, NanGong TianLong could not help but feel puzzled, "Just what is he doing here? This is just too puzzling."
"Yes, there is definitely no mistake. After Yang KongQun went back to the mansion, almost everyone was discussing about why he chose to withdraw his troops. Everyone in the mansion was trying to decipher the meaning of the words, 'The High Heavens have no Beyond, the Great Mountains countless kilometers'. Father do you know what those words mean? That person had incredible martial arts and there wouldn't be many people in the Sky Bearing Empire with the ability to kill brother Le. So, it is very likely for him to be…" NanGong Yu was extremely bewildered. Why would NanGong Le withdraw his troops after hearing those words. Why would her invincible father have such a strange expression after hearing those words? Don't tell me those words contain magical powers within them?
NanGong TianLong's face was extremely ugly, "At that time, did Yang KongQun announce that he was the murderer of Le'er?" This was the thing which truly angered NanGong TianLong! Yang KongQun, aren't you a little too cruel? You actually proclaimed that he was the murderer of my son in front of a few thousand people! Then, you just dust your ass and leave. Aren't you a little too despicable?
Since you said something like that, the world would laugh at us for being cowards if we don't investigate the matter, not daring to even investigate the death of my own son! So, even if that person isn't the murderer, our NanGong Family will still have to investigate it on the surface. But… with his status, would it be easy to investigate the matter? If we were to really investigate the matter, our whole NanGong Family may be destroyed in the process!!
"Yang KongQun! F**k your ****! Dammit!!!" This was the first time NanGong Yu witnessed her father scolding such profanities without a care for his image! His voice was filled with boundless anger and frustration!
"Even if you found out about my plans and killed my son, it is no more than a mere plan of yours, and I can let the matter rest after collecting my debts with you. But you, this old bastard, actually want to push my NanGong Family to the edge of death! It's either your death or mine!" NanGong TianLong grit his teeth in anger as a crazed malevolent glare shone in his eyes!
Originally, he only wanted to come to the Sky Bearing Empire to seek an explanation from Yang KongQun. After all, this wasn't the time for both their families to drop all pretense. Things would be settled after he extorted a good fortune out from Yang KongQun. As for the blood debt of his own son, he would slowly collect it in future! However, he never expected to hear such a piece of news on his first day here at the Sky Bearing City!
This old fellow, Yang KongQun, actually did not have the least bit of guilty conscience, and wanted to direct my attention to the Ling Family! If it was just the Ling Family, it wouldn't matter. But this fellow just had to drive me to go against Beyond Heavens! Dammit, can our NanGong Family provoke an existence like Beyond Heavens?! While there aren't many people in Beyond Heavens, any random person from that sect would easily massacre most of my family! Can they still be considered human? They are all no different from death reapers!
"Brother's corpse is still in the ice cellar of the Yang Family. Father, should we…?" NanGong Yu muttered as the rims of her eyes turned red. Despite seeing her father's bad mood, she still decided to ask the question. After all, her brother had passed away for a few days already. Not only did he not return home, he had not been buried to rest either.
As NanGong TianLong heard that request, his eyes also turned dim, "Let him stay there for a while longer. The weather is now warm and the decomposition of his body would speed up if we shift him out from the ice cellar. It wouldn't be too late for us to receive Le'er back to the family after settling the matters here. That old thief Yang wouldn't dare to damage Le'er's body anyway. He would still have to protect his reputation after all."
"TianHu!" NanGong TianLong looked at his younger brother, "When you visit Yang KongQun tomorrow, you must definitely seek an explanation from him! First, the Yang Family must definitely take responsibility for the death of Le'er, and someone must accompany him to the grave! Second, the granddaughter of Yang KongQun is already betrothed to Le'er, and is part of my NanGong family. Our NanGong Family will naturally have our own rules! We must definitely bring her back to the NanGong Family with us and this matter cannot be discussed. Third, our NanGong Family will take over all the businesses the Yang Family have in the south!"
"Ah?!" Hearing the harsh conditions which NanGong TianLong gave, not to mention NanGong Yu, even the usually vicious NanGong TianHu had his mouth open up wide from shock. "Brother, isn't this a little inappropriate? Of these conditions, that old man Yang will probably be able to accept the first condition. After all, he can just find a few servants or the guards present that night. But for the second and third condition, Yang KongQun will definitely not accept them! Especially the third condition, that's almost half of the Yang Family's assets and he definitely won't agree to it!"
"Wrong!" NanGong TianLong gave a devious smile, "Under normal circumstances, Yang KongQun would probably make such a decision. But now that all the powers of the continent are gathered here, the Yang Family cannot afford to lose its strength. As long as Yang KongQun agrees to the first and second condition, the hearts of those in the Yang Family will definitely waver. In such delicate times, wavering hearts will definitely lead to their destruction! Thus, Yang KongQun would rather start a war with us then to agree to the first two conditions! As for the third condition, he has no choice but to agree to it! My motive is also the third condition!"
"Big brother is wise!" NanGong TianHu could not help but be filled with admiration. Big brother is big brother indeed. It is probably impossible for me to come up with such an idea in this lifetime of mine!
"Tell Yang KongQun that if he doesn't agree, our NanGong Family will make preparations to build ties with the Ling Family, and go to war with their Yang Family! We will definitely wipe out their Yang Family!" NanGong TianLong let out a cunning smile. With the strength of their NanGong Family, the Ling Family would probably be glad for them to help eliminate the Yang Family!
At the same time, Meng LiGe was tossing around in his bed restlessly. His eyes were opened as he lay down on his bed, listening to the sound of raindrops outside the window. Meng LiGe was extremely frustrated!
Being the first external power to enter the Sky Bearing City, Meng LiGe enjoyed the best treatment after they handed over the official notice of visit, and they were arranged to stay in the guesthouse of the imperial palace! Meng LiGe understood that the Sky Bearing Empire was giving both their Northern Wei and the Yu Family face! If he was alone, it would be impossible for him to receive such treatment.
Along the way, Meng LiGe was both frustrated and disappointed to the extreme. His assistant, Shi YiTan, was a trusted aide of the crown prince. While Shi YiTan was his assistant on the surface, Shi YiTan seemed to be at odds with him all the time, with the subtle intention to spy on him! Meng LiGe did not have a choice but to be on full alert!
Thinking about all the past events, Meng LiGe realized that he knew far too many secrets that he shouldn't have known. While they were all divulged to him by the crown prince himself, it would be impossible for him to lead a carefree life after knowing these secrets!
Listening to the rain, Meng LiGe's eyes were solemn as the words 'the birds are gone, the bow is hidden' 1 came into his mind! While the birds were not gone and his wisdom had not been put to use, Wei ChengPing had obviously began to grow worry about him! Especially after seeing the vicious look on the crown prince's face, Meng LiGe was sure that this usually virtuous crown prince probably had the intention to kill him! [1]
Meng LiGe let out a bitter laugh, "I can't imagine that I would misjudge him with my keen eyesight!"
Thinking about the trump card Wei ChengPing prepared to deal with Yu BingYan, Meng LiGe was certain that the same treatment would await him when he returns to Northern Wei!
With a long sigh, Meng LiGe shut his eyes and thought about a plan to escape.
This long night finally passed and the rain had already ceased. The flood in the Sky Bearing City was already a foot deep with no sign of it subsiding at any time. The moat outside the city had already turned into a turbulent river, with turbid waters surging.
This once in hundred years thunderstorm had resulted in everyone from the Sky Bearing City shutting themselves at home, and trying their best to get rid of the flood. On the streets, apart from the murky flood waters, not a single person could be seen. Even the patrol squads of the capital did not make an appearance today. After all, the troops from the patrol squads were also human and no one would blame them in such a special scenario. Besides, it would probably be impossible for anyone to commit a crime in such a weather!
In the Ling mansion, the flood waters were already more or less settled. The numerous guards were holding on to wooden pots and buckets to pour out all the water in the mansion. In front of the Ling mansion, there was even a miniature dam that was built to divert all the water away from their mansion.
[1]: This means to get rid of something after using it.
Chapter 167: A Smile Through Life
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
Dressed in a pristine white robe, Ling Tian held onto a jade-green flute and sat on a comfortable chair by his window. A warm smile could be seen on his face as he reminisced about his past life, where he and his siblings would go fishing in a small stream when they were younger. They would build a small mud dam upstream of the stream and another one downstream. Then, the few of them would scoop out all the water in the center portion like excited little monkeys. Finally, the fishes would then be seen bouncing around in the remaining shallow water. At that time, Xue'er, Meng'er, LingChao…
Then, a bitter smile could be seen on Ling Tian's face as the thoughts seemed so distant to him. At that time, all of them were probably only about five or six years old. Furthermore, that was probably the only fragment of his memory where they were not fighting and scheming against each other. It was really a pity that the good days just can't be kept…
Unknowingly, Ling Tian had already brought the flute up to his mouth and a melodious tune filled the room. It was as though the tune came from the heavens, with the heavens drifting and clouds floating with the melody. However, the heavenly tune seemed to carry with it an eternal pain, lingering through eternity. Is this the true meaning of the saying 'the eternal world will have its end, but this hatred will never fade'?
While the melody of the flute sounded gentle and graceful, it was also bold and intense at the same time. Furthermore, there was a sense of bitterness and desolation carried in the depths of the melody. All of a sudden, this desolate melody seemed to echo throughout the whole Ling residence. Everyone who heard it felt a strange emotion rising in their hearts; it was as though they had already grown old, leisurely spending their remaining time after witnessing the sweetness, bitterness, sourness and spiciness of life.
Behind Ling Tian, Ling Chen was dressed in white as she experienced the desolate emotions of the melody. Her whole heart was immersed in the melody, as her eyes were filled with tears.
After the shock from the previous night, Xiao YanXue was presently resting in her room. Just when she raised the teacup to her lips, she was stunned by the melody of the flute floating over into her ears.
In her life, this was the first time she heard such a melody — so depressing yet beautiful. She never imagined that there would be such a talented musician in the Ling Family!
In that moment, everyone in the Ling Family stopped what they were doing and fully immersed themselves into the beautiful melody.
Without an exception, every one of them felt that the beauty of this melody was something that they had never heard before in their life. The melody was modern, with a tinge of antiquity, and was filled with dense emotions which involuntarily drew the hearts of everyone to resonate with it.
The melody from the flute lingered through the Ling mansion unendingly, as Ling Tian also felt exceedingly sentimental in his heart. This was one of Ling Tian's favourite piece from his previous life — A Smile Through Life. Playing this piece again, Ling Tian's heart was filled with an indescribable mood. He felt as though his heart was void of love and hatred, only filled with sourness, bitterness, melancholy, and a deep longing for someone who understood him. It was as though his soul was wrenched up in an endless pain…
"The long rivers and unending waters, the heavens proud of itself.
It is time for the eyes of one to be enlightened.
It is not too early to proclaim the goodness of life,
Let the later generation quarrel about the right and wrong.
The wooden boat floats through the river, enjoying the surrounding scenery with a smile.
The adolescents tangle with their emotions, repeating that process time and time again.
North-south-east-west there are far too many troubles in the world
It is best to view all these troubles with a calm heart.
Who can determine victory and defeat with a single glance,
The fleeting world affairs are the hardest to predict.
Spring-summer-autumn-winter, the tides are always changing.
Realizing that you are too calculative, you are already old.
Why not enjoy life to the fullest together?
The greatest fear is the lack of an intimate friend.
(Author's note: Fellow brothers and sisters, this is definitely a beautiful song to enjoy. Be it the lyrics or melody, it is definitely a classic.) [1]
It was as though an inaudible voice was singing the lyrics in Ling Tian's heart. The memories which had been sealed away surfaced in his heart all over again. Unknowingly, the melody of the flute became gentler, like a rivulet of water flowing in the palm of his hands. The worldly affairs were his only company as he let out an unhurried and silent complain…
After the song was over, Ling Tian felt as though he had woken up from a dream. Only then did he realize that his face as already completely wet. The song had brought out the emotions hidden deep within his heart. As Ling Chen heard the song, she could hear the dense emotions in the heart of her beloved man. Just how many people in this world would understand the desolation in his heart? Ling Chen could not help but feel her heart ache, but she did not know how to comfort Ling Tian. She could only dive into his embrace to melt his frozen heart with her warmth and gentleness. Even if there isn't anyone in the world to understand him, he would have the company of his loved ones at the very least…
"Young noble, what is this song? It is really beautiful! But it is also really…" It was as though Ling Chen could not find an appropriate word to describe the song. However, her words startled Ling Tian awake. Just what is wrong with me today? Why am I so high profile today?
"This song is called 'A Smile Through Life'! The desolate emotion of the song is because of the fear of not finding someone in life who understands you! Chen'er, with you to accompany me through life, it is my fortune from three lifetimes!" Ling Tian then said unhurriedly, "Chen'er, you must not say that I was the one who blew this piece later. If not, you will have a lot of love rivals appearing. Remember, this piece was performed by you. You are the talented person forced to serve a silkpants and have no one understand you in this life of yours! Thus, you created this song. Haha, let me teach this song to you later!"
Ling Chen's face turned red as she thought, "If young noble is called a silkpants, just who can be called a genius in this world! Such a beautiful song, such a talented person! For young noble to treat me as his bosom friend, it is my fortune from three lifetimes!" At the same time, she was also worried about how many beauties would love this talented young noble of hers who was both talented in both martial and literary arts. Presently, he was only putting on an outer silkpants coat. But, gold would glitter eventually and a famous sword would definitely reveal its shine eventually! The moment her young noble reveals his multifaceted talents, who knows how many ladies would fall head over heels for him!
Now that I am the only one by young noble's side, I would naturally be able to enjoy all of his gentleness and sweetness. But what about the future? What if…
Seeing how a phrase said half-jokingly made Ling Chen so worried, Ling Tian could not help but be amused. All of a sudden, the depressing mood in his heart was completely swept away. He then could not help but pinch her nose lightly, "Chen'er, what are you thinking about? Did you hear my instructions?"
"I… I am afraid… afraid that the young noble would be stolen away." Being in a daze, she blurted out whatever was on her mind the moment she heard Ling Tian's question. She only realized her mistake after the words left her mouth and her face turned bright red. She then buried her head in Ling Tian's embrace as she began to stomp her feet and whine.
"This lass, you are actually able to perform such a beautiful song. Thankfully, this number one silkpants of the capital snatched you over. Haha!" Ling Tian said half-jokingly.
Ling Chen raised her eyebrows and looked at Ling Tian with a gentle pair of eyes. Just when she was about to reply…
A commotion sounded from the outside. "It seems that her fans are here." Ling Tian laughed to himself bitterly. A mere action done at the spur of the moment had actually created so much trouble for him. However, Ling Chen was definitely the one who blew that piece! Perhaps, no one would ever believe that such a mesmerizing song could be actually performed by this infamous silkpants young noble! Perhaps only a fairy like Ling Chen would be able to perform such a feat!
The first person to arrive was actually Xiao YanXue! With her crazed passion for music, she was completely immersed and lost in the soul piercing song! If she doesn't ask this expert in front of her to give her a pointer or two, wouldn't it be the biggest regret of her life? Thus, after finally walking out from the entrapment of the song, Xiao YanXue had sprinted over expectantly. However, who would have expected that the first person she met would be the very face which disgusted her! Her mood was completely ruined!
Thinking about how the song travelled from near here, she suppressed the disgust in her heart and took a bow with a frown, "Young noble Ling, who was the one blowing the flute previously?"
"Blowing the flute? What blowing the flute? Oh, that irritating noise?" Ling Tian let out a yawn, "It sounded completely like a ghost crying, disturbing my beauty sleep! Darn lass, why are you blowing that wretched song for no good reason? See, now someone is here to find trouble with you! Go and explain the matter yourself!" As he said that, his right hand, which was behind his back, rubbed the flute gently and it flew towards Ling Chen's hands in a mystical trajectory.
"You! How dare you say that!" Xiao YanXue's face changed. He was just too unbearably vulgar!! Just when she wanted to turn around to walk away, she could not help but think about the black dressed man who saved her last night. From the figure and voice of that black dressed man, he shouldn't be too old. Looking at this drowsy looking Ling Tian in front of her, she could not help but lament in her heart, "Despite looking like a complete human, why doesn't he know how to speak like one! They are both so young but with such a stark difference!"
"Miss Xiao, that wretched song was played by this servant. I have brought disgrace to your ears and I seek punishment from Miss." Ling Chen said with a gentle, but yet prideful, tone. Since the young noble said that I was the one who blew the piece, so be it! Very soon, young noble will teach it to me and I am the only one who can receive his teachings at anytime and anywhere.
"Oh, it was indeed performed by Miss Ling Chen. Only someone as elegant as Miss Ling Chen would be able to perform such a mesmerizing song. YanXue deeply admires you in my heart. Why not…" Xiao YanXue already had an extremely favorable impression of Ling Chen. It wasn't only because of her good looks, but also because of the elegance she exuded. It made Xiao YanXue feel as though she was looking at piece of pure and icy jade. This made the usually proud Xiao YanXue feel as though she found a bosom friend. At the same time, she also felt great regret that Ling Chen was so loyal to Ling Tian! If not for this silkpants, Xiao YanXue would be extremely willing to become good friends with Ling Chen. As she heard that the beautiful song was played by Ling Chen, she did not just sigh about how Ling Chen did not get the praise she deserved for her talents. For such a talented lady to become a maidservant for someone like Ling Tian, it was definitely a blasphemy of a heavenly treasure, sorrowful to the extreme!
[1]: The name for this song is 谈笑一生 and I've tried my very best to translate the meaning of the lyrics.
Chapter 168: Foreboding Crisis
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
"Lass Chen, this young noble had been frustrated by your wretched song and I am feeling extremely sleepy. Go back and make the bed; this young noble wants to rest for a while. Hurry up!" Ling Tian interrupted at this very inappropriate moment.
Xiao YanXue was almost angered to death, "Such a magnificent song being insulted as such. Darn Ling Tian, I…" While she had the heart to make a scene, she was presently in the Ling residence, and Ling Chen was indeed Ling Tian's maid. No matter how he chose to command his maid, it didn't seem right for her to say anything!
"Miss Xiao, my young noble has some instructions for Ling Chen. May Miss Xiao forgive me!" Ling Chen said with a bow. While this was a bow from a maid to her master, there was a tinge of elegance and nobility within it.
How would Xiao YanXue be willing to witness such a beauty perform the duties of a maid. Helpless, she could only reply, "Sister Ling Chen doesn't need to be so polite. YanXue was at fault for making an uninvited visit and will be taking my leave. I hope that I will have a chance to hear sister's celestial melody again!"
Seeing Xiao YanXue's figure disappear from the entrance of the courtyard, Ling Tian laughed and entered the room, "How close! I almost allowed that Xiao YanXue to have a handle on me."
Ling Chen then responded with a gentle smile, "Young noble, it wouldn't matter if Miss Xiao knows. After all, don't the Xiao Family Head already know about how you are extraordinary? Why is there a need to act like this!"
Ling Tian replied with a smile, "That's different. While the Ling and Xiao families are cordial on the surface, both the families have their own intentions. It would be impossible to predict how the future will turn out. In fact, if not for the fact that I didn't have enough strength on my hands and had a great need to develop my strength, I wouldn't be willing to expose my strength to that old man. In such a sensitive time, where all the various powers are gathered in the Sky Bearing City, Xiao YanXue definitely has her motives for coming. Even if she hears about my abilities from her grandfather, she may not believe him. But if she were to witness it for herself and knows about my affairs, all of her plans would probably be against our Ling Family. Ah ah, Chen'er, do you want me to drag my family into danger just because of the heart of a lady?"
Ling Chen was startled as she whined, "Young noble, you obviously know that this isn't my intention!"
Ling Tian laughed and said seriously, "To wield all authority under the heavens and have the company of beauties all around him is the dream of all men. However, there is a sequence to these two phrases! Only after wielding all authority under the heavens can one be surrounded by beauties! Hehehe, the sequence of this must definitely not be mixed up!"
Ling Chen responded with a 'Mmm' and looked as though she was considering Ling Tian's words.
Ling Tian laughed and sat on the couch, "Chen'er, are there any news from the Ling Family Courtyard?"
"If young noble did not ask me, I would have forgotten about it." Ling Chen smiled. However, Ling Tian completely ignored that phrase of hers. This was definitely a complete joke. Ever since Ling Chen followed him ten years ago, she had never forgotten about anything!
As though she was performing a magic trick, a few strips of paper appeared in her hand. Unrolling the first strip, she said, "This is from Ling ShiYi. We have already caught 327 young sparrows which the young noble requested, and they are on the way to the Ling Family Courtyard."
Ling Tian then praised, "Not bad, this Ling ShiYi is becoming more and more capable. When he comes back, this young noble will give him a good reward. Why not you relay the blade works, which he had been eyeing on, to him."
Ling Chen giggled, "If ShiYi hears about this, he probably won't be able to fall asleep for the next few days." Then, she opened up another slip of paper, "Due to the once in a hundred years rain yesterday, a few parties may be delayed. This is from Ling Ba. The ambassadors from the Western Han will arrive at the Sky Bearing City by noon tomorrow at the latest. The person leading them is the number two figure of the XiMen Family, XiMen BuRuo. His assistant is Han TieHong from the Western Han imperial family. Following their entourage is the number one expert from the XiMen Family, XiMen WuHen."
Ling Tian's eyes narrowed as he responded with a soft 'oh'.
"This piece of news is from Ling Jiu. Those from Eastern Zhao should be here by tomorrow afternoon. The one in charge is DongFang JingLei, clan brother of the Eastern Zhao Emperor. He is also a general in the Eastern Zhao army, and have a pair of expert twin brothers under him, He ChuLai and He ChuQu."
Ling Tian then smiled, "He ChuLai? He ChuQu? The names of these two brothers are interesting indeed. I wonder if they can be compared to the Xue Leng and Xue Fei brothers of the Yu Family." [1]
Ling Chen burst out into laughter as she imagined the scene of both the twins meeting. She then could not help but squat down from the laughter.
Ling Tian made a resolution in his heart to make the four of them sit on the same table facing each other, so he would be able to see their differences.
"Ling Qi says that those from the Wu Empire will arrive at the Sky Bearing City tomorrow afternoon. Their ambassador is BeiMing QingTian from the BeiMing Family. Following them is the expert from the BeiMing Family, BeiMing Kong."
Ling Tian opened his eyes as a divine light shone, "Ah ah, there aren't any ordinary folks coming from all the different powers! This time, things will be interesting… Send a message to the three of them: Send me all the information regarding XiMen BeRuo, XiMen WuHen, DongFang JingLei, BeiMing QingTian and BeiMing Kong!"
Ling Chen then acknowledged the order, "There is a piece of news from The First Pavilion. It is from Ling Chi."
Ling Tian was stunned for a moment, "Why is it from Ling Chi? What about Ling Jian?"
Ling Chen unrolled the piece of paper and smiled, "Ling Chi's letter was to explain this matter. The First Pavilion received a job to assassinate the wealthy merchant in the Yan region, Zhang DeShuai. Since Ling Jian was feeling bored, he made the trip personally."
Ling Tian burst out into laughter, "Looks handsome? Hahaha, after meeting Ling Jian, he probably won't be handsome any longer." Ling Tian had never been worried about Ling Jian's capabilities. In the past five years, Ling Jian had never disappointed him before and this time wouldn't be an exception either! "Ah ah, but it probably isn't because Ling Jian was feeling bored. It seems like the right time for those little fellows to make a breakthrough." Ling Tian said with contemplation. [2]
Ling Chen was also amused by the merchant's name, bursting out into giggles.
Ling Tian then began to frown, "Yan region, that's in the north, right? The Yan region which shares a border with Northern Wei?"
Ling Chen looked at Ling Tian with a doubtful gaze, "Yes, it is that Yan region. It is said that this Mister Handsome is the tyrant of the Yan region. He would oppress the people in the region, committing all sort of atrocities. This time, he wants to marry the only daughter of a wealthy merchant as his concubine, and this mission was issued by the in-law family supposed to marry this lady."
Ling Tian responded with an 'oh'. For some unknown reason, he felt an inexplicable stifling feeling in his heart. As he stood up and paced around the room, he felt as though he could not suppress that feeling of frustration.
"Are there any news from the Yu Family?" Ling Tian suddenly asked without thinking.
"There aren't any. It seems like the Yu Family isn't interested in the matters of the Sky Bearing City. They may not be coming to the Sky Bearing City at all." Ling Chen replied.
"Oh!" Ling Tian frowned as the warning sirens began to go off in his head. Pacing around the room again he asked, "How long has Ling Jian been gone for?"
"Let me see," Ling Chen opened the piece of paper from Ling Chi and replied, "Ling Jian left at noon yesterday."
"Noon yesterday? With a distance of less than 500 miles, Ling Jian should already be done with his speed. Why is there no news?" The ominous feeling in Ling Tian's heart grew as he felt his heart beat harder.
"Perhaps he may have been delayed by the heavy rain. Ling Jian's martial arts improved recently and a mere tyrant shouldn't give him any problems?" Ling Chen said with a doubtful tone. Looking at Ling Tian's expression, she could not help but grow worried about Ling Jian.
"How could a mere rain stop Ling Jian!" Ling Tian denied that explanation without hesitation. Ling Jian had always been direct and efficient in his actions, and Ling Tian knew that Ling Jian would never delay matters! For such a simple mission, just how much of an effort would it require? "Send my command to Ling Chi, report any news about Ling Jian to me immediately!"
Just when Ling Chen wanted to walk away, Ling Tian stopped her and said, "Mmm… inform Ling Chi that he must give me an hourly report whether or not he has any news! He must not delay the matter!"
Seeing Ling Chen carry out his orders, Ling Tian sat on the chair slowly, feeling his mood grow disorderly. This was Ling Tian's intuition; as long as this intuition appears, something big would happen for sure. This was tried and tested, without any doubts at all!
As time passed slowly, all the news from the Ling Family Courtyard had been the same: No news of Ling Jian!
Another four hours passed again!
At this time, the unease in Ling Tian's heart grew and he decided to stop waiting, "Stay at home and I will go and take a look." Before Ling Chen could reply him, Ling Tian had already flown out!
While Xiao YanXue was able to find the person who blew the flute, the outcome was something completely disappointing! How could she let the matter rest like that? Standing in the yard, her brows were furrowed for a long time before she let out a long sigh and wanted to walk back to her room. She even had the heart to buy Ling Chen over from Ling Tian at a high price. But not to mention whether or not Ling Tian would be willing to sell her; even if he was willing to sell her, it would be an insult to a great expert like Ling Chen. Despite trying her best, she just could not come up with a plan.
All of a sudden, the neigh of a horse sounded as a black horse sprinted out, sprinting in the Ling residence at full speed!
With a look, Xiao YanXue saw that the person on the horse was a suave young man with sword like brows and a pristine white robe. Who else could it be but Ling Tian!
She could not help but sneer in her heart, "He is indeed a silkpants! He actually let his horse sprint at such speed in his own mansion!" Twitching her lips with disdain, she wanted to turn around and return to her room. However, she suddenly realized that something was wrong with Ling Tian's expression. Looking at his face, she saw his worry filled eyes and her heart shook, "This pair of eyes are so familiar! Where have I seen them before?!"
Before she had a chance to think about it, the black horse had already flown past her side. At the gates of the Ling mansion, how would the guards dare delay as they saw Ling Tian speeding out. They quickly dodged to the side as the healthy horse flew into the air and dashed out of the gates with the crisp sound of a horse whip!
[1]: He ChuLai (何处来) and He ChuQu(何处去) means where should we come from and where should we go.
[2]: Zhang DeShuai can be pronounced as 张德帅, which is the merchant's name, and 长得帅, which means handsome looking.
Chapter 169: Ling Jian Taking Action
Translator: DavidT Editor: celllll , DavidT
At this moment, Ling Jian was hiding in a gigantic tree with the thickness of three to four people combined. He was at least thirty to forty feet above ground, waiting for a sure-kill moment to strike! This was the first lesson of a killer: Wait for the best opportunity!
Below him was a small village, and the young lady who Zhang DeShuai wanted to marry was the daughter of a wealthy merchant!
After receiving the mission a few days ago and definite news yesterday, the idle Ling Jian had unexpectedly decided to take action personally to kill a mere tyrant. Of course, this was because Feng, Yun, Lei, Dian and Chi had received special training from Ling Tian and Ling Chen before Ling Jian came back. They all had comprehensions from the training and were in a state of sudden enlightenment! Especially Ling Chi, where his improvement speed could be said to be lightning fast. At this present moment, he was already at a crucial point of the fourth stage of the Divine Shocking Dragon Formula, with his improvement being even faster than Ling Jian.
Sudden enlightenment! As a martial cultivator, Ling Jian was deeply aware of how rare of an opportunity this was for his little brothers. If they were to be disrupted at this moment, it was possible that they would never be able to advance a step further for all their life! The state of sudden enlightenment was an opportunity which could not be sought!
Such a state was like a modern-day scientist having a flash of brilliant wisdom, with an idea coming into one's mind. If such an opportunity was missed, it would be extremely possible for him to lose that important chance!
Currently, Feng, Yun, Lei, Dian and Chi were in such a special state. The moment their eyes were opened and mind enlightened, their strength would take another huge leap forward. Be it their martial skills, Inner Qi cultivation or the sharpness of their senses, they would definitely experience a huge leap in them all! Presently, Ling Jian was protecting them all like little babies; how would it be possible for him to let such a small mission disrupt their cultivation?
Young noble is young noble indeed! He isn't someone who I can ever compare to! A trace of respect could be seen in Ling Jian's grim eyes. In the past few years, Ling Jian had always pushed the lot of them to the brink of death, but never saw much improvement in them. However, his young noble only gave them pointers for a few days and every one of them looked as though they were in a state of sudden enlightenment. As Ling Jian was filled with admiration for the young noble, he also could not help but feel a sense of dejectedness!
While he did lay a strong foundation in them and they were all at the brink of breaking through, they would definitely require a long while more if no one were to guide them through this crucial phase.
Thinking about this, Ling Jian could not help but let out a self-depreciating smile. What was I thinking about? The young noble is as knowledgeable as the saints, his wisdom like the vast oceans. How can I ever hope to compare up to him? For something that I will require a few years to accomplish, it is only right for the young noble to accomplish them in a few days! Now that the five of them were about to experience a breakthrough, Ling Jian felt happy for them from the bottom of his heart. Their breakthrough would signify a large increase in strength for The First Pavilion!
After the Yu Family incident, Ling Jian had deeply understood that his present capabilities were far from sufficient. Now that his brothers had such an opportunity, not to mention an insignificant mission, he wouldn't allow anything to disrupt their cultivations — even if he had to place his life on the line!
Once their strengths have all improved, I will definitely bring them to fight that Yu Family! What number one hidden sect, bullsh*t! Ling Jian thought to himself as a cruel smile could be seen on his face.
The once in a hundred years rain from last night did not hinder Ling Jian in the slightest! The second lesson of an assassin, never be hindered by the environment or sudden change in situation! Ling Jian had already arrived here at midnight and wanted to rush straight to the Yan region to settle this tyrant with a single sword. However, the huge rain had unexpectedly caused a sharp rise in the river waters, destroying the wooden bridge from the surging currents. Thus, he would not be able to cross the river! If he were to go around the river, he would definitely take a few more hours. But if that's the case, it would be much more convenient for him to just wait for his prey here!
Worldly affairs were like a game of chess, unpredictable and ever changing. Some huge events were born from these seemingly insignificant events.
From afar, the sound of drumming and music could be heard drawing nearer. Mmm, that Zhang DeShuai has finally arrived. I just wonder, how handsome is he exactly? Can he be even more suave than this assassin here? Under the influence of Ling Tian, be it Ling Jian, Ling Chi or the rest, they were extremely certain that they were the most handsome person apart from their young noble!
A light flashed in Ling Jian's eyes and he thought to himself, "I can't be bothered if you are handsome or not. From today on, you are only a pile of meaningless meat! Your name should be changed from 'Zhang DeShuai' to ' Zhang DeLan 1 '!" [1]
Now that the time to part was near, the family, which wasn't too far away from the tree, began to cry bitterly. Their beautiful young miss was about to be sent into the mouth of a tiger; how could their family not be overwhelmed with depression?
The music and drumming approached speedily, obviously displaying how impatient Zhang DeShuai was. A short while later, they had already entered the village and the crazed sounds of dogs barking were mixed into the drums and music, sounding extremely disharmonious.
From afar, Ling Jian could already see the appearance of that Mister Zhang De Shuai and he could not help but have the urge to let out a spit of disgust. The ugly do indeed create more mischief! A guy like him — black like charcoal, fat like a pig and short like a ball — actually dares to call himself Zhang DeShuai?! Even that black horse which he is riding on is much suaver than him! With his loser like appearance, I will definitely make him look like a loser later!
Ling Jian could not help but feel pity for his employer. If he had seen this fellow earlier on, just because of the disgusting name this fellow had, he would have definitely taught this fellow a good lesson! While the fault of his name lay in his parents, and the fault of his figure lay with the genes of his parents, the combination of these two factors in a single person made him look completely revolting!
Closer, even closer! As long as you walk another 50 feet, it would be hell for you! Looking at that revolting face, Ling Jian held onto the hilt of his sword.
Yu ManTian felt that he was extremely lucky today!
That huge rain had actually began to stop gradually after he left the Yu Family's mansion. Furthermore, the weather was extremely good today and he even met a joyous occasion along the way! This was an auspicious sign! While this groom did not look too pleasant, and he looked like he was more than 50 years old…
However, this was still a joyous occasion! Furthermore, he met them when he had just entered the borders of the Sky Bearing Empire. Yu ManTian was in an extremely pleasant mood because this not so good-looking person had invited him to attend the banquet. (Note from author: It was mainly because this fellow was just too 'popular' with the crowd. No one dared to attend his wedding at all and so Third Master Yu was there to just fill in the numbers!) Third Master Yu was feeling rather pleased in his heart, giving his blessings to this new couple in his heart. Hopefully, this groom wouldn't die from excitement as they consummate their marriage!
Originally, Third Master Yu was rather depressed from the conversation he had with his big brother yesterday night. In the eyes of big brother, both second brother and I actually cannot be compared to that young silkpants! This is unforgivable!
As he thought about his big brother saying, "You are not allowed to call him silkpants! If he is a silkpants, what can you two be considered to be?", Yu ManLou felt indignance in his heart! If that's the case, I will go and give this young hero a good beating to let big brother take a good look! Lest you look down on me! We are all top-notch experts!
However, this joyous occasion had instantly brightened up the mood of this muddleheaded Yu ManTian! It seems like things will definitely go my way in the Sky Bearing Empire this time. The heavens are favoring me, with the rain stopping and a joyous occasion in front of me!
Just when Yu ManTian was about to give his blessings to the groom, he suddenly felt that something was amidst, as a sense of danger began to overwhelm him! To a martial arts fanatic like Yu ManTian who had been through thousands of battles, such a feeling was extremely familiar to him! Can there be an ambush somewhere? Furthermore, the opponent seems to be a rather skilled assassin?!
Right at this moment, the large fatty had walked to Yu ManTian's side on his horse, not bothering to spare Yu ManTian a single glance. He had a licentious smile on his face as some glittering strands seem to be hanging off his mouth… err, that was actually saliva… Yu ManTian, who wanted to give his blessings, immediately felt an urge to puke.
All of a sudden, a figure descended from above like lighting, with the sword in his hand letting out a resplendent luster, unleashing an uncontrollable wave of killing intent! His target was the groom on the horse, Zhang DeShuai!
As a killer, regardless of whether your target was an unparalleled expert or ordinary person, one must definitely give it his all in the first strike to kill in a single attack! He must not give the enemy the chance to even catch his breath! This was something which Ling Tian had always reminded Ling Jian.
Towards everything that Ling Tian said, Ling Jian had always followed it unconditionally! Thus, Ling Jian had used everything he had in this attack! Ling Jian's intentions was to decapitate the enemy with a single sword and leaving the place immediately without a trace! Lest he delays the important affairs of his young noble in the capital!
However, the luck of this Zhang DeShuai was just far too good!
Yu ManTian suddenly felt as though the space around him seemed to be completely sucked dry as this black dressed figure appeared! Everything had been gathered on that longsword!
A top-notch assassin! A top-notch expert!
[1]: Zhang DeLan means that he looks horribly ugly.
Chapter 170: Battle between Behemoths
Translator: chuchutrain Editor: DavidT , Rock
As though acting out of instinct, Yu ManTian flipped himself up. At the same time, the sword from his waist radiating the colors of the rainbow as it shot towards the peerless expert, the man in black. While this sword was cast out in haste, the strength behind it was no laughing matter.
This old man finally got a chance to come out and even had the chance to enjoy a joyous occasion. With everyone in such a good mood, how could I allow the bridegroom to get killed? If I did then what am I serving as an overseer for?
Did anyone even invite him to be an overseer?
In addition, Third Master Yu ManTian felt an adrenaline rush, because the sword moves that Ling Jian displayed were definitely out of the ordinary. Such an opponent wasn't easy to find except by a chance encounter. While his family possessed many experts, none of them were willing to put their lives on the line, so how could Yu ManTian let go of this chance? He even had a good reason not to let it go!
Wipe out all the injustice along my path! Hahaha, what a hero I am! Yu ManTian's ego was suddenly significantly inflated. Too bad my brother isn't here to see this!
Hidden behind a black mask, Ling Jian's eyes could not help but narrow. To think that this fatty had someone of such caliber beside him! Thank god he didn't call over Ling Chi and the rest. Just based on the first movement of his sword, Ling Jian could see that the man surpassed him in most if not all aspects! If Ling Chi and the rest were here, they would only be sacrificial lambs and fall under his sword. If anything untoward happened to his underlings, he and the young noble would definitely die of heartbreak!
The sword in Ling Jian's hands twirled, meeting head-on with the other incoming sword. His eyes remained expressionless, and in his heart he thought, Be it the ugly fatty Zhang DeShuai or an expert, there's no difference! Be it commoners, experts or even Buddha, those who stand against me are my enemies!
The lust for battle soared high inside Yu ManTian, and he hollered out, "Well met!" as he further increased the strength behind his sword.
"Clang!"
An ear-splitting noise reverberated as the two swords met!
The violent forces from the two swords spilled out over all their surroundings, causing strong winds to blow everywhere. Those leading the bridal procession were only commoners, so how could they withstand this blow? All of them were blown off in a heap, and even the bridegroom Zhang DeShuai was knocked off his horse, bouncing off the ground like a ball when he landed!
A series of alarmed cries sounded. Whether it was the bridegroom's relatives or the bride's relatives, the drums and gongs which were beating had long been dropped to the ground as their faces turned white with shock.
Yu ManTian only felt a burst of numbness overcome his hands, an immense force pushing against him. He couldn't help but frown a little, hurriedly retreating three steps before he stabilized himself.
As for Ling Jian, who had attacked from the skies like a meteor dropping down, he continuously somersaulted in the air a good seven to eight times before he dissipated Yu ManTian's force and gently landed on the ground. His face had already turned pale.
"Awesome!" Yu ManTian laughed out boldly. "It has been too long since I could exchange swords equally with someone. To actually have strength close to the white jade stage, your foundations are good, kid! Please state your name, so that this Third Master knows who you are!"
Ling Jian, however, remained silent. As though he disdained from speaking, his body suddenly flashed forward like a specter, covering the eight hundred odd feet of distance between them in the blink of an eye. His speed was so fast that afterimages actually appeared behind him! While the audience was gazing dumbfoundedly, Ling Jian's sword had already appeared in front of Yu ManTian, striking him from all angles like a torrential downpour! It was as though he had not heard what Yu ManTian had said.
Third Master? Laughable! Other than showing respects to my young noble, I, Ling Jian, have never even addressed anyone with the name of Master! What kind of thing are you, to order me to call you a master? Tell that to King Yama! [1]
"Dingdingdingdingding…." The relentless sounds of metal striking metal seemed to have been chained into a continuous stream of noise. Yu ManTian was at full attention, countering every move with his body revolving around the spot as he followed Ling Jian's constantly moving sword. He didn't even get the chance to be angry over Ling Jian's lack of an answer to him!
In the eyes of the onlookers, Yu ManTian seemed like a breakwater resisting solidly against the violent waves, standing firm without any weakness. In his surroundings was a black shadow constantly in quick motion — now near then far, now left then right, unpredictable and untraceable like an apparition.
A faint shadow shot up towards the clouds, climbing up at least forty feet into the air. That was precisely the shadow of Ling Jian, and at the apex he flipped himself upside down, sword facing the ground as he dropped straight down.
On its way down, the sword in Ling Jian's hands underwent several transformations. From one to two, two to three, three giving rise to nine; the swords multiplied rapidly, quickly filling up the sky and all pointing in the same direction. The swords then rotated faster and faster, looking like a thousand-armed demon as they plunged down from the heavens!
What insane sword skills! To think that such miraculous skills exist in this world! It was one thing to have good internal energy, but to actually have such a set of sword skills, how frightening! Yu ManTian's eyes lit up with a savage light. However, he did not dare underestimate his opponent. With a stomp of his foot, the internal energy in his body was gathered onto his sword, and at the same time, a snow white lotus blossomed beneath him. The tips of the lotus were as sharp as swords and revolved constantly, turning to face the threat above!
Compressed sounds of metal against metal rang out, just like the sound of popcorn popping as the two of them made contact. Droplets of fresh blood dripped slowly onto the ground.
Yu ManTian had the eyes of a hawk as he stared down the opponent in front of him, his breathing heavy. A faint trail of blood could be seen above his eyebrows, and his sleeve had been torn at the shoulder, with fresh blood slowly seeping out.
On the other side, Ling Jian's skinny body stood ramrod straight even as a profuse flow of blood came from his left shoulder and right arm. His eyes were cold, almost to the point of being crazed. An intense killing intent was radiating from him.
Three confrontations in a row! Ling Jian was well aware that this straightforward bearded man possessed martial skills that were far above his own. In fact, he might even be on par with the young noble! If they were to continue sparring, so long as enough time passed, he would definitely be at a disadvantage, and could potentially lose his life! No, in his current situation, he might not even get a proper chance to escape. This man was the strongest expert he had come across so far, an enemy that could not be shaken off. Unless he could ignore the outcome of his mission and head back immediately, he would not be able to guarantee his life!
He had prepared a surefire way to success and suddenly attacked. But for the first time, someone had actually managed to repel all his attacks, making him retreat with no gains! Even though the man was at a disadvantage for the first round, it was negligible, and didn't affect him in the slightest!
Shortly after, Ling Jian made use of the exquisite footwork his young noble had taught him to quickly launch his second attack. As before, the man was put at a disadvantage, but the end result was still the same! If not for the young noble's ingenious movement skills, Ling Jian would have ended up at a disadvantage instead.
However, in the third round, both of them started on an equal footing. Then, even though he was the one to initiate the attack, he was the one who suffered a heavier injury. Thus, strictly speaking, he was the one who had lost the match! Furthermore, the purity and volume of the man's internal energy were miles above his. He had only used a few sneaky moves to gain a small advantage. His moves were exchanged in a manner such that he was sacrificing his life to obtain victory, and yet his opponent actually had zero intention to kill! He completely treated his duel as a friendly competition, and from this, the disparity between them could really be seen.
This sort of opponent was definitely out of his league. How was he supposed to continue fighting?
Despite that, Ling Jian didn't have a shred of thought about retreating. The name of 'The First Pavilion' definitely could not be destroyed in his hands! The First Pavilion had yet to face a task that they could not complete, neither had they faced a target which they could not kill. Even if the guy in front of him was a tier stronger than him, able to silence him in an instant, he still had to silence Zhang DeShuai! There was no room for compromise!
"The lives of all humans are in my hands, the winds and rains heed the first pavilion!" This was the name the noble had personally bestowed upon them, 'The First Pavilion', and the meaning was obvious. To be the young noble's personal aide as well as his brother-in-arms, he was his sword as well as the pavilion head of The First Pavilion! Ling Jian felt the blood boiling within him, as a sense of pride could be felt rushing from the depths of his heart. His originally expressionless eyes suddenly turned bloodshot, and endless waves of killing intent madly rushed out from within him.
"Kill!"
An earth-shattering scream sounded!
This was the first time Ling Jian spoke, and only this one word. This was also the only word Ling Jian had spoken in the past two days. While it was only a word, this represented his internal will to fight!
Facing the masked man, Yu ManTian suddenly felt his heart palpitating. The cold sweat trickling off his back was enough to actually form a continuous stream. What a fearsome killer, what fearsome killing intent!
In these three exchanges, Yu ManTian had felt the very real possibility of death at least eight different times! The scariest thing was that after the series of confrontations, Yu ManTian had determined that his opponent was only of the lower white jade stage, at least two levels below him!
He himself was of XianTian cultivation, at the peak of lower gold jade stage. Based on the calculations of the Yu Family, this put him three tiers higher than his opponent. Furthermore, he was confident that those who outranked him in the world could be counted on his two hands.
However, this black-robed man before him, without a XianTian realm cultivation as well as being at the lower white jade stage, could actually use his eccentric movement skills, vicious swordplay, and billowing killing intent to make up for the differences between their cultivation. The thought that this assassin was actually able to stand against him was unimaginable!
Yu ManTian fully believed that if he made a single mistake, it would be enough to prevent him from seeing the sunset ever again!
[1] Buddhist god of death and judge of the dead.
Chapter 171: I am an Assassin!
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock
Yu ManTian couldn't help but think to himself, If this man dressed in black was at the XianTian stage as well, just how many moves of his would I be able to block? Thinking about that, Yu ManTian began to break out into a cold sweat!
That surging killing intent, those blood-thirsty eyes, and that ferocity which paid no heed to life or death! Yu ManTian was certain in his heart, While the cultivation of this man in black is comparable to a low-grade white jade cultivator of my Yu Family, any of those low-grade white jade cultivators would definitely be killed with a single strike! Even for someone like the second elder of the middle grade or other high-grade cultivators, would they be able to triumph over him?
He was completely uncertain; after all, even he was struggling when crossing blows with this black dressed man.
Since when was there a top-notch assassin like this in the world? From his body figure, the look in his eyes and his skin tone, this person was definitely no more than twenty-five years old. Such a young man with such powerful skills! This was just too mindblowing!
In that moment, both parties each had their own plans. Standing opposite each other, they glared at each other, their gaze like divine lights clashing in mid-air!
"Hero, kill him! I will give you 10,000 taels of silver!" Zhang DeShuai stammered and then shouted this out from the side. His pair of pig-like eyes revealed the fear in his heart. When Ling Jian's sword had previously charged at him, Zhang DeShuai felt as though his whole body was trembling, and it was the first time in his life when he felt that death was near! Regardless of the price he had to pay, he wanted this black dressed man to perish right here! If not, the rest of his life would definitely be a nightmare.
This burly man who had saved him from the brink of death was the best person for the mission! Zhang DeShuai thought to himself, Regardless of how many taels of silver I have to spend, I must definitely hire this burly man into my residence to be the head of my guards!
If Yu ManTian knew what this guy was thinking about, without Ling Jian moving a muscle, Yu ManTian would definitely skin this pig-like groom alive! I am the Third Master of the Yu Family! A top-notch expert in the world today! F**k! Be a guard for you? Which emperor would accept such treatment!
However, the only effect from Zhang DeShuai's words was a look of disdain from Yu ManTian!
After the previous exchange they had, both of them felt that life and death could be determined in an instant as danger lurked all around them. Yu ManTian began to grow excited as a competitive spirit was ignited in his heart. For a martial fanatic like him to meet an opponent at his level, death would be a worthy price to pay for an all-out and unrestrained battle!
With passion in his eyes, Yu ManTian asked, "Sir, there are many people here and our fight would become nothing more than a circus show for all those present. Why don't we find another spot to have a good battle? If you win, I will ignore everything that is happening here!" Out of respect for his opponent, Yu ManTian had refrained from his habit of calling himself 'Third Master'.
With a glimmer in his eyes, Ling Jian looked at the feverish Yu ManTian and replied with a nod.
Yu ManTian let out a hearty laugh and said, "Sir, you are indeed straightforward as well! Please!"
Ling Jian stretched out his hands, as though he was asking Yu ManTian to lead the way.
Yu ManTian let out a laugh and walked towards his horse. Suddenly, he wondered if the other party had a horse, and turned around to ask, "Do you…?"
Before he was able to finish his sentence he saw a bright flash and heard a loud shriek! As Yu ManTian looked over, he was immediately enraged!
Thirty feet away, Zhang DeShuai's round and fat head had a sword pierced through it, nailing him to the wall. Looking back at Ling Tian, his hands were empty with his sword missing. Obviously, Ling Jian had made use of the opening created when Yu ManTian turned around to instantly kill Zhang DeShuai.
"You!" Yu ManTian let out a loud roar of rage! While the word was still 'you', his tone and attitude were worlds apart.
"Despicable!"
Ling Jian actually killed someone who was under his protection! Although he only chose to protect Zhang DeShuai at the spur of the moment and wasn't serious about it, Yu ManTian was still furious when he saw Zhang DeShuai die in front of him. This was far too detrimental to his reputation!
You must definitely die, you despicable b*st*rd who insulted my martial way!
For the first time, Yu ManTian looked towards Ling Jian with intense killing intent in his eyes.
Ling Jian walked indifferently past Yu ManTian to the front of Zhang DeShuai's corpse. Reaching out to his sword, he lightly pulled it out and blood spewed out all around. Zhang DeShuai's pig-like face now had a hollow hole through it. Whether as a ghost or a human, he would never be handsome looking again!
The followers of Zhang DeShuai who were originally on the ground let out a shriek and ran for their lives.
After cleaning the blood from his sword, Ling Jian slowly turned around and calmly looked at Yu ManTian. With a trace of ridicule in his eyes, he said his first complete sentence, "I am an assassin!"
Err! Assassin!
Yu ManTian was completely speechless. This was his opponent's job! He would naturally have his own occupational rules. Did Yu ManTian really expect an assassin to play by the rules? Yu ManTian couldn't help but feel depressed in his heart.
Yu ManTian then got on his horse and said with a chilly look, "Please!" While it was still the same word, this 'please' was filled with killing intent!
This person is a cold-blooded killer! If he were to remain alive, how many more people would die by his hands? Today, I, Third Master Yu, will be a hero for once and serve justice for the heavens!
Ling Jian was still expressionless, suddenly turning around to slice off Zhang DeShuai's head. As a black cloth shot out from his hands, that head was instantly wrapped up within it. His actions were swift and well practiced, as though he had done something not worth mentioning at all. He then said calmly, "May we meet again." Without waiting for a reply, he leapt onto the groom's black horse and prepared to leave.
Ling Jian's mission was already completed, so why would he have any interest in continuing to fight Yu ManTian? He would probably be interested in doing so under normal circumstances. After all, just how many experts were there in the world? But at such a crucial moment, it wasn't the time for Ling Jian to act as he wished. After such careful planning and execution, the heroes of the continent were gathered in the Sky Bearing City, and Ling Tian was about to execute a huge plan! Ling Tian would definitely require the aid of Ling Jian as well! While Ling Jian couldn't be bothered with his own life, if he were to lose his life in the battle with Yu ManTian, it would be a cardinal sin to influence his young noble's plans!
As long as things were related to his young noble's plans, Ling Jian would never ruin Ling Tian's plan because of a moment of folly!
Therefore Ling Jian chose to leave directly. From the previous exchange, Ling Jian already knew that while Yu ManTian was skilled in the martial arts with his Inner Qi being much more powerful than himself, Yu ManTian's movement techniques were far from comparable to his. If they were to compete in a long distance race, Ling Jian would lose for sure. But if they were to compete in a short distance sprint or in concealing and tracking techniques, Ling Jian would definitely win. If he wanted to retreat, this burly man in front of him would definitely not be able to stop him! However, Ling Jian was still disappointed for letting go of such an opportunity to spar with an expert. That is why he said "May we meet again". The mountains and river would meet eventually and I, Ling Jian, will definitely meet you again! At that time, let us complete this unfinished battle! Ling Jian thought to himself with a tinge of regret.
As for the fact that he had agreed to spar, Ling Jian was completely unbothered about it. The so-called rules of the pugilistic world were a complete joke to an assassin like Ling Jian! They were only a means for him to slaughter Zhang DeShuai. In regard to this, Ling Jian didn't feel that he had done anything wrong.
As an assassin, his target was the number one priority! Anything else shouldn't be considered at all!
The most fundamental law of an assassin!
Yu ManTian's body trembled with anger!
He was not an assassin but a martial cultivator who kept to his word!
"Since you have already achieved your goal, why was there a need to go so far? Why did you still have to decapitate him? Even if you are an assassin, isn't that too much? What about your promise? Don't you have the pride of a martial cultivator?"
Ling Jian, who was already on the horse, turned around and his eyes looked as though they were mocking Yu ManTian. As though he was looking at an idiot, he said, "If you paid me silver to kill someone, what would I use as proof that I had killed that person? Just my words?" As he replied, his tone already sounded impatient.
In truth, in his heart Ling Jian was indeed growing impatient. I am here to kill someone, and who are you to interfere with my affairs? Why are you acting like you are the boss around here? Is it a big deal for you to be skilled in martial arts? You are still far from my young noble! Why are you being so arrogant? To think that you will talk to an assassin about a martial artist's pride. I'm so sorry, I am only my young noble's sword! I am not the stubborn-minded cultivator!
Yu ManTian let out a grunt, "How can a despicable person like you be fit to use a sword! Where are you going! Watch my sword!" His sturdy body jumped into the air as his sword slashed down!
Chapter 172: Reverse Scale of an Assassin
Translator: DavidT Editor: DavidT , Rock
Ling Jian let out an indifferent chuckle, completely ignoring Yu ManTian. In response to the nudge of his heels, the spirited horse gave out a neigh and galloped away. Yu ManTian's body darted into the air like a dragon soaring out from the ocean, his sword shooting out at a lightning fast speed. Knowing that this burly man had an incredible ability, Ling Jian didn't dare be careless. With a 'shiiiiing', his sword was brandished, meeting Yu ManTian's blade head-on. As the two swords collided, their bodies shook from the impact and Yu ManTian's ferocious charge was stopped. As the force from his jump ran out, he had no choice but to land back on the ground. But because Ling Jian was already on a horse, he sped up even further from the blow!
Yu ManTian was angered to the point that steam could be seen rising from the top of his head. However, he also knew that Ling Jian's movement technique was far superior to his. If Ling Jian really wanted to leave, it would be impossible to hold him back. Since his sword was unable to keep Ling Jian behind, he could only watch as Ling Jian escaped. He couldn't help but spit on the ground as he scolded, "I wonder what kind of a despicable scum and savage animal would be able to train such an inhumane assassin! For such a person to remain alive, it is going against the law of the heavens!"
Yu ManTian was really only trying to vent the pent-up anger in his heart. After all, an assassin would never fall for such a provocation, and Yu ManTian had already given up the thought of fighting Ling Jian.
However, Yu ManTian didn't know that his moment of carelessness had indeed touched Ling Jian's reverse scale. [1] The huge battle which could have been avoided had broken out again!
In the next instant, Yu ManTian suddenly felt that there was something wrong with the atmosphere around him as a cold and dense killing intent surrounded him. Lifting up his head, he saw a black dressed man with hateful eyes glaring at him! The black dressed man was like a sharp sword out of its sheath, with a strong battle intent and desire to massacre the world!
It was Ling Jian who had already left!
At this moment, the dense killing intent and almost crazed battle intent from Ling Jian startled Yu ManTian. What could have enraged this fellow?
It was the last phrase spoken by Yu ManTian that had enraged Ling Jian. Everyone had a bottom line in their hearts; if someone were to cross that line, even a spineless man would fly into a rage! Ling Tian was the reverse scale in Ling Jian's heart!
Anyone who dares to humiliate my young noble must pay the price! The price of his life! If it isn't that person's life, it will be my own life!
Yu ManTian's final phrase had insulted Ling Tian. This was something unforgivable in Ling Jian's heart. If Yu ManTian were to scold Ling Jian, Ling Jian would have been long gone already. But now that he had insulted Ling Tian, this was something that Ling Jian would never be able to endure!
Just this single phrase had determined that the both of them would not stop until one of them died!
If you humiliate the young noble, DIEEEE!!
No matter who you are!
A life and death battle today can no longer be avoided; it is either your death or mine! The only thing able to wash away such humiliation would be fresh blood!
"Oi? Brat, what's wrong? Why aren't you leaving already?" Yu ManTian couldn't help but grow excited, as his aura also began to build up. All is fine as long as you are back. Third Master Yu will teach you a good lesson!
"You, deserve, to, DIE!!" With a chilly tone, Ling Jian said calmly, emphasizing on every single word. You actually dare to insult the deity in my heart! While Ling Jian still looked emotionless, rage was burning deep in his heart. At this moment, he had already forgotten about the gap between the both of them. There was only a single thought in his heart: Kill him!
"Hahaha…" Yu ManTian let out a laugh and said with disdain, "Just what I wanted! This is not the best place for us to fight, follow me!" As he said that, Yu ManTian flew up his horse and Ling Jian followed him without hesitation. In his eyes, only the person who had insulted his young noble existed. A person who was about to fight him to the death!
The two horses then left one after another. Ling Jian's chilly gaze locked onto Yu ManTian with an aura of ruthlessness exploding from his body. So what if your martial arts are higher than mine? Will I, Ling Jian, be afraid of you? Even if I cannot win against you, I am confident of dragging you with me to hell! I, Ling Jian, am my young noble's sword! Ling Tian's sword! I will never disgrace the name of my young noble!
As long as I have a single breath left, no one can insult the young noble in front of me!
So what if I win? So what if I lose? So what if I live? So what if I die?! They are all not to be feared!
By the river, a peach forest.
Spring had ended and it was the beginning of summer. The originally barren forest was now filled with small fingernail-sized peaches all over the trees. Below the trees, the originally intoxicating petals had already disappeared from the world because of a heavy rain, leaving behind the fragrant earth.
Even upon leaving the branches of the tree, the petals would continue to guard the tree by turning into fertilizer.
However, would the pride of a martial artist or the reverse scale of an assassin be protected today?
At this moment, numerous sword energies had already filled the peach forest! Occasionally, there would be the sounds of metal clashing. All of a sudden, a loud bang was heard, followed by a long silence.
"Your martial arts aren't too bad!" Yu ManTian said while panting heavily, as traces of injuries could be seen on his body. Looking at Ling Jian who was opposite him, a trace of pity could be seen in his sharp gaze. "The exquisiteness of your swordplay and mystery of your movement technique are things that I have never seen before. The more amazing thing is your ability to combine both of them into one, fully complementing each other. This is indeed a divine skill which I have never witnessed before. It is just a pity that your Inner Qi is unable to keep up with it, incomparable to the density of my decades' worth of cultivation. So, you have lost."
Opposite him, Ling Jian's black clothes were damaged in multiple areas, but an obvious wound couldn't be seen. His black mask had already fallen off, revealing a pale looking face with a trace of blood at the corner of his lips. While he did not have any physical wounds, it didn't mean that Ling Jian had the upper hand. In fact, Ling Jian had suffered a serious internal injury because of his weaker Inner Qi! If it wasn't for the long periods of intense training, he would have already collapsed onto the floor. While his long sword was still in his hand, it was drooping towards the ground. Anyone with a keen eye would be able to tell that he no longer had any strength to fight!
Despite the circumstances, Ling Jian's back was still straight and his expression calm. It was as though he was indifferent towards life and death. However, the killing intent in his eyes was still burning with a resolute gaze!
They had fought for a full two hours! In the face of the relentless attacks from an expert like Yu ManTian, Ling Jian had eventually lost!
With the huge difference in power, his exquisite swordplay and mysterious movement technique were still unable to turn the situation around!
"So what if I am inferior to you?" Ling Jian lifted his head up proudly, looking at the sword point which was a few feet away from him. With a light flick of his opponent's hand, it would easily pierce his throat, ending his life!
Ling Jian let out a self-deprecating laugh before calmly saying, "But I am not dead yet. As long as you do not kill me, I have not lost yet. I admit that I am inferior to you, but I have not been defeated yet! As long as I still have my life, I have not been defeated!"
"If I am unable to treat my own life with indifference, then I am unqualified to be an assassin. Since I am coming out to kill, I must be prepared to be killed! So what if I die? I will just enter into the next cycle of reincarnation!"
At this moment, Ling Jian remembered what Ling Tian had said to him before, as he had just unknowingly recited it. The emotionless and distant gaze of Ling Tian then appeared in his heart. Young noble, Ling Jian is going. Please take good care of yourself! If there is a next life, I will still be young noble's sword!
Yu ManTian was dumbfounded.
He never imagined that this young opponent in front of him would treat death with such magnanimity. Or perhaps was he just trying to deny his loss? Yu ManTian couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration in his heart. Such talent, such a breath of mind, such martial arts! How rare is it! Even if his Inner Qi was weak, that is only in comparison to me. In fact, did I have such a cultivation before I was twenty? It is just such a pity for this outstanding young man to walk such a path of no return.
Yu ManTian was in a dilemma. In his heart, he wasn't willing to destroy such a talent by his own hands. In the instant that he had torn off Ling Jian's mask, he had almost cried out in shock. This expert cold-blooded killer only looked like he was seventeen!
Yu ManTian was extremely clear about how difficult it was for a seventeen-year-old to attain such a level of martial arts. This was an incredulous miracle! Just how much suffering did this teen face to attain such martial arts? A talented person wouldn't be able to turn into an expert just by eating a few hundred-year-old ginseng. To become the epitome of martial arts, one could only rely on his talent, sweat and hard work!
Yu ManTian himself was a martial arts fanatic. Ever since he was young, he relied on an exceptional amount of hard work and bitter cultivation to become than three times stronger than his peers! When anyone from the Yu Family saw the way that he cultivated, all of their mouths would open wide in shock. That was no longer cultivating, that was no different from self-torture! However, it was also his crazed cultivation which gave him the ability to look down on the world with pride.
But facing this teen in front of him, Yu ManTian felt as though he had no right to be proud.
The moment Yu ManTian tore off the mask on Ling Jian's face, that sense of pride had disappeared completely. Even after cultivating in such a crazed manner, was I even half as good as this teen when I was his age? Impossible!
In other words, just what kind of bitterness did this teen suffer to attain such a cultivation?
[1] A reverse scale on a Chinese dragon is a special type of scale on its chin or throat that must not be touched, or else the dragon will go into a frenzy and exert all its strength to destroy you.