Chapter 774 – Xiaoxiao
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The old woman from Heavencraft Pavilion had a cultivation at the second stage of Life Destruction. Moreover, her foundation was ordinary and she wasn't that much stronger than that red-clothed old man who had died just now. With Lin Ming's strength he could instantly kill her.
This made the old woman not even dare to take a deep breath as she faced Lin Ming. Her palms became wet with sweat. She never thought that this mere late Revolving Core cultivation youth was actually such an evil star. Just where had he come from?
"What are you here for? Don't tell me that you came to save me?" Lin Ming sneered as he asked again.
The black-clothed old woman bitterly smiled as she heard this, "Although Young Hero Lin might think it a bit absurd, the truth is that… I really did come to rescue Young Hero Lin. That red-clothed old man that Young Hero Lin killed just now, I happen to know a bit about him. He does not come from a sect and has an exceedingly poor reputation. When he was young he joined forces with someone and killed a good number of people to steal their possessions and were considered evil and fierce. Young Hero Lin's cultivation is only at the Revolving Core realm and you revealed a great deal of wealth at my Heavencraft Trading Company and took away the skyflower stones that he wanted. At that time, I saw that old man's devilish expression and guessed he might chase Young Hero Lin down, so I quietly followed him here."
"And?" Lin Ming expressionlessly said. The black-clothed old woman said her behavior was absurd so she should have an absurd reason to go along with it. Lin Ming didn't believe that the Heavencraft Trading Company had such kind intentions that they would send escorts to follow every guest that came shopping at their trading company.
"I do not dare to lie to Sir Lin. I only thought that since Young Hero Lin isn't poor and was able to put out such a wonderful treasure that you must be a genius from some powerful force coming out to adventure. Perhaps you might not even come from the four Divine Kingdoms, so I suddenly had the thought of becoming friends. I wished to help Young Hero Lin at a critical moment so that Young Hero Lin would owe the Heavencraft Trading Company a favor and might even help my Heavencraft Trading Company with some minor business. But, I never thought that Young Hero Lin would be so skilled that you would be able to instantly kill that second stage Life Destruction master as well as see through my hiding skill with such ease. This old woman's actions must truly be laughable to you."
The black-clothed old woman ruefully smiled as she spoke to here. She had no choice but to completely reveal her motives. In fact, this reasoning seemed very credible.
"Help the Heavencraft Trading Company with some business? So, the Heavencraft Trading Company has fallen into some trouble and you wish to ask the power behind me for help? You think that since there's such an illness you can go to any doctor to cure it?"
"Yes…" The black-clothed old woman deeply sighed. "Young Hero Lin, although my Heavencraft Trading Company doesn't have much fighting strength, we have a very deep inheritance and very rich channels. If Young Hero Lin could help us out then I have complete confidence I can find the dragonspine grass that Young Hero Lin needs."
As soon as the black-clothed old woman spoke such tempting words, Lin Ming's heart stirred, "How do you plan on looking for it?"My Heavencraft Trading Company might not have dragonspine grass but we do have materials that are even more rare and precious than dragonspine grass. We can easily exchange them with some alchemist."
Lin Ming nodded, "Since that's the case… that's fine. If you encounter any troubles then tell me in advance. But, if there is any life-threatening danger involved, I will give up halfway if needed."
The black-clothed old woman was surprised. She originally wanted to borrow the powerful force behind Lin Ming, but now it seems that Lin Ming himself would take action.
The black-clothed old woman couldn't accurately estimate Lin Ming's combat strength. If he could instantly kill a second stage Life Destruction martial artist then he should have strength at least equal to the third stage of Life Destruction. He might even be stronger than that. As for how much stronger, she had no idea.
If she had his help, then perhaps they could ride out this chaotic storm.
"Young Hero Lin, can you follow me back? It isn't convenient to speak here."
Lin Ming nodded and followed the black-clothed old woman back to Witch Creek City.
As they re-entered Heavencraft Pavilion, Lin Ming directly ascended to the highest floor.
This was an elegantly decorated loft. In the room, there was only the black-clothed woman and the purple-veiled woman that Lin Ming had seen before. This purple-veiled woman personally rose up and poured a cup of tea for Lin Ming. "This is the famous snowflower tea from the Nine Peaked Snowy Mountains of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom. It has the effect of refreshing the mind and nourishing the soul. Sir Lin, please have a taste."
The purple-veiled woman respectfully said. She had already heard the black-clothed old woman describe Lin Ming's strength. She didn't think that with Lin Ming's young age and his late Revolving Core cultivation, he would actually have such extraordinary combat strength that he was able to instantly kill a second stage Life Destruction master. Thus, she had become increasingly respectful towards Lin Ming.
Lin Ming lifted the teacup and swept his perception through it. The tea contained a very rich and pure wood origin energy; it was clearly a treasure amongst teas.
"Teatime can wait for later. If you two have any matters then please speak frankly."
The purple-clothed woman bit her lips and said with a trace of bitterness and pain, "Sir Lin, I am the daughter of the Heavencraft Trading Company's Company Head. My name is Heavencraft Xiaoxiao, but you may refer to me as simply Xiaoxiao. Two months ago my father was in an accident and he perished because of that. Since then, I have had to personally take temporary charge of the trading company. Luckily, I have had Grandma White's assistance and thus I've been able to deal with all the issues occurring. However, one month ago, two of my uncles decided to cause trouble because of the issue of succession to be Company Head. Currently, a portion of my family's Council of Elders have been bribed by my two uncles. They intend to deprive me of my position of Company Head…"
As the purple-clothed woman spoke to here, she seemed to remember the pitiful death of her father. Her beautiful face turned mournful, a deep sadness emanating from her that made one feel pity for her.
Lin Ming was silent for a moment. "Miss Xiaoxiao, are you saying that you wish for me to support you to become the Family Head? Your Heavencraft Trading Company is one of the three great trading companies of the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, right? With a 6000 year inheritance, shouldn't you have some masters on the Destiny Decree? I think you look down on me too much!"
Heavencraft Xiaoxiao shook her head. "There are a total of 360 individuals on the Destiny Decree. A bit more than half of them are part of the four Divine Kingdoms. Divided down, there are a few dozen in each Divine Kingdom. All of these characters are existences that can move the sun and the skies in their Divine Kingdoms.
How could they possibly listen to such a minor struggle in our small trading company?
"In the four Divine Kingdoms, all of the great trading companies merely seem glamorous and powerful on the outside. In the end, us trading companies are merely businesses – we are not sects. Although we have countless resources and wealth, if a powerful force really wants to move on us then we're nothing more than fat pigs."
Heavencraft Xiaoxiao sighed as she spoke to here. In the face of absolute strength, a trading company was simply too weak and fragile. In order for the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdoms to have absolute control within their lands, they kept strict control over the martial forces of the three great trading companies. Especially in the last several hundred years there had been all sorts of limits and rules placed on them. Now, the Heavencraft Trading Company could only rely on martial artists raised in the family. But in terms of inheritance, how could a trading company possible compare with a true sect? Although they could cultivate some forces, it was simply far too limited.
Lin Ming didn't immediately agree. Instead he asked, "Although there is a very small number of Destiny Decree masters, can't you still pay a price high enough to tempt them to action?"
"Yes, but in accordance to family rules, the majority of resources can only be used by direction of the Company Head as well as the Council of Elders. There are currently people in the Council of Elders that support me, and also those who support my two uncles, and they are unable to come to a unanimous decision. Thus, no one can move the family's treasures. It isn't just me, but my two uncles are in the same situation. The dragonspine grass that Young Hero Lin wishes for can be prepared by me in seven days. If Young Hero Lin is willing to help me out in this matter, then I can also find other resources besides dragonspine grass as thanks."
"I understand. But, I will say this in advance. If there is anything that threatens my life then I won't rush into death for you. At that time, our agreement will also come to an end."
"That's naturally expected. If my two uncles can find a match that even Sir Lin cannot compete with then I can only blame myself for having an unlucky life." Xiaoxiao hurried responded with a happy heart as she saw Lin Ming agree.
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After Lin Ming came to an agreement with Xiaoxiao, he entered into a chamber of Heavencraft Pavilion to train. As for the spirit essence stones that Lin Ming used for training, Xiaoxiao was not cheap at all. The training chamber was filled with top grade true essence stones and spirit essence stones, filling the chamber with an incomparably rich heaven and earth origin energy.
From the time that Lin Ming had broken through to the late Revolving Core realm and cut down Xuan Wuji until now, several months had already passed. Although Lin Ming had spent a great deal of energy studying alchemy techniques, he didn't lag behind in his cultivation either. His cultivation had gone from the very beginning of the late Revolving Core to having steadily stabilized himself in the late Revolving Core realm. With the help of the jade slips that Fairy Feng had left for him, his understanding of the Concept of Fire was also steadily increasing. Now, if he could re-enter the God Transforming Mirror then he believed he could easily last in the second world for at least 120 breaths.
Ca!
With a thrust of his spear, the condensed power of fire pierced through a specially crafted metal plate target. The target split up into pieces before being churned to fragments underneath raging fire true essence.
"My Concept of Fire Annihilation has risen yet another step. My self-created Bury the Heavens and Chain of Stars have also increased in power by 20-30%. If I could fight Xuan Wuji now, then I should be able to kill him in frontal combat instead of having to wear him down with superior endurance, recovery ability, and defensive power. However it's a pity that my Concept of Fire can progress astronomically with the inheritance of the Ancient Phoenix Clan, but my Concept of Thunder is actually advancing so slowly and with such difficulty too."
Lin Ming lightly sighed. Inheritances and resources were simply too important for the growth of a genius. Even a clever woman couldn't cook a meal without rice; it was impossible to get anywhere without proper supplies. Even with the Heretical God Force giving him an immense advantage in comprehending the Concept of Thunder, there still wasn't anything he could do.
Fortunately, comprehending a Concept was different from comprehending a battle spirit. This was because the earlier one formed their own battle spirit, the more potential it would have in the future. If one formed their battle spirit too late then the losses would be immeasurable, because the grade of a battle spirit would slowly rise with the growth of a martial artist's cultivation and will.
But Concepts and laws were different. Even if one comprehended them at a very late period, they could still catch up later once they reached large success in their future cultivation.
And just as Lin Ming was planning to meditate on the Concept of Fire Annihilation again, a flame suddenly lit in front of him. This was the light of a sound transmitting talisman.
As Lin Ming heard the message within, he slightly frowned. It seemed as if trouble had finally come to his door. It wasn't pleasant to be disturbed during training, but since he had accepted benefits from others he naturally had to help them in their matters. If Lin Ming didn't have the Heavencraft Trading Company look for dragonspine grass for him, then he wouldn't necessarily be able to find it – at least not in a reasonable period of time.
Lin Ming opened the chamber doors and put on a white training outfit. He began moving towards the front hall of Heavencraft Pavilion. By the time he arrived, the hall was already filled with people.
Four old men were imperiously sitting in front. Behind them were seven or eight youths. At this moment, Xiaoxiao was arguing with the four old men.
Chapter 775 – Saber Light
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"Uncle Yan, Uncle Luoyan, you two have followed my father for over 50 years! Just how did my father treat you in the past? Uncle Yan, you're not even a clansman of my Heavencraft Family to begin with! When you were faced with misfortune in Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom, my father was the one to take you in and shelter you. He placed his trusted in you, and you managed to successfully pass into the Life Destruction realm through my family, and become a secondary Elder. I've always treated you as an uncle, and yet you still treat me this way?"
"And you too Uncle Luoyan. Your eldest son was just an ordinary talent, and had both his soul and meridians grievously damaged in a fight. If it weren't for the medicines that my father provided, which managed to drag him back from death's door, then how could he even have survived, much less reach the Revolving Core realm? My father's corpse hasn't even grown cold, and the mourning period hasn't even ended. Yet you have still allied with my other uncle and are trying to force me to resign my position as the sole successor. Can you still even face my father in the afterlife?"
Xiaoxiao's eyes were full of anger. Her beautiful body fiercely heaved, obviously because her mood was so tremulous with rage.
In front of her, that middle-aged man called Uncle Luoyan only shook his head, a mixture of guilt and helplessness intertwined on his face. Beside him, Uncle Yan was looking on at Xiaoxiao as usual.
He chuckled and said, "Humph, little Heavencraft girl, do you really think that your father did all those things for me out of kindness and generosity? He sheltered me only because I possessed a rare treasure. After the treasure was taken by him, it was obvious that he would have to treat me well! Moreover, he felt that I had value and tried to work me to death for the trading company. If I wasn't useful to him, do you think he would be so nice? Don't make me laugh!"
"We are just taking what we have earned with our hard work. In fact, we should have more! You said that Brother Yun's eldest son was forcefully brought to the Revolving Core realm after he was saved, and indeed this is true. However, what about you? It's not like your talent is surprising or startling. You're still at the Xiantian realm at 21 years of age, and yet you have used the most resources!"
As Xiaoxiao heard these words she mirthlessly smiled, "Betrayal is the only truth. Human nature is that of greed to begin with; no one can ever be content. My father's vision was incorrect, and he allowed a wolf into his house. No one else can be blamed for this!"
As Xiaoxiao spoke, another middle-aged man dryly coughed and stood up from his chair. "Xiaoxiao, I have watched you grow up and you truly do have talent in business. However, you are just far too young. The Heavencraft Trading Company needs a powerful and experienced leader at the helm. You are far from being capable enough at this time and age."
"In the past two months after your father's accident, the family's income has already fallen by 30%. You should remember that our Heavencraft Trading Company takes in a great deal of money, but our annual tax to the Nine Furnace Divine Kingdom is even greater. With so many other great expenses involved, our foundation will be shaken if we can't raise the family income. I am also being forced by the Council of Elders to quickly resolve this issue."
As a middle-aged man, he had an appearance that made it seem as if he were sacrificing everything for the family. Xiaoxiao's entire body trembled with anger, "Being forced? Great Uncle, only you would have the nerve to say that!"
"Hahaha!" At this moment, a bright eyed and handsome man laughed out loud, "Young cousin, you have misunderstood our intentions. We just want to help lighten the burden on your shoulders, and this is all in the best interest for the future of the trading company. Young cousin, how about you move out of Heavencraft Pavilion first and return to the main family residence?"
Heavencraft Pavilion was just a place where the business of Heavencraft Trading Company was conducted. As for the family's residence, it wasn't here but at a sprawling mansion located at the outskirts of Witch Creek City.
Because Xiaoxiao was being suppressed by her two uncles, she worried that she would be placed under house arrest if she returned home. It had been a long time since she had left Heavencraft Pavilion. Now, her room and board were all here.
"Heavencraft Yan, you hypocritically fake gentleman!"
Heavencraft Xiaoxiao looked at this so-called older cousin with hatred and loathing. If there was this playboy around, then once she returned home not only would she loser her position as Company Head but even her chastity might be taken!
"Aiyaya, Xiaoxiao, you are too willful. Since this is the case, I'll have no choice but to ask others to escort you back." As the handsome man's voice fell, three old Life Destruction masters stepped forward, encircling Xiaoxiao.
Beside Xiaoxiao, the black-clothed old woman suddenly tensed up, "Are you trying to rebel!?"
"Grandma White, I advise you to understand your limits and to not make this hard for everyone involved. Everyone here is a part of Heavencraft Pavilion, and with three to one odds, you simply have no chance of winning. If you're accidently injured…."
One of the old men coldly smiled. His hand already had already touched his spatial ring, and was about to attack. However, at this moment, his heart felt as if it had fallen into an icy lake. He could feel that a thick killing intent had suddenly locked in on him!
As he looked up, he was surprised to see that 100 feet away, there was a youth in white training robes casually standing there with his arms behind his back. From just standing there, it seemed as if he held everyone present in the palm of his hands.
"Who are you? How did you come in?" The old man stared at Lin Ming like a cornered wolf. It was obvious that he hadn't come here with good intentions in mind.
Lin Ming completely disregarded these people. To these ungrateful maggots who had no compassion or virtue, those who would take advantage of the death of the Company Head to bully his children and covet his property, he simply didn't have the least bit of favorable impression towards them.
He faintly glanced at Xiaoxiao and asked with a true essence sound transmission, "It's just these people?"
"There is still another Great Uncle of mine who hasn't come today." As Xiaoxiao saw Lin Ming appear, a sudden hope ignited in her heart.
"Two peak second stage Life Destruction and one first stage Life Destruction." Lin Ming thought that these cultivations were quite ordinary. He seemed the entire Heavencraft Family's strength was equal to the South Sea Demon Region, which was also an ordinary fifth-grade sect.
The four Divine Kingdoms were a quasi sixth-grade sect, so it was reasonable that their subordinate forces would also be ordinary fifth-grade sects.
"Young boy, this old man is speaking to you. Are you deaf!?"
As the old man saw Lin Ming ignore his question, his face suddenly became gloomy and twisted into an ugly grimace.
Xiaoxiao's older cousin, Heavencraft Yan, sneered as he said, "There isn't anything to ask. This idiot is just a helper that Xiaoxiao has drawn in. I must say little cousin, your judgment is far too horrible. To look for a boy who hasn't
even reached Life Destruction, haha…he isn't even enough for a single bite!"
Heavencraft Yan turned to Lin Ming, a mocking grin on his face, "I really feel bad for you. You think you're a hero coming to save a damsel in distress? Hahaha, you'll just have to regret the choices you made today, you toad trying to eat swan meat. Today, I will cut off your hands, your feet, and your manhood. I want you to beg for – "
Heavencraft Yan didn't even finish his sentence when his vision suddenly blurred. He felt as if an ice cold bucket of water had been poured all over him, causing his entire body to tingle with numbness, and was no longer able to move even a single inch.
Heavencraft Yan was shocked. Before he could respond, all he saw was Lin Ming's chilling face appearing before him.
A palm came slamming down.
Pulse Cutting Palm!
Peng!
Heavencraft Yan only felt his dantian shake as a brutal and tyrannical energy broke into his meridians, recklessly destroying everything it came into contact with. He vomited a great mouthful of blood as he flew backwards, smashing into a wall.
All the martial artists present were stunned. They never thought that Lin Ming would suddenly attack, and with horrifying movements as fast and fading as ghosts and demons!
"Brat, you actually did something so cruel! I will kill you!" Heavencraft Yan's father saw that Lin Ming's palm attack had obviously wounded Heavencraft Yan's meridians and dantian. His heart surging with anger, he took a furious step forward and drew out a treasure saber from his spatial ring before cutting down at Lin Ming's head. This saber contained the full force of his might, and if a normal Revolving Core martial artist were to face it, their head would burst apart!
"Brother Feng, be careful!" The old man surnamed Yan hurriedly warned as he saw Heavencraft Yan's father become blind with rage. Even though Heavencraft Yan's talent wasn't too outstanding, and although he had only reached the late Revolving Core realm at 40 years of age with the help of a staggering amount of resources, his cultivation was still on par with Lin Ming's. Even so, Lin Ming had managed to grievously wound him with a single palm strike. Even if part of this outcome was due to it being a sneak attack, this still proved that Lin Ming's strength far exceeded martial artists at the same level.
Before old man Yan's voice even fell upon the ears of the others, there was a loud metallic ringing sound. Lin Ming had actually grabbed Heavencraft Feng's saber with a single bare hand, his other hand forming a solid fist that pounded towards Heavencraft Feng's chest.
Body Tearing Bone Shattering Fist!
Kacha!
With a muffled thumping sound, all of Heavencraft Feng's ribs were cleanly broken apart. His entire chest sunk down and he flew backwards, crashing into the wall and deeply embedding himself there.
As for Lin Ming, he still held onto the treasure saber in his hand. He poured a wisp of his battle spirit into it and casually threw it back out with the saber point whistling straight towards Heavencraft Feng's heart.
Xiaoxiao was frightened as she saw Lin Ming's actions. Although she hated these people to her bone, she didn't want to kill them since they were her family, after all.
In fact, despite living for so long and breaking through to the Xiantian realm, but she had never engaged in a true life or death struggle, let alone killed someone.
"No!"
In the moment that Xiaoxiao shouted out, the saber point was less than three feet from Heavencraft Feng's heart! Heavencraft Feng was alarmed to the point where he felt as if his soul had fled his body. It was already too late to dodge, and he could only crazily galvanize his protective true essence in the vain hopes of blocking this saber.
At that moment, he could even feel the cold light of the saber point touch the point between his eyebrows.
Lin Ming frowned as he heard Xiaoxiao's shout. With a slight shift in his thoughts, he moved his battle spirit, changing the trajectory of the saber.
Puff!
The saber point strayed three inches to the side of its original target. From the original target of Heavencraft Feng's heart, it instead stabbed into his right lung. Heavencraft Feng's protective true essence had been torn apart as if it were nothing more than wet paper.
Blood spurted out. Heavencraft Feng had been nailed to the wall with his own saber, the hilt still trembling.
Lin Ming turned towards Xiaoxiao.
Xiaoxiao was spooked. She had never seen Lin Ming fight before; she had only heard Grandma White's description of him. Even so, she never thought that Lin Ming would be so powerful, and that his actions would be so decisive. As soon as he took action, he had nearly killed Heavencraft Feng.
"Sir Lin, please do not kill them. If the Council of Elders find out that I hired an outsider to help kill people of my Heavencraft Family, then that will cause dangerous rumors to appear. My other Great Uncle will use this as an excuse to have the Council of Elders punish me with an expulsion or sanctions.
Although Xiaoxiao may be naturally kind-hearted, she wasn't just a wishy-washy vase that simply stood there. She was well aware that if people started dying, then all conflicts would rapidly escalate. Even if she became the Company Head by killing her way to the top, it would become difficult to govern the family in the future. After all, Lin Ming couldn't stay with her forever. Once Lin Ming left, various conflicts would erupt, and she would die if she couldn't keep a tight grip on her position.