《Son-in-law Heaven Emperor Xiao Yi》


 Chapter 1 The Youth Xiao Yi

    "Tian''er, this is the top-quality tea the old Emperor sent over. Why don''t you try some?"


    "Tian''er, the Dingguo Duke is thinking of sending his young granddaughter to the Tianjian Sect to attend to your daily needs..."


    "Tian''er..."


    Xiao Yi looked up at Xiao Zhengde, who was on the main seat with a face full of ingratiating, even somewhat abject, obsequiousness. In his calm gaze, there was a touch of bitterness and helplessness. As his nce moved, it settled on the handsome and extraordinary young man sitting boldly in front of Xiao Zhengde.


    He was Xiao Yi''s own elder brother, Xiao Tianjiao!


    An exceptional genius destined for greatness from birth.


    When Xiao Tianjiao was born, a fire dragon descended from the sky and acknowledged him as its master.


    Not even three years old, he awakened the Supreme Overlord Holy Body, possessing divine power strong enough to lift a thousand-pound cauldron with one arm.


    By the age of five, he had broken through to the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, stepped into the Qi Gathering with Ten Layers at seven, sessfully struck the Shentong Realm at eight, bing the youngest Shentong Realm powerhouse in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, and entered the Tianjian Sect, the first among the top ten sects of the Great Qin Dynasty, and became its direct disciple at ten years old.


    Now at just twenty, Xiao Tianjiao had sessfully stepped into the Tao Tribtion Realm and was hailed as the hope of the rise of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    The entire nation eagerly awaited his advance into the Longevity Secret Realm, bing the first evesting giant since the founding of the Great Qian Dynasty.


    Because of Xiao Tianjiao''s existence, the Xiao Family, which used to be a minor household, became the hottest noble family in the Great Qian Dynasty overnight, receiving gifts from the Holy Emperor himself during the holidays.


    One could say that there was not a person in the Qingtian Realm who did not know the name Xiao Tianjiao.


    As for Xiao Yi...


    Under the dazzling light of his brother Xiao Tianjiao, he was without any presence at all. Everyone who saw him would only say how fortunate your life is, to have such an outstanding brother.


    In everyone''s eyes, Xiao Yi was truly lucky¡ªhis brother was the number one talent of the age, and also the Saint Heir of the number one sect of the Great Qian Dynasty. Just giving him a little bit of resources could make him a top-notch expert.


    But the reality was that when Xiao Yi turned ten, Xiao Tianjiao strictly forbade him from continuing his cultivation.


    Even the most basic body tempering was not allowed.


    ording to Xiao Tianjiao, having him as the one dragon in the Xiao Family was enough.


    He disliked the thought that when people mentioned him, they would remember he had a brother sharing the same blood, who was nothing more than an ordinary mortal with mediocre talent.


    That would tarnish his perfect image.


    If not for Xiao Yi''s mother, who protected him with her life, Xiao Tianjiao''s methods would have long since made him silently disappear from the world, forever eliminating any future trouble.


    Because of this...


    For the past eight years, he had been imprisoned in the most secluded courtyard in the depths of the Xiao Family. Even so, Xiao Tianjiao was still not at ease. To prevent Xiao Yi from escaping, he even arranged for two Shentong Realm powerhouses to watch over Xiao Yi, who was only at the Physical Body Realm, at all times.


    If it weren''t for his mother, who secretly sent him some books and passed him some news, he wouldn''t even know who the current emperor was.


    However.


    The mother who was the only one to cherish him also died suddenly three years ago. Since then, Xiao Yi had not taken a step out of the courtyard for three full years, as if the whole Xiao Family had forgotten about him.


    And today...


    Xiao Zhengde suddenly ordered for him to be called in.


    It had been two hours since he arrived at the great hall, yet Xiao Zhengde and Xiao Tianjiao acted as if they had never seen him.


    Looking at the two, high above and happily conversing, Xiao Yi''s heart turned cold as ice.


    Eighteen years.


    Living for eighteen years like the air, he was long ustomed to being ignored.


    There is no greater sorrow than a dead heart.


    Standing in the vast hall, facing what should be the closest rtives in this world, Xiao Yi was only left with loneliness and tranquility.


    After another half hour, it seemed Xiao Zhengde only then remembered Xiao Yi''s existence. As he turned around, the sycophantic and ingratiating smile on his face vanished, reced by cold indifference, disgust, and loathing. It seemed he was toozy to say more to Xiao Yi and said dismissively, "Go back and prepare. You will leave for Nanhuang City in the Tianqing Kingdom three days from now..."


    "The Tianqing Kingdom?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback. The Tianqing Kingdom was a small country subordinate to the Great Qian Dynasty, bordering the vast and barren wilderness, a forsaken ce where no bird wouldy its eggs. He frowned and asked, "What am I to do there?"


    Xiao Zhengde said impatiently, "Your brother..."


    "Hmph!"


    Xiao Tianjiao snorted coldly, his expression showing a bit of displeasure and disgust.


    In his eyes, being Xiao Yi''s brother was a great shame.


    "Oh my, I misspoke..."


    Xiao Zhengde hastily said a word of appeasement, and, seeing Xiao Tianjiao''s expression slightly mollify, he continued, "The fire dragon of Tian''er took a liking to the Silver Winged Sword Dragon kept by the Fang Family in Nanhuang as their n guardian beast. Yet the Fang Family absurdly thinks to climb up by this connection with our Xiao Family, stubbornly refusing to hand over the Silver Winged Sword Dragon. After discussing it, we decided unanimously to have you marry into the Fang Family to be their son-inw in exchange for that Silver Winged Sword Dragon!"


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Thump!


    Xiao Yi felt as if there were no sounds in the world except for his own heartbeat and the cold expressions of Xiao Zhengde and Xiao Tianjiao. His usually tranquil mind, like still ancient wells, was now churning with shockwaves.


    To be sold off like goods just because Xiao Tianjiao''s mount, the fire dragon, took a fancy to the Silver Winged Sword Dragon? To be sent to the Fang Family as a live-in son-inw?


    Xiao Yi''s head was spinning.


    Incredulous.


    Even though for over a dozen years Xiao Zhengde ignored him, and Xiao Tianjiao saw him as a stain and a disgrace, having imprisoned him for eight long years and prevented him from cultivating any cultivation techniques or martial skills, he had endured it all.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi''s face was full of bitterness, and with thest glimmer of hope in his eyes, he looked at the brother he once idolized and said in a deep voice, "Is this what you want?"


    Xiao Tianjiao nced at him indifferently, his face showing dispassion.


    It seemed even speaking to Xiao Yi was a disgrace to him.


    "This is the will of the entire n. Even though you''re useless, having stepped into the Physical Body Realm at eight years old and still remaining there after a full ten years, we have not mistreated you. You''ve nevercked for food or clothing. Now, it''s time for you to repay your debt..."


    Xiao Zhengde thought for a moment before continuing, "Today, I called you here to inform you, not to seek your opinion. You just need to follow our arrangements!"


    Just to inform me, huh?


    Indeed!


    Like my cultivation path, I don''t even have the right to choose!


    Xiao Yi looked up, his gaze intense, wanting to shout at the two of them that he was not useless, that he''d been stuck at the Physical Body Realm for ten years!


    It''s not that hecked talent for staying in the Physical Body Realm for ten years, but because the seal over something inside of his body had yet to be broken.


    But now...n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It doesn''t matter.


    There''s no need!


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath,pletely despairing of this family. His tense body gradually rxed, and the fists he had been clenching quietly uncurled. This family no longer held anything worth yearning for. Gritting his teeth, he replied each word with deliberate force, "Bing a son-inw of the Fang Family, right? I will go, but before I leave... I would like to pay respects to my mother!"


    His mother had suddenly passed away three years ago.


    Xiao Yi was confined to a small courtyard, unable to pay his respects to his mother, let alone hear of her death. It was only two monthster that he learned of her passing from the servants, and to this day he didn''t even know where her grave was.


    This was his only obsession with this family!


    However...


    Xiao Tianjiao looked at him with contempt, sneering, "There''s no need for you to pay respects to mother. I will do it myself."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned blood-red, his body shaking like chaff, and he growled through clenched teeth, "Xiao Tianjiao, she''s also my mother!"


    "No, from now on, she isn''t!"


    Xiao Tianjiao spoke calmly, "Your name has been struck from the family records. From this day forth, you will only be an idle son-inw in the Fang Family of Nanhuang and have no rtion to the Xiao Family."


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    A bolt from the blue!


    Upon hearing these words, Xiao Yi stumbled back three steps with his face turning deathly pale, and he bellowed hysterically, "Xiao Tianjiao, are those even human words you speak? Huh? Ashamed of me, you stripped away my right to cultivate, confined me like livestock for eight long years¡ªeight whole years! And now, do you even wish to strip away my right to pay respects to my mother?"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Tianjiao leaned forward slightly, proud and towering, looking down from on high at Xiao Yi, "I am a true dragon above the heavens, and you are nothing but a mudfish struggling in the mire. What right do you have to pay homage to my mother? We are people of two different worlds, and my world is far too high for you..."


    "Too high for me? Hahaha, what a ''too high for me''..."


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, his bloodshot eyes like two crimson moons, staring intently at Xiao Tianjiao and Xiao Zhengde, "Xiao Tianjiao, Xiao Zhengde, your bullying is too much... I swear, one day you will regret everything you have done today."


    "A vow, huh? An ant will always be an ant, and a vow is just a weakling''s futile struggle..."


    Xiao Tianjiao didn''t take Xiao Yi''s words to heart at all. He nced at Xiao Zhengde and said dispassionately, "Father, even with the Dragon Blood steeds running day and night, it would take five days to reach Nanhuang. The longer the night, the more dreams. Better for him to leave right now."


    "Right now? Fine," Xiao Zhengde agreed without the slightest hesitation.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s voice came again, "To prevent any mishaps along the way or his escape, it''s best to knock him unconscious and have someone deliver him directly to the Fang Family."


    Face filled with grief and anger, blood-red eyes brimming with towering rage, Xiao Yi red at Xiao Tianjiao, "Xiao Tianjiao, your tyranny is..."


    Bang!


    Before Xiao Yi could finish his words, he was struck by a palm from Xiao Tianjiao and sent flying. The violent wind filled his mouth, preventing him from uttering the rest of his words, and then he mmed into a pir with a thud.


    Everything went ck, and he fell into a deep faint.


    However...


    Nobody noticed that in the moment before Xiao Yi lost consciousness, his field of vision, which had turned pitch ck, was suddenly pierced by a dazzling light.


    It was as though invisible colossal hands ripped through the darkness,pletely engulfing his consciousness.


    In an instant.


    The darkness before Xiao Yi dispersed, and looking ahead, he found himself amidst a boundless expanse of starry sky. Countless stars spilled before his eyes, massive ones whizzing past, stirring ripples of space that stretched for billions of miles.


    Vast, majestic, endless, boundless.


    Not far in front of him in the starry sky, there floated a ck mausoleum, ancient and enormous, suspended right there, with four huge ck dragons, their bodies like ck iron, coiled around the tomb, their heads and tails linked.


    Inside that mausoleum, nine sky-supporting pirs stood tall between heaven and earth, as if piercing the entire cosmos. Eighty-one massive ck chains stretched from the top of the pirs into the boundless void, firmly locking onto eighty-one suns radiating intense and scorching light.


    The fierce mes emitted from each of the eighty-one suns could incinerate a whole realm, yet they were restrained by the ck chains, staunchly supporting the mysterious dark mausoleum.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t contain the shock in his heart as he looked toward the entrance of the mausoleum. Two azure pirs nked the gate, each inscribed with a line of blood-red characters, simr to a couplet.


    On the left: A thousand tribtions, a hundred hardships, through ancient times in the blink of an eye!


    On the right: An immortal body, an indestructible soul, who can rival throughout ancient and modern times?


    Connecting the two azure pirs was a ck que, inscribed with four earth-shaking characters...


    Eternal! Celestial! Tomb!


    PS: Xiao Tian has created a public ount. Just search for "Ye Tiandi" to find it. Xiao Tian will post some extras and the like there, I hope everyone will join!

 Chapter 2 The Eternal Celestial Tomb

    ```


    Gazing at the enormous ck mausoleum before him, Xiao Yi was overwhelmed with shock.


    Everything he saw was beyond hisprehension.


    To construct a mausoleum in the endless starry sky, using the legendary true dragon as walls, and firmly anchoring eighty-one proud suns, what kind of terrifying existence could possess such means?


    "The Eternal Celestial Tomb..."


    Xiao Yi hesitated before pushing open the great doors of the mausoleum.


    The doors seemed to have not been opened for a long time, emitting creaking noises.


    ng!


    The gates swung open.


    A surge of air burst forth, forming an enormous tornado that whisked past Xiao Yi, shooting out ten thousand miles away, extinguishing stars and dimming the sun and moon in its path.


    As everything dispersed, a series of chaotic tombs appeared before him.


    "The tomb of the Qingyun Sword Saint, this... Is this the number one swordsman of the Qingtian Realm from eighty thousand years ago, who was known to split heaven with a single sword? Wasn''t it said that he vanished after his battle with the Martial God Zhan Wuji? How could he be buried here?"


    As far as the eye could see, there were only tombs with names engraved on the steles that shocked Xiao Yi, prompting repeated exmations, "The tomb of the Grandmaster of Formation, the Double Star Taoist? The tomb of the Medicine Saint Feng Lei? The tomb of the Martial God Zhan Wuji? My God, what is going on? Weren''t all of these beings legends who dominated their time and ascended to the celestial realm? They... They are all dead? And buried here? What on earth is happening..."


    Whether it was the Qingyun Sword Saint, the Double Star Taoist, or the Martial God Zhan Wuji...


    Each of them was a super-powerful being well-known in the Qingtian Realm.


    The Qingyun Sword Saint, whose Green Lotus Sword Song dominated all three realms; the Double Star Taoist, who could trap immortals with a wave of his hand in his formations; the Medicine Saint Feng Lei, whose profound alchemical skills were revered; and Zhan Wuji, widely recognized as the Martial God, who withstood the ascension tribtion with his mortal body, dispelling thousands of miles of tribtion clouds with a single punch, capable of annihting millions of powerful beings.


    Besides them, there were many other names that Xiao Yi had never heard of, who, being buried alongside Zhan Wuji, must undoubtedly also be beings of the same caliber.


    Yet, such mighty beings...


    They had all died?


    And were buried in this mysterious mausoleum.


    Before this...


    He only knew that the reason he had always remained at the Physical Body Realm was due to a mysterious seal inside him that had not been unlocked.


    But when the seal was unlocked, what appeared before him was this strange and eerie mausoleum, leaving him uncertain whether to feel joy or sorrow.


    "Exactly who built this mausoleum, burying so many powerful beings... And how did it end up within me?" Xiao Yi looked towards the depths of the graveyard. This was merely the outermost area, where the tombs were low and simple, where even the tomb of someone as strong as Zhan Wuji was just a few stones piled up.


    The tombs of mighty beings like the Qingyun Sword Saint were nothing more than a mound of yellow soil.


    Although the deeper parts of the mausoleum were shrouded in mist, one could still vaguely make out that the deeper into the mausoleum, the tombs became increasingly taller and more extravagant.


    Especially at the very center of the mausoleum, where one could faintly see nine pyramid-like golden tombs that stood between heaven and earth like piercing swords, with brilliant golden light radiating from those tombs. As his gaze reached the top of the pyramid, a tomb there infused his brow with an invincible aura that seemed to dere supremacy over all beneath heaven and earth.


    "The Divine Enthronement Stele finds its master, the Heaven-Subduing Divine General resumes its position! Subduing the heavens, sealing divinity, and extinguishing immortals!"


    At the same time, a voice containing supreme authority sounded within his mind, and a ck stele suddenly rose from the ground in front of him.


    As the voice fell, countless glyphs and information flooded into his mind, morphing into a scripture of cultivation.


    The "Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill".


    "One sand grain, one world; one grass, one universe. Using the body as a tomb, sealing divinity with the tomb, wielding power to subdue immortals, awakening the cells within the body, evolving the God Sealing Seed, absorbing the legacies of the powerful within the celestial tomb, suppressing immortals and sealing gods!"


    Boom!


    At that moment, Xiao Yi''s body shook violently.


    Countless natural energies from heaven and earth converged within his body. With a crisp pop, divine light burst forth from him. At this odd moment, Xiao Yi could see his entire body as though he had a God''s-eye view, with his body appearing transparent, and the eighty million God Sealing Seeds like stars in the night sky.


    At this moment.


    One of the stars shed its surfaceyer of murky film and shone with an iparably dazzling divine light.


    This God Sealing Seed was fully activated, and the surging energy feedback caused Xiao Yi''s cultivation to continuously break through.


    First Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    Second Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    Third Layer of the Physical Body Realm...


    He progressed all the way to the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm before stopping.


    At the same time, an inconspicuous tomb in front of him was suppressed in an instant, and the legacy of its inhabitant was absorbed immediately, a cultivation technique named "Eight Extremes Fist," which he mastered on the spot.


    "Heaven-Subduing Divine General?"


    ```


    Looking at his continuously advancing body and the legacy that had unexpectedly appeared within, Xiao Yi''s eyes shed with a glint of puzzlement, for he could feel it, an earth-shattering change had taken ce in him at this moment, even his mind and nature had undergone a transformation.


    It seemed as if he himself were that Heaven Subduing Godly General! With the power to subdue the heavens, proudly looking down upon all existence.


    Even the Martial Saints and War Gods appeared so insignificant in his eyes!


    And what about his genius brother, Xiao Tianjiao? He was no more than an ant.


    This consciousness instantly etched itself deep into his bones!


    "Xiao Zhengde, Xiao Tianjiao, you treat me as rubbish, you shame me, you imprisoned me for eight long years. You forced me into an arranged marriage, and even took away my right to pay respects to my own mother... One day, I will return to the Xiao Family, and you will know who the real waste is!"


    With this thought, Xiao Yi suddenly felt a loud noise from outside, pulling his thoughts back to reality.


    His eyes opened, and he was in a simple bedroom.


    At this moment...


    The door had been violently smashed open, half of the broken door panel was lying on the ground, while the other half hung on the door frame creaking, a hulking figure was grabbing the wrist of a slender silhouette, pressing her down on a table, and sneered, "Heh heh, Fang Qingzhu, you pride yourself as the favoreddy of heaven and look down on me, huh? Today, I''ll force myself upon you right in front of your waste of a husband, and what can you do about it? Hahaha..."


    The woman being pressed down on the wooden table had a graceful figure, and although her face could not be seen, her voice was incredibly melodious, like that of an otherworldly fairy, "Fang Ao, my husband is a man of the Xiao Family, dare you touch me?"


    "The Xiao Family? If you married Xiao Tianjiao, I would pack my things and flee immediately, not even daring to nce at you. However..."


    Fang Ao, tall and burly, with a cultivation that had reached the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, looked at Fang Qingzhu''s stunning face with hot and greedy eyes, "What you married is nothing but the waste that the Xiao Family cast aside. Forget about him being unconscious now¡ªeven if he woke up, I would dare to force myself upon you right in front of him!"


    Despair and bitterness covered the beautiful face of Fang Qingzhu.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She was the favored daughter of heaven from the Fang Family.


    When news spread that Xiao Tianjiao wanted to acquire the Silver Winged Sword Dragon, the Fang Family proposed an alliance through marriage, and everyone thought she would marry Xiao Tianjiao. Even being a lesser, unloved concubine would have elevated the Fang Family''s status, making them the number one n in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    For this reason, the Fang Family unanimously chose Fang Qingzhu as the sessor to the family head.


    However...


    Only three days prior, when the unconscious Xiao Yi was delivered to the Fang Family, did everyone realize they had been tricked.


    The two families indeed had a matrimonial alliance.


    But the bridegroom was not Xiao Tianjiao, but Xiao Yi, the waste expelled from the Xiao Family''s n records.


    What''s more...


    Xiao Tianjiao, worrying about a wife overpowering her husband, had Fang Qingzhu''s dantian destroyed, iming concern that Xiao Yi would be at a disadvantage in the Fang Family. Fang Qingzhu, a woman of heavenly favor and peak Qi Gathering Realm cultivator at eighteen, was reduced to a cripple on her wedding day.


    Together with Xiao Yi, they were truly a couple of wastes.


    The Fang Family not only lost the Silver Winged Sword Dragon but Fang Qingzhu, their favored daughter of heaven, was also reduced to a cripple because of Xiao Yi.


    In the end, they got nothing but a discarded waste of a son-inw from the Xiao Family, turning the affair into a colossal joke in Nanhuang.


    In a fit of rage, the head of the Fang Family threw Xiao Yi out to this small courtyard, left unattended.


    Only Fang Qingzhu was there to take care of him.


    Whenever Fang Ao thought about how he had schemed to pursue Fang Qingzhu, only to be repeatedly rejected, whilst she willingly took meticulous care of Xiao Yi, the one responsible for her dantian being destroyed, for three days and nights, he couldn''t help but feel enraged, gritting his teeth and asking, "Fang Qingzhu, what are you really after by doing this?"


    Lying on the bed, Xiao Yi heard the conversation between the two and his body involuntarily shook.


    He was very aware of the reason Xiao Tianjiao had destroyed Fang Qingzhu''s dantian. In Xiao Tianjiao''s eyes, Xiao Yi was a waste, and his woman could only be a waste too, regardless of Fang Qingzhu being innocent and uninvolved. He was adamant about ruining her.


    Because he would not allow Xiao Yi to have even the slightest chance of escaping the identity of a waste.


    What he didn''t expect, however...


    Was Fang Qingzhu''s decision.


    Far from resenting him, she actually took great care by his bedside for three days and nights.


    You have to understand.


    Fang Qingzhu had just had her dantian destroyed and was in a period of weakness herself.


    What was she really after by doing this?


    Not even Fang Ao understood, and Xiao Yi was full of doubts as well.


    Apparently realizing she could not break free, Fang Qingzhu stopped struggling. Tears rolled down from the corners of her eyes, and although her voice was soft, her stance was resolute, "To follow the husband like the hen follows the rooster, the dog follows the dog... Now that I have married Xiao Yi, we are husband and wife..."


    "What a fine saying¡ªto follow the husband... You''d rather suffer with this waste than be with me? Very well, I will, right in front of him, make you..."


    Fang Ao''s face contorted with fury as he roared.


    But before he could finish his words, he heard a cold voice from behind, "If you don''t want to die, I suggest you stop!"

 Chapter 3 Beating Up Fang Ao

    "Hmm?"


    Fang Ao and Fang Qingzhu were both startled.


    Fang Ao turned around to look, only to see Xiao Yi already walking down from the bed, looking at him with an indifferent face. Vaguely, Fang Ao felt as if he was facing a bloodthirsty tiger, the sharpness in his eyes causing him a pain as if being pricked by needles and sliced by knives.


    "You trash actually woke up?"


    Fang Ao was stunned, then immediately grabbed Fang Qingzhu''s hair, his face bearing a brilliant smile, "A piece of trash dares defy me, you''ve woken up just in time. Open your eyes wide and see how I take pleasure with your woman right before your eyes!"


    Xiao Yi patted the wrinkles on his clothes, his gaze calm as he looked at Fang Ao, "Make another move, and I''ll kill you!"


    Even though he had not a single shred of affection for Fang Qingzhu, the mere fact that she had taken care of him day and night for the past three days, not to mention hermitment to ''follow the man she married,'' had made it absolutely forbidden for Xiao Yi to allow anyone to harm her!


    Fang Ao was taken aback, sizing up Xiao Yi with a strangeugh, "You think you are Xiao Tianjiao? If it were Xiao Tianjiao saying this, I would immediately kneel down and crawl out of here. What are you worth? Be smart and just stand there and watch how I y with her. If you dare to spoil my fun again, I''ll make you regret ever being born!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes carried a sense of despair. If her cultivation was still intact, a mere Fang Ao wouldn''t even be worthy of consideration.


    But now...


    Her cultivation had been wasted, and she was no match for Fang Ao.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As for Xiao Yi?


    He was nothing more than an outcast of the Xiao Family, so what prowess could he have to protect her?


    Fang Qingzhu''s gaze toward Xiao Yi was filled with despairing indifference, "Don''t worry about me, you''re no match for him..."


    "You cheap woman, you are still defending him until now? I''ll do you right in front of him..."


    Fury burned in Fang Ao, his eyes filled with greed and fervor as he reached for Fang Qingzhu''s chest.


    Xiao Yi shook his head lightly, his face turning cold, "Clueless about death!"


    By the time he lifted his head again,


    his calm face showed a hint of indifference, and with a sudden stomp of his feet, there was a muffled bang.


    Xiao Yi, like an arrow released from its bow, shot out like a burst, carrying a violent gale of wind around him, with the sound of a sonic boom, he threw a punch at Fang Ao¡ªit was the Mountain Thrust from "Eight Extremes Fist."


    Powerful and forceful, with tremendous might and heavy force.


    "You trash, get out of my way!"


    Fang Ao didn''t take Xiao Yi seriously at all and turned around to throw a punch.


    His cultivation was also at the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, and a casual punch carried the impact of thousands of pounds, enough to shatter a tiger''s skull with a single blow.


    In Fang Ao''s view, he was at the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, while Xiao Yi was just a piece of trash discarded by the Xiao Family.


    There was no way he could block this punch.


    Even Fang Qingzhu closed her eyes in despair.


    Bang!


    The fists of the two collided mid-air like closebat, creating two gusts of wind in opposite directions that filled the simple bedroom.


    Rumble!


    The old table splintered into pieces, broken wood chips flying everywhere.


    Xiao Yi did not move an inch.


    As for Fang Ao, his face turned shades of pale and green, retreating seven steps and stopping only when his back hit the wall.


    Crack crack crack!


    Fang Ao discharged the remaining force of the impact onto the wall behind him, and cracks spread across the wall like a spider''s web.


    Wow!


    Fang Ao spat out a mouthful of blood, his legs went weak as he knelt on the ground, struggling to raise his head and look at Xiao Yi with disbelief, "How do you have such strong strength?"


    Xiao Yi rubbed his fist lightly, ncing down and said indifferently, "Trash."


    "You mongrel dare to call me trash, go to hell!" Fang Ao let out an enraged roar, his voice also turning cold,


    "Mountain Splitting Fist!"


    Fang Ao didn''t wait for Xiao Yi to speak and snorted coldly, his feet thudding on the ground.


    The punch came down like an axe splitting a mountain, heavy and powerful.


    In the Heavenly Yuan Realm, martial techniques are divided into ten grades, each with three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The "Mountain Splitting Fist" was a first-grade beginner-level martial technique.


    Fang Ao had been practicing this boxing technique since he was young, reaching the pinnacle of mastery with his fists zing with powerful intent.


    The terrifying fist wind howled towards him, with a force that could split mountains and shatter rocks effortlessly.


    "Be careful!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes split with anger as she cried out a warning, "The Mountain Splitting Fist has great momentum and heavy force, don''t meet it head-on, quick, dodge!"


    Fang Ao sneered, "It''s already toote!"


    Indeed, it was toote!


    His punch came like a sudden storm, leaving no room to avoid it.


    Facing such a fierce assault from Fang Ao, Xiao Yi remained expressionless, instead taking a deep breath that chilled his body.


    His eyes sharpened like never before, and all of a sudden, Xiao Yi took a step forward.


    "Seeking death!"


    Seeing Xiao Yi rushing towards him, Fang Ao''s face grew even more ferocious, his eyes blood-red, exuding a biting chill that seemed eager to devour.


    However...


    The Xiao Yi in front of him suddenly ducked, allowing Fang Ao''s punch to whiz past his shoulder. Following closely, Xiao Yi spun around, his back facing Fang Ao, and with bent legs, he thrust himself forward powerfully, like a bowstring snapping back, and his back collided with a boom against Fang Ao''s chest.


    In an instant, Fang Ao''splexion turned deathly pale, feeling a sharp pain in his chest as if several ribs were broken.


    Aow!


    Immediately afterwards, a terrible scream rang out from Fang Ao''s mouth.


    Shot out like an arrow, he flew more than ten meters before sliding another seven or eight meters across the courtyard and hitting the wall, onlying to a stop then. Cracks spread all around the wall, as if a breeze might topple it.


    Boom!


    The whole courtyard shook violently.


    Fang Ao leaned against the wall, his face ashen, blood spurting from his seven orifices, looking at Xiao Yi with horror, "You, you..."


    He was too shocked to finish his sentence.


    Fang Qingzhu''s pretty face was filled with astonishment. Everything had happened in the blink of an eye, leaving her momentarily disoriented.


    Xiao Yi walked up to Fang Ao, looking down at him from above, "The title of ''good-for-nothing'' suits you perfectly!"


    "Xiao, Xiao... wah..."


    Hatred filled Fang Ao''s eyes as he ground his teeth. Just as he started to speak, he spat out another mouthful of blood and gasped for breath before slowly regaining someposure. "You''re done for..." he hissed through his teeth. "Just wait, when my brotheres back, he will take your life... and when that timees, both you and that bitch Fang Qingzhu will die..."


    "By then, you won''t be able to see it!" Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly narrowed, a cold gleam flitted across his eyes as he raised his foot to stomp toward Fang Ao''s head.


    "Stop..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s voice suddenly came from inside the house.


    Xiao Yi paused, frowning as he looked towards her.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face was unable to hide the shock in her heart as she panted heavily and said, "Fang Ao''s younger brother Fang Jin is a master of the Tenth Layer of the Gather Qi Realm, and he is at the Royal Martial Arts Academy for assessment. Once he returns, it''s very likely he will be a Shentong Realm expert. If you kill Fang Ao, Fang Jin will definitely not let you go..."


    Xiao Yi''s brow furrowed slightly.


    Tenth Layer of the Gather Qi Realm?


    He, the Divine General of Zhentian, whomanded the Eternal Mausoleum of the Ages, how could he fear anything?


    Seeing Xiao Yi hesitate, Fang Ao mistook it for fear of Fang Jin and showed a triumphant look. Proudly he said, "So now you''re afraid? Kek, it''s toote... But, if you kneel in front of me now, beg for mercy, and personally bring Fang Qingzhu cleaned and delivered to my bed, I might consider asking my brother to spare you a dog''s life!"


    "I intended to kill you right now, but since you are so confident in Fang Jin, I shall spare your dog life and let you witness how he dies by my hand!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head gently, and under Fang Ao''s horrified gaze, he forcefully stomped down.


    Puh!


    The stompnded squarely on Fang Ao''s groin, a yellow fluid mixing with the blood flowing from beneath him.


    Fang Ao''s body stiffened utterly, his face turning a ghastly shade of green, veins on his forehead popping like angry dragons.


    Aowu...


    With a miserable howl, Fang Aopletely lost consciousness.


    Xiao Yi, with an expressionless face, grabbed the cor of the unconscious man and threw him out of the courtyard...

 Chapter 4 A Thousand Miles in One Day

    Only Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu were left in the courtyard.


    Gazing at the woman before him, Xiao Yi felt a twinge of guilt. If not for him, Fang Qingzhu would not have lost her cultivation. Taking a deep breath, he said, "I''m sorry, I''ve dragged you down!"


    "It has nothing to do with you. This must be my fate!" Fang Qingzhu forced a bitter smile and mocked herself.


    Seeing the self-mockery and unwillingness on Fang Qingzhu''s pale face, Xiao Yi frowned and said solemnly, "Don''t worry, I will take responsibility for you!"


    "Responsibility?"


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi oddly and shook her head with a cold sneer, unsure if she was mocking him or herself, "A dying person, and you still talk of responsibility? Fang Jin is very domineering and protective. Since you''ve crippled Fang Ao, he will definitely not let you off, and even I will face a lot of trouble..."


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "If he dares to touch you, I will kill him!"


    "Xiao! Yi!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s phoenix eyes suddenly narrowed, and she called out his name coldly, pausing with each word, "Can''t you be a little more self-aware? What is your cultivation level? And what is Fang Jin''s strength? He is a powerful practitioner at the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, who could step into the Divine Passage Realm at any time. With what will you kill him? How will you protect me? Just because you belong to the Xiao Family? The Xiao Family does not acknowledge you, do you understand?"


    Xiao Yi fell silent.


    Depend on the Xiao Family?


    Ever since that day, he had long stopped considering himself a member of the Xiao Family.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s silence, the frostiness on Fang Qingzhu''s face eased slightly, and she sighed, "Don''t worry. There are still three months before Fang Jin returns. I will try my best to dy him and strive to save your life. I''m a bit tired. You get some rest, and I will have someone send you food."


    "Fang Qingzhu..."


    Xiao Yi opened his mouth, but Fang Qingzhu didn''t turn back and walked straight toward the door.


    Looking at her thinning back, Xiao Yi clenched his fists and muttered to himself, "No matter what, you ended up like this because of me. I will change your fate!"


    The Eternal Tomb was filled with countless experts, including many specialists with strange abilities.


    People like Medicine Saint Feng Lei, Immortal Medicine King Xue Shengyi, and so on.


    As long as he could inherit the teachings of any one of them, there would certainly be a way to cure Fang Qingzhu, "Once this debt is settled, I will leave the Fang Family!"


    He had initially agreed to be a son-inw to the Fang Family to escape Xiao Tianjiao''s control. However, this incident forced him to stay within the Fang Family. At least, he needed to help Fang Qingzhu recover her Dantian so he could leave without any regrets.


    However...


    To earn the inheritance of Feng Lei or the Immortal Medicine King with his current strength was far from sufficient.


    The Physical Body Realm was just the basic stage of martial arts.


    Above it were the Qi Gathering Realm, the Divine Passage Realm, the Golden Core Realm, the Tao Tribtion Realm, and so on...


    He was currently at the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. Even though he had inherited Wu Zhong''s legacy and mastered the Eight Extremes Fist, which wasparable to a top-grade martial art, making hisbat power no weaker than an ordinary warrior at the Eighth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, killing him would be as easy as crushing an ant for someone like Fang Jin at the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, let alone Xiao Tianjiao.


    "There are still three months before Fang Jin returns, three months is enough."


    If outsiders heard Xiao Yi''s words, they would likely think he was mad.


    Fang Jin was at the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while he was merely at the Fifth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. Three months to surpass Fang Jin, break through to the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm?


    Even Xiao Tianjiao, hailed as the strongest genius in the history of the Great Qian Dynasty, took two full years to break through from the Physical Body Realm to the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    And Xiao Yi imed three months would suffice?


    That was pure fantasy!


    But that was just what the world thought.


    With the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill and the control over the Eternal Tomb, these were not difficult feats for Xiao Yi.


    "One flower one world, one leaf one universe..."


    Xiao Yi focused entirely on his cultivation.


    The Physical Body Realm involved absorbing the essence of heaven and earth to refine the body, and the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill''s absorption of this essence was far more rapid than ordinary techniques.


    The speed of his cultivation could be described as skyrocketing.


    Two dayster, Xiao Yi entered the Sixth Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    In four days, the Seventh Layer of the Physical Body Realm, in six days the Eighth Layer, and by the tenth day, he had already reached the Ninth Layer of the Physical Body Realm.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of turbid air and shook his head reluctantly, "After reaching the Ninth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, the pace has slowed. Indeed, the farther one goes in cultivation, the harder it gets¡­ I''m now at the Ninth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. I wonder how many God Sealing Seeds I can activate with the essence umted inside me?"


    He channeled his profound energy, directing the essence to surge wildly into the God Sealing Seeds.


    As flush after flush washed over them, the ck membrane on the surface of the God Sealing Seeds continued to shatter.


    Pop!


    One.


    Two.


    Three...


    When all the umted essence inside Xiao Yi was depleted, he had activated a total of four God Sealing Seeds. The surging power of the God Sealing Seeds burst forth from within, feeding back into his body.


    His body shuddered, and his cultivation improved further, stepping into the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm!


    "Now that I hold five Divine Sealing Seeds, should I be able to suppress another formidable being?"


    Xiao Yi made a move and entered the Wan Gu Tian Tomb.


    A search ensued.


    His target settled on a small grave just one foot tall. Wu Zhong''s tombstone had only been two inches high, whereas the wooden tombstone before him stood a full ten feet tall, with the inscription: Jin Wuheng from the Heavenly Yuan Realm, known as the Death-dealing Schr!


    "The Death-dealing Schr, Jin Wuheng? Could it really be him?" Xiao Yi was visibly surprised.


    The Death-dealing Schr, one sword to chase the soul!


    This Jin Wuheng was a figure famous in the Great Qian Dynasty a hundred years ago, originally one of the four great talents of the Great Qian Dynasty, who had turned to the demonic path after being betrayed by his beloved. He had killed countless people in his life and once, with the Seventh Layer of the Divine Skills Realm, he had killed an expert of the Golden Core Realm before leaving without a trace, leaving behind a formidable reputation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His signature move, the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword, was an advanced third-grade sword technique.


    "Death-dealing Schr, Jin Wuheng, you will be the second being I''ll suppress!" With a firm step, Xiao Yi''s body resonated with the sound of the Divine Seeds, erupting into a brilliant light all around him.


    Hum!


    A myriad of lights gathered into a giant palm that swept down towards the grave.


    Boom!


    The tomb shattered apart.


    A figure emerged as a streak of light.


    This man was dressed like a schr, holding a Green Peak Longsword, with a coldplexion, eyebrows sharp as swords, and eyes bright like the stars.


    With only a nce at Xiao Yi, devoid of joy or sorrow, a sword swept in from the west.


    Whoosh!


    The sword light soared to the sky, like a world-shaking rainbow.


    The sharp Sword Qi whistled in all directions, and in an instant, it appeared in front of Xiao Yi, pursuing him from every angle. These Sword Qi were so refined they were like meticulously crafted mysterious iron longswords. Before they drew near, they caused Xiao Yi''s body to feel waves of intense pain.


    "No matter how dazzling your former achievements were, now you must be suppressed by me!"


    With a single hand reaching into the void, he fully activated the Divine Seed. That giant palm reemerged in the air, and with a humming sound, it formed a massive ck cage that with a loud roar blocked the myriad of sword edges and descended from above, imprisoning Jin Wuheng within the cage with a bang.


    "Godly Suppression of Heaven, to suppress all under heaven..."


    The five Divine Seeds shone brilliantly, and bathed in divine light Xiao Yi roared, "Suppress!"


    Boom!


    The figure of the Death-dealing Schr dissipated into nothing, solidifying within the Divine Seeds into a statue of a schr holding a three-foot Green Edge Sword, sessfully suppressing the Death-dealing Schr, Jin Wuheng.


    Boom!


    At the same moment.


    A cool sensation spread throughout his body, and in the depths of Xiao Yi''s mind emerged the cultivation method for the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword. Deeply embedded into the recesses of his mind, this sword technique that once forged Jin Wuheng''s formidable reputation, every move and every form, along with Jin Wuheng''s understanding of swordsmanship, all merged for Xiao Yi''s use.


    Without discussing Xiao Yi''s currentbat capabilities, just the theoretical grasp of swordsmanship alone was now no weaker than that of a swordsman who had devoted dozens of years to the pursuit.


    Beyond that.


    What surprised Xiao Yi was that even Jin Wuheng''s expertise in appraising antique calligraphy and paintings had been transferred to him.


    This Jin Wuheng too was an incredibly learned individual, renowned for his unique insights into antique calligraphy and painting, which turned out to be a fine acquisition.


    "Who would have thought that the Death-dealing Schr, infamous enough to strike fear upon being mentioned, aside from his exceptional talent in swordsmanship, also had such aplishments in painting and calligraphy!"


    Xiao Yi chuckled and shook his head, suddenly aware of someone entering the courtyard, he promptly left the Wan Gu Tian Tomb.


    Inside the courtyard.


    An elderly woman with a face full of wrinkles walked in. This was Mei Auntie, sent by Fang Qingzhu to bring food to Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Mei Auntie, what brings you here so early today?"


    Mei Auntie cast a cold nce at Xiao Yi, her eyes filled with disgust, and said indifferently, "If it weren''t for the Miss''s request, do you think this old woman would be willing to bring food to a scourge like you?"


    Xiao Yi managed a bitter smile; Mei Auntie had never shown a pleasant expression towards him in all these ten days.


    Bang!


    Mei Auntie threw the food on the ground, saying coldly, "The Miss asked me to tell you that in ten days, the family head will have his birthday feast. Here is one hundred silver coins; go and buy yourself a new set of clothes. She will prepare the birthday gift for you." Throwing a bag of Silver Coins at Xiao Yi, Mei Auntieined, "You wretch, you''ve not only ruined the Miss''s dantian, but now she might even lose her position as the heir. If you dare do anything to wrong her, I won''t let you off!"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, then frowned and asked, "What family heir?"


    "You don''t know?"


    Mei Auntie said coldly, "The Miss was originally the heir to the family head, but now that her cultivation is destroyed, and she''s married to someone who isn''t like Xiao Tianjiao, the family head has decided to pass the position to Fang Jin once he returns. A man who has discarded his dignity to be a live-in son-inw and can''t even protect his own wife; if I were you, I would simply hang myself with a rope..."


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath,pletely unaware of what Mei Auntie was talking about.


    "Mei Auntie, please tell Qingzhu that with me here, no one can touch her," Xiao Yi said seriously.


    "You? Forget it. You''ve already crippled Fang Ao, and I''ve heard that he has sworn that once Fang Jin returns, he''ll tear you to pieces. You can''t even protect yourself, yet you talk of protecting the Miss?"


    Mei Auntie rolled her eyes, then sighed and looked at Xiao Yi with a slightly softer expression, "But it''s good you have the intention; you don''t owe the Miss, who has been running around negotiating for you these days... I have other matters to attend to, so I must leave. Leave the food container by the door, and I''lle to fetch it. Remember to buy a set of clothes, and don''t embarrass the Miss any further!"


    With her hips swaying, Mei Auntie departed.


    Clenching the one hundred Silver Coins firmly in his hand, Xiao Yi''s gaze was sharp and determined, "Heir, you say? I dere it belongs to you, and no one can take it away..."

 Chapter 5 Goldlight Stone Spirit

    Nine days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Over these nine days, Xiao Yi''s cultivation had be increasingly stable, drawing ever closer to the Qi Gathering Realm.


    At noon, with the sun high in the sky,


    having risen early, Xiao Yi had already practiced the Eight Extremes Fist once and cultivated the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword for two hours.


    "Xiao Yi, time to eat."


    Mei''s voice came from outside the door. After what happened that day, Mei treated Xiao Yi a bit more gently. Seeing him drenched in sweat, she frowned and said, "Tomorrow is the family head''s birthday feast. Miss asked me to check how your clothes preparations are going."


    "I''ll go in a bit!"


    "You better take this seriously! The family head''s birthday feast will bring all the notable figures of Nanhuang City, many of whom have pursued the Miss. You might notpare to those talents, but you should at least dress decently..."


    Mei nagged, "The hundred silver taels the Miss gave you are enough to buy a fine outfit at the Treasure Pavilion. Remember to go, don''t embarrass the Miss again!"


    ...


    Treasure Pavilion was situated in the south of Nanhuang City, divided into an outer and an inner cab.


    The outer cab mainly consisted of street stalls with a dazzling variety of goods on offer¡ªeverything under the sun, but with no guarantee of authenticity amidst a mix of the genuine and the fake.


    The inner cab, however, dealt in high-end merchandise, extremely expensive; a single piece of clothing could cost dozens of silver taels, enough for a typical family of five to live on for half a year. It was rare for ordinary people to shop at the inner cab.


    "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes brightened as he passed a street stall.


    The stall owner was a thin old man with nothing but a ck iron dragon statue on his disy.


    "Goldlight Stone Spirit?"


    With the appraisal ability and experience in antiques and paintings he had acquired from the Life-taking Schrte, Xiao Yi could tell at a nce that there was something special about the statue; it was not an ordinary object.


    "How much for this statue?"


    The old man said, "Fifty silver taels!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shifted, he said, "I''ll take it!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The old man''s face brightened as he reached for the silver in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    But just then, azy voice came from the side, "I''ll take that statue, young master!"


    The neer was a brocade-d youth, lightly fanning himself, his face full of arrogance,pletely ignoring Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s expression turned slightly cold, "It seems I was the first to take interest in this statue, wasn''t I?"


    "So what if you saw it first? Ask the stall owner if he''ll sell to you," the youth scoffed, looking at the old man, "Old man, who do you n to sell this statue to?"


    The old man pretended to hesitate, "Indeed, this young brother was the first to show interest..."


    The youth casually said, "I''m offering a hundred taels!"


    The old man quickly looked to Xiao Yi.


    The youth taunted, "What''s the matter? Can''t afford a hundred taels?"


    "Quite a skilled performance,"


    Watching the youth and the old man, Xiao Yi sneered inwardly. Although they masked their intentions well, the small expressions they couldn''t keep in check didn''t escape his eyes.


    This little trick might fool others, but not the current him.


    "If you''re just shifting money from one hand to the other, then take it."


    After finishing his words, without another nce, Xiao Yi turned to leave. A statue containing a Goldlight Stone Spirit, although valuable, was of no great use to him¡ªhe was not about to waste his time ying childish tricks with this youth and the old man.


    "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi''s straightforward abandonment caught the old man and the youth off guard. They had used this tactic to provoke buyers many times before, and it was unexpected that this time it had failed.


    "Young brother, don''t leave. Although I love wealth, business is still about principles. You were the first to like this statue, so no matter how much others offer, I will sell it only to you for fifty taels, deal, and no going back!"


    Seeing the deal about to fall through, the youth immediately signaled the old man with his eyes. The old man hurriedly chased in front of Xiao Yi to deliver the statue, afraid that Xiao Yi would change his mind.


    "Deal!"


    Xiao Yi didn''t refuse, casually tossing the fifty silver taels to the old man, he prepared to leave.


    "Hahaha..."


    Once the transaction was settled, the youth suddenly burst intoughter, "Kid, I didn''t expect you actually had some insight, knowing I was maliciously bidding up the price and unwilling to spend more money. But what of it? This statue is just made from scrap iron, not even worth one silver tael. Fifty taels, I made a killing!"


    "What''s going on here?"


    "Didn''t he just try to outbid for the statue? Why is he suddenly saying it''s fake? Is he in cahoots with that old man?"


    The old man respectfully stepped forward, handing the fifty silver taels to the youth, and with a fawning expression said, "Lord Bao, brilliant!"


    "Damn, is this a scam?"


    "Lord Bao? Is he Lei Bao from the ck Tiger Gang?"


    Watching Xiao Yi get duped, the crowd felt no sympathy, only schadenfreude.


    Lei Bao flipped the fifty silver taels in his hand, "Kid, there''s no such thing as a free lunch. If it really were a priceless treasure, Lord Bao would have snatched it up long ago. Where would it be your turn? Hahaha..."


    "So full of himself, yet blind as a bat..."


    Xiao Yi nced once, and smiled coldly.


    Just at that moment...


    An elderly figure emerged from the crowd, heading straight for Xiao Yi, his eyes revealing interest, "Young man, I''m quite intrigued by this statue. May I take a look at it?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "Be my guest!"


    Elder Yan took the statue and scrutinized it carefully.


    The more he looked, the graver his expression became.


    Seeing this, Lei Bao showed a cold sneer, arrogantly saying, "Old man, you might as well not waste your time here. This is just scrap iron my master acquired for a silver tael, not anything valuable..."


    The old man simply turned to nce at Lei Bao, his tone indifferent, "I, Yan Mingli, have managed the Treasure Pavilion for thirty years. Do you think I can''t tell the difference between trash and treasure?"


    "What? Is he actually Yan Mingli?"


    "Holy shit, Elder Yan is the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, unrivaled in Nanhuang City for his ability to appraise treasures. And he''s actually interested in this statue? Could it be a rare treasure?"


    "A rare treasure?"


    Lei Bao waspletely dumbfounded.


    He had naturally heard the great name of Yan Mingli, the bigwig of Nanhuang City''s treasure appraisal scene. Swallowing his saliva with a gulp, Lei Bao tentatively said, "Elder Yan, you couldn''t possibly have misjudged, could you? This is really just a piece of scrap iron¡­"


    Smack!


    Elder Yan turned around and gave Lei Bao a p that saw stars in his eyes and snorted haughtily, "Even your father wouldn''t dare say I''ve misjudged." Gently caressing the statue with his palm, Elder Yan asked, "Young man, would you be willing to part with this statue?"


    Xiao Yi said, "If the price is right, naturally I''d sell!"


    Elder Yan tested the waters, "How about ten thousand silver taels?"


    Hiss!


    A collective gasp of shock went through the onlookers.


    Especially Lei Bao, whose eyes twitched and turned bloodshot as he stared fixedly at the statue in Elder Yan''s hands.


    Ten thousand silver taels!


    He had originally bought it for nothing more than a single tael, and now it was worth a ten-thousand-fold increase?


    He had just been smug about duping Xiao Yi out of fifty taels, thinking that Xiao Yi was a big-headed fool who didn''t know anything, and now in the blink of an eye, it was a treasure worth ten thousand taels?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "That pricecks sincerity!"


    "What?"


    "You find ten thousand taels too low?"


    More and more people gathered around, their eyes popping in disbelief as they saw Xiao Yi reject Elder Yan''s offer.


    Burning with jealousy, Lei Bao felt malice rising at his gall and immediately shouted, "Brat, how dare you speak to Elder Yan like that? Elder Yan taking a liking to your item is your good fortune; you should be offering it to him as a gift¡­"


    "..."


    Elder Yan, however,pletely ignored Lei Bao and after contemting for a moment, nodded and said, "The young man is right, a statue made from aplete Goldlight Stone, ten thousand taels is indeed too stingy of me. How about this, I offer fifty thousand taels, what do you say?"


    Boom!


    Lei Bao swayed, almost tumbling over.


    Fifty thousand taels?


    I was satisfied with setting up a plot for a mere hundred taels, but I ended up gifting away a treasure worth fifty thousand taels?


    Fuck me...


    Lei Bao wished he could p himself hard.


    "Still too low," Xiao Yiughed.


    "Hmm?"


    Elder Yan''s brow furrowed, a touch of displeasure on his face.


    Fifty thousand was already a very fair price, and yet Xiao Yi was still not satisfied?


    Xiao Yi sighed, "I had hoped that someone capable of managing the Treasure Pavilion would not disappoint me in his appraisal skills, but it seems I was mistaken!"


    Elder Yan''s face darkened.


    Having managed the Treasure Pavilion for over thirty years, he had seen countless treasures and no one had ever dared to question his appraisal expertise. Now Xiao Yi had the audacity to belittle him as such? Even for someone as tempered as Elder Yan, his face couldn''t hide the growing anger.


    Seeing this, Lei Bao''s heart leaped with joy, and he vehemently reprimanded, "How insolent! Elder Yan has seen more treasures than meals you''ve eaten; who are you to question his appraisal skills?"


    Xiao Yipletely ignored Lei Bao, his clear eyes focusing on Elder Yan, "If it were a statue made from Goldlight Stone, fifty thousand taels would indeed be fair. But what if it were crafted from the Goldlight Stone Spirit?"


    Hum!


    Elder Yan''s body shuddered, and he began to breathe rapidly, "Goldlight Stone Spirit? You mean to say this statue is made from the Goldlight Stone Spirit?"


    Xiao Yi said, "You''ll know once you try!"


    Elder Yan flicked his finger and pure Qi surged into the statue.


    Hum!


    The pitch-ck statue suddenly burst forth with dazzling light, the dragon''s body swiftly turning to gold, and within it flowed a ripple-like gold liquid.


    "It really is the Goldlight Stone Spirit! Never in my life did I imagine, Yan Mingli, that I would encounter the Goldlight Stone Spirit, hahaha¡­"


    Elder Yan was so excited he was moved to tears, leaving the entire crowd including apletely dumbstruck Lei Bao.


    What kind of treasure was this?


    Even the high and mighty Elder Yan was so excited that he cried?


    Lei Bao swallowed hard and tentatively looked at Elder Yan, "Elder, this statue is really worth fifty thousand?"


    Elder Yan said, "Fifty thousand? Hmph, double that is more like it!"


    Hiss!


    Lei Bao was struck as if by lightning, frozen in ce.


    Elder Yan, with a newfound respect in his gaze towards Xiao Yi, acknowledged his appraisal skills, his voice solemn, "Young man, I am willing to pay one hundred thousand taels for this statue, what do you think?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "eptable!"


    Elder Yan nced around at the increasingly crowded scene and frowned, "There are too many prying eyes here; shall we discuss this in the Inner Cab?"


    The two left side by side.


    The crowd turned their mocking and pitying eyes towards Lei Bao, who stood there looking like a stunned chicken, "How awesome, the ck Tiger Gang has set up a lot of traps to harm people, but today, they couldn''t rob the chicken and have lost a handful of rice instead!"


    "A treasure worth one hundred thousand, and he plotted with all his might to hand it over as a gift¡­"


    "This is what they call karmic retribution!"


    Lei Bao trembled all over, the surrounding voices like invisible ps to his face, hot and painful!


    "My, my money¡­"


    Lei Bao felt dizzy, the world spinning around him, his eyes shing with ferocity and madness as he stared at Xiao Yi''s receding figure, "You damned bastard, daring to snatch food from the tiger''s mouth. I will make sure you spit it all out with interest!"

 Chapter 6 Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll

    Treasure Pavilion, fifth floor of the Inner Cab.


    "This is where I usually live; feel free to take a seat!"


    Elder Yan led Xiao Yi into the room, and upon seeing Xiao Yi appraising the collected items around, a hint of pride appeared on his face, as he smiled and said, "Young brother, my collection has caught your eye, hasn''t it?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "These are indeed rare treasures!"


    "Of course, these are the results of the better half of my life''s work!"


    Elder Yan handed Xiao Yi ten silver notes with a face value of ten thousand each, "Here are one hundred thousand taels of silver, all issued by Tianqing Silver Bank. You can count them."


    Tianqing Silver Bank was a royal enterprise of Tianqing Kingdom and one could exchange the notes for cash or directly use them!n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Xiao Yi did not actually count the notes, simply putting them into his bosom.


    This satisfied expression spread across Elder Yan''s face, as he carefully ced the statue on the cab and asked, "Young brother, may I know your name?"


    "Xiao Yi!"


    "Xiao Yi? You are the useless son-inw of the Fang Family?"


    A look of surprise shed across Elder Yan''s face, as he quickly said, "I''m sorry..."


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "It doesn''t matter!"


    Elder Yan secretly marveled in his heart; rumors had it that Qingzhu from the Fang Family married a useless son-inw, causing her dantian to be discarded and almost losing her position as the family heir.


    However, facing the Xiao Yi in front of him, he just couldn''t connect the two together.


    But since Xiao Yi himself didn''t make much of it, Elder Yan wasn''t looking to embarrass himself and subtly changed the subject, "Xiao Yi, I have many peerless treasures here, would you be interested in taking a look?"


    "It would be an honor!" Xiao Yi replied.


    Elder Yan immediately began to show Xiao Yi his prized collection.


    One had to admit that Elder Yan''s collection was indeed bountiful, with many rare and unique treasures to behold.


    The value of these collections alone was probably no less than that of any of the four major families'' entire fortunes.


    "Xiao Yi,e over here!"


    Elder Yan pointed to the gold-framed scroll on the wall, with a mysteriously pleased smile on his face.


    Xiao Yi nced at it, recognizing an Autumn Frost and Rain Painting, "Strong and vigorous strokes, a very forceful style, the brushwork is smooth, a fine painting."


    Elder Yan''s opinion of Xiao Yi grew even more favorable, and he proudly said, "Young brother Xiao Yi has a keen eye. This painting is an original Tang Pu, and within my collection, it can easily rank within the top ten. A prince once offered eight hundred thousand taels of silver for it, but I couldn''t bear to part with it!"


    While Elder Yan was basking in his sense of aplishment, he noticed Xiao Yi''s eyebrows deeply furrowed, his gaze fixed on the painting as if he had discovered some issue.


    Elder Yan asked puzzledly, "What''s wrong? Does this painting have a problem?"


    Xiao Yi spoke gravely, "There''s something odd about the painting!"


    "Odd?"


    Elder Yan stopped Xiao Yi and frowned, "Xiao Yi, are you saying that this painting is fake? That''s impossible. Several other old fellows and I have appraised it, and this is definitely an authentic Tang Pu!"


    "The painting is real, but I''m afraid the artist is someone else!" Xiao Yi said.


    "Where does this young nobody get off criticizing my teacher''s collection? I think you''re just showing off¡­"


    Just then, a cool voice came from behind.


    A stunningly beautiful woman appeared behind the two men, d in a fiery-red qipao, tall and graceful, with long ck hair cascading down her back. She bowed respectfully to Elder Yan and greeted, "Teacher, I saw the door open and came in on my own!"


    "No matter!"


    Elder Yan waved his hand and introduced, "Xiao Yi, this is my disciple, Lin Bingxin. Bingxin, this is Xiao Yi!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Hello."


    "I am not well!"


    Lin Bingxin looked at Xiao Yi with a face full of indifference, eyes brimming with disdain, "My teacher has studied Tang Pu''s paintings for decades. In the vast Tianqing Kingdom, if anyone is most familiar with Tang Pu''s works, he dares to im second ce because nobody has the courage to im first. I don''t know where you get the confidence to say that my teacher''s authentic Tang Pu has problems!"


    "Nonsense!"


    Elder Yan red harshly at Bingxin, then looked gravely at Xiao Yi, "Young brother Xiao Yi, this painting is one of my most cherished treasures. You just said that it''s not a Tang Pu? Do you have evidence?"


    Lin Bingxin, proud as a lofty swan, slightly tilted her chin upward, "Teacher is right. If you can provide a convincing exnation, I, Lin Bingxin, will acknowledge you!"


    Xiao Yi nced at her and said indifferently, "Whether you acknowledge me or not, what does it have to do with me?"


    "You..."


    Lin Bingxin''s expression froze.


    She was famous alongside Qingzhu of Nanhuang City, known as one of the four great beauties of Nanhuang City!


    Which man wouldn''t yield to her and strive for her favor?


    And yet Xiao Yi was so dismissive of her?


    Biting her lip, Lin Bingxin said firmly, "If this painting turns out to be fake, I''ll call you grandpa! If it''s real, you''ll kneel and apologize to my master!"


    "To be my granddaughter? You''re too old!" Xiao Yi looked Lin Bingxin up and down and said, "But to be my niece might just be more suitable!"


    Lin Bingxin''s teeth itched with rage as she clenched her jaw and dered, "Deal! Let''s agree on that!"


    Elder Yan hesitated for a moment then said in a deep voice, "Xiao Yi, if you can prove what''s wrong with this painting, you may choose any one of my treasures. Isn''t the head of the Fang Family hosting a birthday banquet tomorrow? You must be here at the Treasure Pavilion to find a birthday gift, right?"


    Lin Bingxin''splexion changed, as every treasure here was worth a fortune.


    "Since Elder Yan is so fond of Tang Pu, you should know that among the four great talents of the past, Tang Pu, known as the Calligraphy and Painting Noble, was in fact more skilled in painting rather than calligraphy."


    Xiao Yi, while letting Lin Bingxin take down the scroll, also asked for a dagger and spread the scroll out on the table. He continued, "Among the four great talents, the one who was best at calligraphy was none other than the Lifetaking Schr, Jin Wuheng. However, due to Jin Wuheng''s excessive killing, almost all of his calligraphic works were destroyed and few remain."


    Lin Bingxin radiated an icy ''keep out'' chill, her beautiful eyebrows furrowed into a tight knot, "Lifetaking Schr? What does that have to do with this painting?"


    "Just watch closely!"


    Xiao Yi''s hand plunged the dagger into the edge of the scroll with a ripping sound, slicing across the canvas.


    Lin Bingxin screamed in fright, "Are you trying to destroy this painting?"


    Elder Yan''s eyes twinkled with an inexplicable brilliance. Without a word, but with fists clenched white, it was clear his heart was also undergoing great turmoil.


    Whoosh!


    At that moment, Xiao Yi abruptly lifted his hand, peeling away the topyer revealing an image of a young man ying a tiger with a sword.


    To the left of the painting were four bold characters, flying dragons and dancing phoenixes¡ªSubduing Tiger Sword Scroll.


    In the upper right-hand corner was a verse written with the strength of dragons and snakes: "Sword in hand, jade pendant at the waist, feasting on the head of a beautiful chieftain, drinking enemy''s blood to quench thirst. Love of men and women, set aside for now, the ambition in my endless heart, now I decide. A man travels a thousand miles with sword in hand, and every step on that path is unsettled."


    The handwriting was strong and magnificent, like dragons soaring and phoenixes dancing, with boundless sword intent rising to the sky.


    The signature was none other than the three characters of Jin Wuheng!


    Hiss!


    "This?"


    "It''s really not an authentic work by Tang Pu, even the teacher was mistaken?"


    "And Xiao Yi, he saw through the mystery with just one nce?"


    Lin Bingxin sucked in a breath of cold air, dumbfounded.


    "A man travels a thousand miles with sword in hand, every step on that path unsettled! What a Lifetaking Schr, what an impressive Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll... It is said that Tang Pu and Jin Wuheng were close friends, and surely Tang Pu did not wish to see the fine works of Jin Wuheng lost to time, so he deliberately covered it with his own to preserve it. I thought I, Elder Yan, was the foremost among Nanhuang''s treasure appraisers, but I failed to notice such a ring w..."


    Elder Yan''s face was flushed with emotion as he turned to Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, I honor my bets. This Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll is yours to take!"


    "Thank you! Though the painting is mine, the sword technique still belongs to Elder Yan." Holding the scroll, Xiao Yi nced at the sword technique on it. He took the painting but did not want to owe any favors, saying, "Elder Yan, listen carefully!"


    "Sword! Break! sh! Annihte..."


    As Xiao Yi spoke, Elder Yan initially appeared puzzled, but as Xiao Yi continued to speak, Elder Yan waspletely shocked. His body''s spiritual energy suddenly stirred.


    Every word from Xiao Yi''s mouth seemed like a sacred chant, transforming into human figures before his eyes.


    This... He was imparting swordsmanship!


    This method was unheard of by him!


    But amid his shock, Elder Yan immediately refocused, watching those characters that turned into little figures performing various sword moves. His eyes burst with intense brilliance, fully immersing himself.


    Less than half an incense stick''s time.


    Sword intent suddenly burst from Elder Yan''s body. Then he took two steps backward and respectfully bowed to Xiao Yi, "Respected teacher above, please ept your disciple, Yan Mingli''s bow!"


    "Ah? Teacher, you..." Lin Bingxin gasped in surprise.


    "I have no intention of taking disciples. We should regard each other as equals. As for the sword technique, it''s rightfully yours," Xiao Yi looked at Elder Yan and said.


    "Absolutely not!"


    Elder Yan quickly shook his head. If the identification of the Goldlight Stone Spirit and the real nature of the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll were idents, now he waspletely in awe. Imparting teachings through sound to grasp an advanced third-grade sword technique in less than half an incense stick''s time was no ordinary feat!


    This genuflection was truly deserved by Xiao Yi!


    If he could be a disciple, he, Yan Mingli, would surely reach new heights!


    However, since Xiao Yi refused to take disciples, Elder Yan could only say, "If you don''t wish to take disciples, I can''t force you, but to consider ourselves peers is absolutely uneptable. How about this, in front of others, I''ll address you as Young Master Xiao, and in private, I''ll call you teacher, would that be eptable to you?"


    "Suit yourself!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively and said, "I have other matters to attend, so I''ll take my leave now!"


    "Teacher, take care!" Elder Yan said respectfully.


    Xiao Yi cornered his mouth into a smile as he walked past Lin Bingxin, "Good niece, your uncle is leaving now!"


    "You..."


    Lin Bingxin''s face flushed with anger, cheeks puffed out, looking aggrievedly at Elder Yan, "Teacher, you see how he''s taking advantage of me..."


    "Taking advantage? My dear disciple, I would be overjoyed to be his uncle!" Elder Yan joked with a wry smile.


    Lin Bingxin was startled, "Teacher, why do you hold him in such high regard? He''s just been lucky..."


    "Just lucky? Could luck alone allow him to spot the Goldlight Stone Spirit in one day? Could luck discern the mystery behind this Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll? Could luck enable me to master an advanced third-grade sword technique in less than half an incense stick''s time?"


    Elder Yan''s words left Lin Bingxin utterly stunned; upon hearing this, Xiao Yi seemed truly formidable!


    "Everyone says that Xiao Tianjiao, the eldest son of the Xiao Family, is the reincarnation of a true dragon. Although I have never seen Xiao Tianjiao, this second young master of the Xiao Family is no ordinary person. The world, oh how shortsighted it is!"


    Elder Yan took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting wise light as he turned to Lin Bingxin, "Bingxin, go prepare a congrattory gift. Tomorrow, I shall pay a visit to the Fang Family!"

 Chapter 7 Birthday Banquet

    "This trip has indeed yielded a rich harvest!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Walking home, Xiao Yi was very satisfied with the oues.


    Not only had he earned a hundred thousand taels of silver, but he also obtained the only surviving masterpiece of the Life-Chasing Schr, truly making the journey worthwhile.


    "The ''Subduing Tiger Sword Technique'' is Jin Wuheng''s simplification of the ''Life-Chasing Soul Sword.'' This man truly was a natural-born swordsman!"


    Xiao Yi nced at the scroll in his hand.


    Nanhuang City was just a remote small town.


    Even being one of the four great families, the Fang Family''s highest-level martial technique was only a third-grade intermediate.


    This ''Subduing Tiger Sword Technique'' couldpletely serve as a treasure to protect the n and, as a birthday gift for Fang Tianhao, it would definitely suffice, "This gift should indeed make Qingzhu proud!"


    Presenting such a precious martial technique as a congrattory gift wasn''t to curry favor with Fang Tianhao.


    It was merely to mitigate his own remorse towards Fang Qingzhu!


    ......


    The following evening.


    The setting sun burned the western sky red, as if ayer of Hongxia had been spread across it.


    Fang Qingzhu came to the courtyard to meet with Xiao Yi, and upon seeing his wrinkled clothes, her eyebrows knitted together, "Didn''t I give you a hundred taels of silver to buy clothes?"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "I''m sorry, I forgot."


    He had gone straight home after leaving Elder Yan yesterday,pletely putting the matter of buying clothes out of his mind.


    "You..."


    Fang Qingzhu opened her mouth but ultimately let out a powerless sigh, "Never mind, even if you dressed up, those people wouldn''t look at you any differently. Let''s just go! It''s gettingte, we should leave..."


    Xiao Yi asked, "Is it just the two of us?"


    He remembered that Fang Qingzhu''s parents were still alive, and she had a younger brother¡ªwhy were they nowhere to be seen?


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes dimmed, not wishing to borate, she merely said, "They''ve already gone ahead!"


    "Alright, just wait a moment!"


    Xiao Yi returned to the house and brought out the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll.''


    Fang Qingzhu frowned, "What is this?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "A birthday gift!"


    Fang Qingzhu looked deeply at Xiao Yi, said nothing more, and softly remarked, "I already told you I''d prepare the gift... But since you''ve prepared one yourself, let''s use yours then!"


    The two took a carriage to Mr. Fang''s main house.


    The vast Fang Family home was brightly lit and decorated, buzzing with joy and the hustle and bustle of peopleing and going.


    The birthday feast was set in the Fang mansion''s banquet hall, with over thirty neatly arranged red tables, all seated with important figures from Nanhuang City.


    Chen Yong, the head of the Chen Family, Zhao Yu of the Zhao Family, and Zhang Yong, the head of the Zhang Family¡ªall important figures from the four great families¡ªwere seated in prominent positions.


    In addition, there were others like Lei Hu, the leader of the ck Tiger Gang, Nie Tianying, the head of the Flying Eagle Escort Agency, and so on, each bringing substantial gifts, reflecting the Fang Family''s status in Nanhuang City.


    Today''s birthday star was Fang Tianhao, the head of the Fang Family and also Fang Qingzhu''s grandfather.


    Fang Tianhao, donning a fiery red python robe, was beaming and enjoying a hearty conversation with the heads of the other three major families.


    Fang Qingzhu''s parents, Fang Zheng and Liu Yun, along with their son Fang Hao, were all smiles, warmly weing the guests arriving. Suddenly, a servant reported, "My lord, madam, Miss Qingzhu and the young master have arrived!"


    The smiling faces of Fang Zheng and his wife changed instantly, their smiles dissipating.


    It was as disgusting as stripping a beautiful woman only to discover she was a man.


    Fang Zheng scoffed, "So they''vee, but am I supposed to greet them personally?"


    Liu Yun''s face was full of disdain as she scolded, "Remember, that worthless man is not our son-inw. If you get it wrong again, you can leave the Fang Family!"


    The servant was terrified, "This servant understands the mistake."


    Fang Hao, dressed in a splendid robe and looking impatient, said, "Dad, Mom, stop arguing. I''ll go take a look."


    Fang Zheng''s face showed nothing but disgust as he nonchntly waved his hand, "Just find them a corner to sit in!"


    "Understood!"


    Fang Haozily made his way to the entrance and nced at Fang Qingzhu and Xiao Yi with a mocking tone, "Oh my, isn''t this my haughty sister and the worthless brother-inw? You two finally decided to show up. I''ve specially arranged seats for you,e with me!"


    Back then, Fang Qingzhu was the pampered darling of the heavens, the entire family treated her like she was the moon surrounded by a halo of stars.


    Fang Hao had often been disciplined by Fang Qingzhu.


    But now...


    With Fang Qingzhu having fallen to a cripple and bound to lose her status as the family heir once Fang Jin returned, he couldn''t be more delighted.


    Fang Hao directly led the two of them to the most secluded corner. While others had grand red tables full of dishes and wine, all they had were two tes of cold dishes, not even a set of utensils.


    Fang Hao said, "We''re a bit short on space up front due to the number of guests, and grandfather''s wish is for you to stay out of sight to avoid displeasing the other guests. You''ll just have to make do here!"


    "Is this grandfather''s idea, or did our parents ask you to do this?" Fang Qingzhu asked tremulously, her words heavy with intent.


    There were several empty seats at the tables in front of them, how could it be that there wasn''t enough space for guests?


    This was clearly a deliberate humiliation!


    Since when did one have to worry about causing guest displeasure by sitting in the front at a birthday celebration for one''s own grandfather? Could it really be that their own family members ranked lower than these so-called guests?


    In the face of Fang Qingzhu''s interrogation, Fang Hao feigned innocence, "Sister, you''re thinking too much! Today is grandfather''s birthday, his happiness is what matters most. It''s just a seat; where does it matter where you sit, right?"


    Xiao Yi gave him a sidelong nce, his eyebrows arching, a cold smirk on his face.


    Where does it matter where you sit?


    Then why don''t you sit here? Why not arrange for the heads of the other three major families to sit here?


    But seeing Fang Qingzhu beside him, silent and speechless, Xiao Yi knew her heart was much heavier than his own. After all, it was her own younger brother who had arranged for her to be here. He understood all too well the feeling of being humiliated by one''s own flesh and blood.


    It was a destion that words could not describe, a powerlessness and heartache.


    It cut deep to the heart.


    "Sister, just stay here for now! I have to get busy," said Fang Hao with augh, striding away.


    Their situation was naturally witnessed by the guests, who whispered and gossiped among themselves, theirments too offensive to bear: "Is that the Fang Family''s useless son-inw? Well, he does look pretty handsome, but it''s a pity he''s useless..."


    "Not just useless, but a bringer of misfortune too! Fang Tianhao used to spoil Fang Qingzhu rotten, afraid she might fall and get hurt, or melt in his mouth, and now? Look at where they''ve been seated, in the furthest corner without even a decent dish..."


    At this moment, the banquet officially began.


    The guests toasted and made merry, the atmosphere lively.


    Only in the corner where Xiao Yi and hispanion were seated, the destion was emphasized by the two tes of cold dishes.


    After three rounds of wine and a multitude of dishes had been served,


    Fang Zheng, seated at the main table, gave a light cough, and seeing that everyone was looking at him, he began to speak, "Hao, haven''t you specially prepared a birthday gift? Isn''t it time to offer it to grandfather?"


    "Alrighty!"


    Fang Hao, his face flush with excitement¡ªhaving always been overshadowed by Fang Qingzhu at previous birthday feasts, it was now his turn to shine¡ªstepped forward cheerfully, "Grandfather, I have prepared for you a hundred-year-old ginseng, wishing you fortune as vast as the East Sea and a longevity greater than the southern mountains."


    A hundred-year-old ginseng was worth tens of thousands of silver, and Fang Tianhao''s smile was so wide he could barely close his mouth, "Good grandson, your gift is very much to grandpa''s liking!"


    Pleased with himself, Fang Hao maintained a facade of modesty, "As long as grandpa likes it, that''s all that matters!"


    "Family head, our younger brother couldn''t return from the capital to join in your birthday celebration. Before he left, he made me promise to deliver his gift personally!"


    Fang Ao hadrgely recovered after a month of recuperation, but his voice had taken on a colder, sharper edge. He presented a jade box to Fang Tianhao, "Our brother knows you enjoy studying sword manuals, so he prepared this ''Falling Leaves Sword Skill,'' a third-grade beginner-level sword technique. We hope you will find it to your liking!"


    Hisss!


    The crowd collectively gasped in astonishment, "That ''Falling Leaves Sword Skill'' must cost at least a hundred thousand silver!"


    "Even for the Fang Family, such a sword technique could be considered a treasure of the n!"


    Watching the envious expressions in everyone''s eyes, Fang Tianhao reveled in his pride, "Very good, very good, Fang Jin indeed is the most outstanding son of the Fang Family, this gift has truly won my heart!"


    "If the family head is pleased, our younger brother will be extremely happy!"


    Fang Ao''s pale face twisted into a venomous smirk as he looked in the direction of Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu and said mockingly, "Our younger brother, even from afar in the capital, remembered to prepare a birthday gift for the family head. Fang Qingzhu, you are the Fang Family''s heir apparent. What gift have you prepared for the family head?"


    At his words, all eyes turned toward the corner where Xiao Yi and hispanion were seated¡­

 Chapter 8 Utter Disappointment

    Everyone''s gaze fell upon Xiao Yi and the person beside him.


    Fang Qingzhu inwardly sighed, knowing that what was meant toe, would alwayse.


    She nced at Xiao Yi beside her and together they approached Fang Tianhao. With a clear voice, Fang Qingzhu said, "Qingzhu wishes Grandfather a long life of endless prosperity. Qingzhu knows Grandfather enjoys drinking tea, so I personally roasted this batch of pre-rain green tea, hoping Grandfather will like it!"


    In the past, even the mere presence of Fang Qingzhu before him would have delighted Fang Tianhao immensely.


    But now...


    Fang Tianhao merely responded with a dismissive tone, pointing to a side teatable without concealing the disdain on his face, "Put it there!"


    He didn''t even give it a nce.


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes dimmed, her pale face shing with a touch of disappointment and helplessness. This was the harsh reality, even her grandfather, who had adored her since childhood, had no more affection for her once he learned she had married Xiao Yi and lost her cultivation base.


    In Fang Ao''s resentful gaze gleamed a sense of vengeful pleasure. With feigned surprise, he said, "Xiao Yi, although you''re merely a live-in son-inw leeching off our Fang Family, today is the family head''s birthday. Surely you haven''te unprepared with a gift? This is after all the first time you''re attending the family head''s birthday feast since your marriage to Fang Qingzhu. It wouldn''t look good going empty-handed, would it? Wouldn''t that be a joke to outsiders?"


    The many guests in the hall looked at Xiao Yi with yet more scorn and contempt.


    "The Xiao Family is among the most reputable ns in the Great Qian Dynasty, how could they not understand the most basic social etiquette? This is simply outrageous!"


    "I heard he''s already been expelled from the Xiao Family, he can hardly be considered one of them!"


    The crowd''smentary was like millions of sharp spikes piercing Fang Qingzhu''s heart.


    She looked pleadingly towards Fang Zheng and Liu Yun.


    Hoping her parents would step in to resolve this awkward situation.


    However...


    Fang Zheng and his wife disyedplete indifference, adopting a cold demeanor as if the matter was none of their concern, sinking Fang Qingzhu''s heart even deeper.


    At that moment...


    Warmth spread from her palm; Xiao Yi had taken her hand. Under Fang Qingzhu''s astonished gaze, Xiao Yi calmly said, "I did prepare a gift."


    "Oh? Then let''s see it!" Fang Ao demanded.


    The crowd echoed, "Yes, let us see and learn what someone from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty would present as a birthday gift!"


    Xiao Yi produced the scroll and held it out to Fang Tianhao, "An ancient painting, wishing you longevity and health!"


    "An ancient painting?"


    "Even the cheapest ancient painting is worth thousands of silver pieces. If it''s a painting by Tang Pu, then any random scroll could be worth tens of thousands. I wonder whose masterpiece he has brought?"


    Fang Tianhao was also taken aback; if it truly was an ancient painting, then that would indeed be an eptable gift. He turned to Fang Hao, "Hao, open this scroll and let''s see, whose prized work could this be?"


    "Yes, Grandfather!"


    Fang Hao took the scroll and slowly unrolled it.


    The crowd stretched their necks with anticipation, "Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll? What a domineering name!"


    "The painting is well-crafted, and those inscriptions are indeed unique, but whose masterpiece could it be?"


    When the scroll was fully unfurled, the crowd saw the signature ''Jin Wuheng'' and exchanged puzzled looks.


    Fang Ao''s face exaggerated shock as he eximed, "Jin Wuheng? Who''s that? Never heard of him. Xiao Yi, don''t tell me you picked up some street stall trinket as a birthday present?"


    As Fang Tianhao heard these words, his expression darkened.


    He was the respected head of the Fang Family. If he truly epted a street-vendor good as a birthday gift, wouldn''t it be a loss of face for the entire household?


    Fang Tianhao looked towards Zhang Yong, "Pavilion Master Zhang, you are known as a great collector in Nanhuang City. Have you ever heard of a master named Jin Wuheng?"


    Zhang Yong touched his nose with a peculiar look on his face, "The name Jin Wuheng sounds unfamiliar, but everyone should have heard of his nickname ''Life-Stealing Schr.''"


    "The Life-Stealing Schr? The one who was as famous as Tang Pu, and also one of the Great Qian Dynasty''s Four Great Schrs of the past?"


    "Wasn''t it said that because the Life-Stealing Schrmitted too many killings, all his works were destroyed, leaving no existing pieces?"


    "Pavilion Master Zhang, is this painting real or fake?"


    Zhao Yu''s voice was somber, "Pavilion Master Zhang, Xiao Yi''s reputation is at stake. It''s better to carefully appraise it!"


    Zhang Yong waved his hand dismissively, "As everyone mentioned, the Life-Stealing Schr has no works that survived to this day. How can there be an authentic piece by him in the world? What else is there to appraise?"


    The crowd naturally grasped the implication of his words.


    If Jin Wuheng had no works that had been passed down, then this painting must be a fake!


    Fang Ao was inwardly delighted, but his face showed a look of disappointment akin to hating iron for not bing steel, "Xiao Yi, you truly brought a fake gift as a birthday present?"


    "Aiyowei, Xiao Yi, that''s too much! Yesterday, you received a Goldlight Spirit Stone Statue at the Treasure Pavilion worth more than a hundred thousand silver, and you didn''t use it as a gift, but how could you bring a fake painting to deceive people?" Lei Bao, who had recognized Xiao Yi early in the crowd, stepped forward and said aloud.


    Fang Ao''s eyes lit up as he stirred the pot from the side, "Xiao Yi, you''ve truly disappointed us. We could have understood if you had no money to prepare a gift, but you just got a treasure worth more than a hundred thousand yesterday. Not offering it as a gift to our head is one thing, but to use a fake painting to humiliate the head..."


    "Enough!"


    This statement was like pouring oil on a fire, thoroughly enraging Fang Tianhao.


    With a fierce p, he smashed the wooden table beside him to pieces, his face extremely ugly. He never liked Xiao Yi from the bottom of his heart and had never expected anything worthy as a gift.


    Just as Fang Hao said, Xiao Yi was humiliating him!


    Fang Tianhao''s face was so gloomy it seemed water could drip from it, and the disgust in his eyes grew stronger, "I, Fang Tianhao, have lived for so many years, but this is the first time someone has dared to insult me with a fake good. Out of respect for the Xiao Family, I won''t pursue this matter, but I want you to get out immediately and never set foot in the Fang Household ever again!"


    "No wonder even the Xiao Family is unwilling to acknowledge your status. It''s truly a disgrace!" Fang Ao shook his head in sighs, but the satisfaction of revenge was evident in his eyes.


    Lei Bao too shook his head, "Get going already, do you want to stay and lose more face?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze, cold as it passed over everyone''s faces, softened as he felt warmth from the palm of his hand. Looking down at Fang Qingzhu, there was an inquiring look in his eyes.


    Fang Qingzhu smiled gently, "Since the people here don''t wee us, let''s go!"


    The murderous intent in Xiao Yi''s eyes disappeared, and he nodded with a smile, "Alright!"


    The two of them, hand in hand, turned and walked away.


    Fang Ao and Lei Bao exchanged nces, but were they about to let him off that easily?


    "Take your fake good and leave with it. Don''t leave it here to dirty the Fang Household!" Fang Ao crumpled the scroll and threw it outside the door.


    Just as the scroll was about to hit the ground, at that moment, an old palm steadily caught it.


    At the same time.


    From outside the door came the trembling voice of a servant, filled with excitement, "Pavilion Master Elder Yan from the Treasure Pavilion has arrived¡­"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 9 Whats Your Seniority?

    "Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion has arrived!"


    The servant at the doorway, with an excited flush across his face, stretched his neck and shouted at the top of his lungs.


    His voice overshadowed all the sounds in the great hall.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    One after another, the guests almost simultaneously stood up, shock apparent on each of their faces as they turned toward the direction of the main entrance.


    Fang Tianhao was so excited that he trembled, his face aglow with delight.


    The Zhang, Zhao, and Chen family patriarchs looked toward Fang Tianhao, their eyes filled with envy and jealousy.


    Chen Yong said with a wry smile, "Ever since Elder Yan came to Nanhuang City, I''ve invited him no fewer than ten times a year, but the old man has not epted an invitation even once!"


    Zhang Yong sighed and said with a sour tone, "It''s Mr. Fang who has the grand face, to actually have Elder Yane to personally celebrate his birthday!"


    Within Nanhuang City.


    Apart from the city lord''s mansion, the four great families reigned supreme.


    These four stood at the pinnacle of Nanhuang City''s power pyramid, and even the city lord''s mansion had to show them some courtesy. The only exception was Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion, who never paid them much heed.


    Of course.


    The Treasure Pavilion, present throughout the entire Heavenly Yuan Realm, indeed had such strength and prestige.


    And because of this...


    Every family considered it an honor to be able to invite Elder Yan to their feast.


    However, Elder Yan had always abstained from these gatherings; even the city lord''s mansion could not persuade him!


    Today Elder Yan had actuallye to the Fang Family, naturally causing everyone else to be green with envy.


    Fang Tianhao beamed from ear to ear, his eyebrows lifting slightly in a gesture of pride as he feigned helplessness, "Ah, Elder Yan and I have been good friends for many years. I am just a man of low-profile who does not wish to unt our friendship. This year is my eightieth birthday, and he insisted oning to celebrate..."


    The surrounding guests, upon hearing this, felt their envy intensify.


    Any family that could establish a connection with Treasure Pavilion was like attaching itself to a hen thatid golden eggs. If not soaring high, at the very least the family''s power could multiply several times over a short period.


    Zhao Yu, the patriarch of the Zhao Family, said in a deep voice, "Mr. Fang, you must lend us your support in the future!"


    "Certainly, certainly!"


    Feeling the envious gazes of everyone around him, Fang Tianhao''s smile grew even more brilliant.


    Today was destined to be the most glorious moment in his life! The high and lofty Elder Yan personallying to celebrate his birthday was something he hadn''t even dared to dream of. Over the years, the Fang Family had sent no small number of invitations to Elder Yan, but he had never epted one.


    Fang Tianhao thought to himself, "He must have heard about Fang Jin''s imminent admission to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, bing a high and mighty royal disciple, so he specially came to curry favor with our Fang Family!"


    With that thought.


    Fang Tianhao stood up, straightened his clothes, and walked toward the entrance with light steps.


    With five or six meters still separating him from Elder Yan, Fang Tianhao extended his right hand, with an excited face he said, "Hahaha, Elder Yan gracing us with his presence truly brings glory to my Fang Family!"


    All the envious guests around him thought, "When will we ever be like Mr. Fang, to have dealings with a personage like Elder Yan?"


    However...


    Under the watchful eyes of everyone, the expected scene of the two towering figures engaging in pleasant conversation did not ur.


    Elder Yan simply walked past Fang Tianhao and headed toward someone behind him.


    Leaving a windblown Fang Tianhao behind, his hand outstretched and his face still wearing a beaming smile.


    Watching Elder Yan approach her direction, Fang Qingzhu''s heart tightened¡ªshe was very clear about the terrifying influence Elder Yan wielded in Nanhuang City.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    If she were to offend the person before her, it would definitely be a dead end!


    Fang Qingzhu quickly tugged at Xiao Yi, whispering urgently, "Quick, move aside¡ªthis is Elder Yan from the Treasure Pavilion; we mustn''t block his path!"


    But Xiao Yi remained motionless, with an odd expression, watching the approaching Elder Yan.


    "What on earth are you doing? This is Elder Yan; we can''t afford to provoke him..." Fang Qingzhu''s face was filled with anxiousness, as she was already thinking about how to seek Elder Yan''s forgiveness should Xiao Yi offend him.


    However, Elder Yan, who was like an uncrowned king in Nanhuang City, quickly stepped forward, stopping a meter away from Xiao Yi, with hands sped together in utmost respect, "Yan Mingli pays his respects to young master Xiao!"


    What?


    Everyone was simultaneously petrified.


    Their unblinking eyes were fixed on Xiao Yi and Elder Yan, and the word "bbergasted" was clearly written on everyone''s faces. The heads of the three great families looked at one another in confusion¡ªwhat was happening?


    Wasn''t it said that Elder Yan had been an acquaintance of Fang Tianhao for many years?


    Why was hepletely ignoring Fang Tianhao and instead enthusiastically approaching the good-for-nothing, son-inw of the Fang Family?


    The three of them stared fixedly at Fang Tianhao.


    Fang Tianhao''s face stiffened, feeling as though his cheeks were burning from the pain, as if he had been pped dozens of times. Recalling the words he had said before, he wished he could dig a hole and bury himself in it.


    Elder Yan gave him a sly wink, as if to say, "Master, this should make you proud, right?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head helplessly, turning towards the dumbfounded Fang Qingzhu beside him, "Qingzhu, this is Yan Mingli, Elder Yan. You should just call him Elder Yan like I do!"


    "Elder¡­ Elder Yan?!" Fang Qingzhu repeated subconsciously.


    "Hahaha, I have long heard that Madam Xiao is a heavenly beauty, and seeing you today, it is indeed true! This bottle of ''Gestation Elixir'' is a gift I''ve specially prepared for our meeting. I hope Madam Xiao won''t find it too modest!" Elder Yan took out a bottle of elixir and thrust it into Fang Qingzhu''s hands without any further exnation.


    Hiss!


    Around them, a series of astonished gasps rang out: "The Gestation Elixir? Isn''t that a third-grade medicinal pill, worth five thousand silvers each? With at least ten pills in the bottle, that''s fifty thousand silvers, right?"


    "What exactly is going on? Wasn''t it said that Elder Yan was here to celebrate Mr. Fang''s birthday? Why is hepletely ignoring him and instead seems to havee for Xiao Yi?"


    Fang Qingzhu looked panic-stricken, turning towards Xiao Yi with a helpless look.


    Xiao Yi patted the back of her hand, reassuring her with a smile, "Don''t worry, since it''s a gift from Elder Yan, just ept it with peace of mind!"


    Only then did Fang Qingzhu ept the elixir.


    Elder Yan also breathed a sigh of relief.


    "Is Elder Yan doing this just to curry favor with Xiao Yi?" Fang Qingzhu was shocked by her own thoughts. She saw how Elder Yan continually maintained a low profile in front of Xiao Yi, and was frightened by the spection in her mind.


    This was the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, whose status was incredibly exalted.


    Even when the four great families had sent him invitations several times, Elder Yan had been disdainful, yet now, he had brought a precious Gestation Elixir as a gift to please Xiao Yi?


    Was this really the same man who everyone despised as useless?


    Looking at Xiao Yi again, Fang Qingzhu felt as though there was ayer of mystifying fog surrounding him, one that was imprable to the eye, and the more she tried to investigate, the more she felt like she was sinking deeper, as if mired in the mud.


    "Excuse me for a moment..."


    Fang Tianhao, steeling himself, came over. He felt pins and needles all over, having just boasted proudly; if he couldn''t turn the situation around, it would be a huge embarrassment.


    With a glimmer of hope in his eyes, he tentatively asked, "Elder Yan, weren''t you here to celebrate my birthday? Why have you started chatting with this good-for-nothing?"


    "Good-for-nothing?"


    Elder Yan was momentarily taken aback before realizing Fang Tianhao was referring to Xiao Yi, and a glint of cold light shed deep in his eyes. With utter disdain, he countered, "And who do you think you are? Worthy of me celebrating your birthday?"

 Chapter 10 The Frog in the Well

    "Who do you think you are? Worthy of me celebrating your birthday?"


    Elder Yan''s merciless words made Fang Tianhao tremble all over, his face turning from white to red, from red to green, and finally into a bloodless pale.


    This change of face was faster than flipping a book, utterly spectacr.


    Invisibly.


    Everyone seemed to hear the crisp sound of pping echoing in the hall.


    Fang Tianhao''s chest heaved violently, feeling dizzy and almost fainting.


    Aplete and utter humiliation!


    He had just boasted that he was on such good terms with Elder Yan that Elder Yan hade specifically to celebrate his birthday. Yet, Elder Yan''s words publicly burst his lie.


    For a moment.


    The gazes of the guests in the hall shifted from initial envy and jealousy to one of schadenfreude and pity.


    Chen Yong curiously asked, "Elder Yan, aren''t you here for the birthday banquet?"


    "Attend his birthday banquet? Is he worthy?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Elder Yan''s face was thick with mockery, his gaze shifting to Xiao Yi as he indifferently said, "I am here today specifically to pay my respects to Xiao!"


    Hiss!


    Chen Yong and others sucked in a breath of cold air.


    To pay respects to Xiao Yi?


    The gazes everyone directed at Xiao Yi underwent a drastic change, and the figure of this son-inw of the Fang Family seemed to grow immensely in stature.


    "What merits and virtues does this waste have to warrant such respect from Elder Yan?"


    "Do you think Elder Yan is saying this just to give face to the Xiao Family?"


    "Impossible, Xiao Yi has already been expelled from the Xiao Family. Elder Yan couldn''t be unaware of that..."


    "Then how do we exin this?"


    "No matter what, this little son-inw has really shot up in the world. With this connection to Elder Yan, who would dare to look down on him in the future?"


    Among the crowd.


    Fang Ao''s face turned from green to white, resembling a venomous snake coiled in wait, radiating a light of cold malice.


    Clenching his fists tightly, the knuckles turned pale from the force.


    Ever since Xiao Yi had crippled his ''fifth limb,'' Fang Ao''s heart had been thoroughly twisted.


    He thought of revenge every waking moment.


    But with Fang Jin''s dyed return, he could only wait. Today, he finally seized an opportunity to make Xiao Yi lose face. Yet, with Elder Yan''s appearance, Xiao Yi instead soared high into the sky, bing Elder Yan''s cherished friend.


    Look at the way those people are staring at Xiao Yi. Their gazes were no longer filled with disdain and ridicule like before, but with fervent enthusiasm, almost wishing to transform into fawning dogs, eager to grovel at Xiao Yi''s feet.


    "Why does this waste deserve to have Fang Qingzhu, why does Elder Yan visit him? Why not me? I won''t ept this, I won''t..."


    Fang Ao took a deep breath, his eyes filled with insane hatred as he loudly said, "Elder Yan, please don''t be deceived by Xiao Yi, he is the scum of humanity, disloyal, unfilial, unrighteous, and unkind. Just before you arrived, Xiao Yi presented a fake painting as a birthday gift to our family head. When we exposed him, far from feeling any guilt, he walked away,pletely disregarding the family head."


    Lei Bao also added fuel to the fire, "Fang Ao is right, Xiao Yi is an animal. Elder Yan is not aware, but yesterday, I was the first to take interest in that statue. However, he snatched it from me, using me of setting him up..."


    Both were weeping profusely as they poured out their tale.


    A hint of amusement shed in Elder Yan''s eyes. Pretending to be serious, he asked, "Xiao, is what they''re saying true?"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "What do you think?"


    "I think..."


    Elder Yan pretended to ponder, then, amidst the expectant faces of Fang Ao and others, he suddenly red, his invisible yuan qi transforming into two cold palms that fiercely pped them to the ground. His cold voice sent chills down their spines, covering them with an icy dread, "They''re just talking nonsense!"


    Elder Yan unfurled the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll in his hands, his expression cold as he said, "This fake painting you mentioned, is it this one in my hands?"


    Fang Ao, covering his face, struggled to his feet and nodded, "Yes, that''s the fake painting. Zhang, the head of the Zhang Family, personally authenticated it as a fake!"


    "No, that''s correct!"


    Lei Bao spat out a mouthful of blood mixed with teeth, his face a picture of grievance.


    Elder Yan looked at Zhang Yong and said indifferently, "Zhang Yong, you say this painting is a fake? What is your evidence?"


    Ah?


    Zhang Yong was taken aback and dared not lie under Elder Yan''s sharp gaze, he reluctantly nodded and said, "Elder Yan should know that although Jin Wuheng, the Life-iming Schr, is one of the Four Great Talents alongside Tang Pu, he bore too much killing intent, and all his works were destroyed by enemies. There are no known surviving masterpieces of his. Moreover, this ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll'' has no mention in any historical records, which is why I concluded it was fake!"


    "See, Elder Yan, the Life-iming Schr left no works behind, how could this painting possibly be genuine? We deduced that Xiao Yi definitely bought this substandard forgery from some unscrupulous counterfeiter, presenting it as a gift for longevity..."


    Fang Ao, thinking he had found the truth, spoke more and more proudly, "But what he never imagined was that Master Zhang is a major collector with an extensive understanding of ancient paintings and saw through the forgery at a nce, exposing his hypocritical guise!"


    Watching Fang Ao who seemed to have grasped the truth, Xiao Yi touched his nose and looked at Elder Yan with a strange expression.


    An unscrupulous counterfeiter?


    Elder Yan''s face turned green, with a gloomy expression, he said, "Do you know where he got this painting from?"


    Fang Ao shook his head, "I haven''t inquired that... I heard Elder Yan loathes counterfeiters and swindlers the most. I believe that with some stern interrogation, Xiao Yi will surely confess and bring the fraudster to justice!"


    "There''s no need for coercion, I know who the counterfeiter you''re talking about is!" Elder Yan said with a dark face.


    "Ah?"


    Fang Ao was stunned, then quickly put on a ttering smile and said, "Elder Yan is wise and martial, able to guess who the fraudster is without even stepping outside!"


    Elder Yan said tly, "You know him too!"


    "I do?"


    Fang Ao looked confused.


    With a cold expression, Elder Yan enunciated deliberately, "This painting was taken from my study. The counterfeiter you''re talking about, if I''m not wrong, is me! Are you going to bring me to justice?"


    Thump!


    Fang Ao, terrified, copsed on the ground, his face turned deathly pale, and he looked at Elder Yan in disbelief, "This, this, this painting is yours?"


    At that moment, Fang Ao felt so regretful he could have died.


    Damn it!


    He had actually called Elder Yan a counterfeit swindler? Wasn''t this like an old birthday deity ingesting arsenic because he was tired of living?


    Fang Ao trembled all over with fear, repeatedly opening his mouth to argue, but so nervous he could hardly make a sound, nearly close to tears.


    The surrounding crowd was also stunned.


    Nobody had anticipated such a twist.


    Gurgle!


    Fang Tianhao was the first toe back to his senses, disbelievingly looking at the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll'' in Elder Yan''s hand, he ventured, "Elder Yan, if this painting is genuine, then, then its value must be incredibly high, right?"


    Standing beside him, Zhang Yong also full of shock, swallowed and said with a trembling voice, "If this is genuine, then it''s the only remaining precious artifact of the Life-iming Schr Jin Wuheng in this world. Its value is immeasurable. At the very least, it''s worth millions of taels of silver."


    "What?"


    Everyone was astonished.


    Especially Fang Tianhao, who was shaking all over with tremors, wishing he could p Fang Ao to death. If it wasn''t for Fang Ao''s instigating remarks just now, he wouldn''t have thought to discard the painting!


    This was worth millions of taels of silver!


    Even for the Fang Family, several million taels of silver was not a small amount.


    Elder Yan sneered with scorn, "A bunch of frogs at the bottom of a well, treating such a treasure like trash. If it were to fall into your hands, that would truly be a pearl covered in dust!"


    Fang Tianhao''s face turned extremely ugly. Although the Fang Family was not as prominent as Treasure Pavilion, being repeatedly disregarded by Elder Yan, the head of the Fang Family, his anger rose, and he stubbornly said, "While a million taels of silver is not a small amount, my Fang Family can still afford it. What pearl covered in dust?"


    "Idiot!"


    Elder Yan looked at him with contempt, and said indifferently, "I believe the Fang Family cane up with a million taels of silver, but what about a third-grade high-level sword technique? Does your Fang Family have it?"

 Chapter 11 Regret Beyond Recall

    "What, what did you say?"


    "A high-level tier-3 sword technique?"


    Fang Tianhao was stunned, looking at Elder Yan with a bewildered face.


    Weren''t we talking about the painting?


    How did it get connected to a sword technique?


    To know...


    In Nanhuang City, the highest grade of martial arts was high-level tier-3, possessed only by the city lord''s manor and the big four families. Such a level of martial arts could easily cost tens of millions of silvers, and for any family, it was considered a treasured heirloom.


    Elder Yan scoffed and raised the scroll in his hand, saying, "The sword technique I''m talking about is inside this painting. It was Xiao who discovered the secret within this painting, yet he chose to give such a precious treasure to you as a birthday gift. And you? You treated it like trash? A frog in a well,cking vision!"


    Hum!


    Fang Tianhao was shaken to the core, his face turning pale in an instant.


    This scroll contains a high-level tier-3 sword technique?


    This should have belonged to him!


    And he had rejected it?


    Treated it like trash and threw it back?


    "This, this..."


    Fang Tianhao shook his head violently, still refusing to believe it was true. "Impossible, how could a painting hide a sword technique? You must be making up lies to elevate Xiao Yi, right?"


    Elder Yan shook his head and chuckled, "Fang Tianhao, who do you think you are? That I, Yan Mingli, would need to concoct lies to deceive you?"


    "So, it''s true then? This painting really contains a high-level tier-3 sword technique? Doesn''t that mean, this painting is worth millions of silvers?"


    Fang Tianhao finally epted reality.


    The painting that he had previously seen as trash, something Xiao Yi used to humiliate him, at that moment seemed to emit an endless divine light, a rare treasure of unmatched value.


    "I''ve always been unable to break through to the Golden Core Realm because the Fang Family''s treasure is a ded technique. If I could practice this swordsmanship, I would have hope of stepping into the Golden Elixir Realm!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fang Tianhao thought to himself, "But after all, as head of the family, I''ve already returned this painting, so I cannot simply ask for it outright. However, I believe that if I hint just a little, Xiao Yi will surely give it back to me..."


    With this thought in mind,


    Fang Tianhao cleared his throat, putting on a calm demeanor, and smiled at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, I am truly pleased that you would offer me such a treasure..."


    Xiao Yi looked at him coldly, how could he not understand Fang Tianhao''s intentions, and indifferently said, "What does your happiness have to do with me?"


    Uh...


    Fang Tianhao''s expression stiffened.


    Damn it!


    I''ve hinted so tantly, can''t you understand?


    Fang Tianhao was inwardly irate, but seeing that Xiao Yi showed no signs of offering the painting again, he had no choice but to steel himself and say, "Xiao Yi, since the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll'' was prepared by you as a birthday gift for me, I can''t refuse your kindness..."


    Xiao Yi said, "This painting was originally meant for Qingzhu, but now it seems unnecessary."


    Fang Tianhao''s face darkened, and he extended his palmmandingly, "Xiao Yi, I order you to give the painting to me!"


    In his mind, having lowered his face, Xiao Yi surely wouldn''t dare to refuse again.


    Sure enough.


    Xiao Yi took the ''Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll'' from Elder Yan''s hands and turned to Fang Tianhao. Fang Tianhao''s heart surged with pleasure, proudly thinking: I refuse to believe I can''t handle a mere son-inw, in the end, won''t you obediently hand over the painting?


    However...


    Xiao Yi merely brushed past him, his voice faint as it reached Fang Tianhao''s ears, "This sword technique, you are unworthy of it."


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Fang Tianhao''s face stiffened as if relishing a delicious meal only to have inadvertently swallowed two flies¡ªutterly diforted.


    Xiao Yi walked straight up to Zhao Yu, "Do you want to learn the sword technique above?"


    Zhao Yu looked utterly baffled, "Huh?"


    Xiao Yi frowned, "You don''t want to learn?"


    "I..."


    Zhao Yu nodded vigorously and decisively said, "Want, of course I want!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand nonchntly and threw the scroll, "This painting is yours now."


    Zhao Yu, as if struck by lightning, ecstatically received the scroll, holding it close to his chest like a precious treasure. He stepped back three paces and, with hands sped before him, bowed deeply to Xiao Yi, "Zhao Yu thanks Young Master Xiao for the gift of the painting. Should you have any orders in the future, the Zhao Family shall spare no effort!"


    "It''s what you deserve!" Xiao Yi said, waving his hand dismissively.


    Earlier, when Zhang Yong had asserted that the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll was a fake, only Zhao Yu spoke up to remind him to examine it carefully. Although it was a small favor, Xiao Yi remembered it. As for the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll itself, had it not been for preparing a birthday gift for Qingzhu, it would have been just a nk sheet to him.


    Having said that, he looked at Elder Yan with a smile, "Elder Yan, I''ve yet to find a ce for dinner, would you be interested in joining me for a few hearty drinks?"


    "When Young Master Xiao asks, how could I refuse!"


    Elder Yanughed heartily, "I know of a tavern with excellent dishes and drinks!"


    Xiao Yi walked up to Fang Qingzhu, took her small hand, and said with a smile, "Qingzhu, Elder Yan is treating us, shall I take you for a big meal?"


    Fang Qingzhu was startled.


    Her dark eyes locked onto Xiao Yi''s and, after a brief moment, she nodded gently, "Mhm!"


    The trio set off.


    Along the way,


    No one dared to stop them.


    Zhao Yu turned to Fang Tianhao and cupped his hands in greeting, "Mr. Fang, I suddenly remembered there is something urgent at home, I shall take my leave first!"


    No sooner had he finished speaking, without waiting for Fang Tianhao to respond, Zhao Yu took the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll and departed.


    As the birthday banquet had not yet concluded, Zhao Yu''s early departure was tantamount to publicly pping the face of the Fang Family, especially since he left with what should have been their Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll. This left the Fang Family and their associates looking extremely displeased.


    Chen Yong and Zhang Yong exchanged nces, quickly discerning each other''s thoughts and stepped forward together.


    Fang Tianhao''s forehead throbbed with visible veins as he clenched his fists tightly on the armrests, grinding his teeth, "I suppose you two also have something urgent at home?"


    Zhang Yong gave an awkward smile, "There''s a soup brewing at home, I need to see to the fire. My apologies!"


    "Mr. Fang..."


    Chen Yong, being more forthright, struggled to think of an excuse and simply said, "I have a stomachache, I''m leaving first!"


    "You... you..."


    Fang Tianhao''s rage surged to his heart, making his head spin.


    The crowd looked at Fang Tianhao and his family with eyes filled with schadenfreude and pity.


    The Fang Family''s loss today was indeed severe!


    The Fang Family members were enveloped in an air of gloom.


    "The Fang Family is truly pitiable. A high-grade, third-tier sword scroll, just like that, benefiting the Zhao Family!"


    "What''s there to pity? Think about how they have treated Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu before! This is what you call reaping what you sow. Look at Zhao Yu, simply for one sentence, he got such an opportunity!"


    "When I get back, I definitely need to thoroughly educate the youngsters in our n not to follow the Fang Family''s example!"


    Hearing the murmurs and secretive whispers, Fang Tianhao''s face turned paler still. Looking at Zhao Yu in the banquet area, his body trembling and his heart bleeding, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood andy stiff on the ground.


    That vivid red blood, the Fang Family members in disarray, and the strikinglyrge birthday character in the background formed a stark contrast...

 Chapter 12 Elder Yans Request

    The Fang Family, Inner Courtyard.


    The Fang Family, once brimming with joy, was now shrouded in gloom.


    The banquet had ended in disarray.


    Fang Tianhao, who seemed to have aged a decade overnight,y on his bed, his eyes filled with regret and resentment as he clenched his fists tightly, "Damn Xiao Yi, he''s pushed me too far... *cough cough cough*..."


    Fang Zheng hurriedly patted Fang Tianhao''s back, "Father, please calm down! Care for your health!"


    "Care for my health? Do any of you even care about this old man''s well-being?"


    Fang Tianhao pped away Fang Zheng''s hand with a look of cold indifference, "Look at the wonderful daughter you''ve raised! She always takes the side of others instead of her family. It''s one thing not to help your kin during critical moments, but she even ran off with that bastard Xiao Yi, as if her goal is to see me dead!"


    "This..."


    Fang Zheng and his wife exchanged a nce, both seeing helplessness and bitterness in each other''s eyes.


    Once upon a time, Fang Qingzhu was the pearl in their palms.


    But ever since Fang Qingzhu married Xiao Yi and lost her cultivation, and there were even suggestions to strip her of the position of family heir, their attitude towards Fang Qingzhu had drastically changed.


    What they never expected was that the useless son-inw they thought little of would suddenly be the cherished friend of Elder Yan.


    Fang Tianhao''s heaving chest slowly calmed down as he said sternly, "I don''t care what methods you use, you must make Fang Qingzhu and Xiao Yi change their minds. Even if you have to kneel and apologize, you must do it, understand?"


    Fang Hao protested, "Grandfather, why should my parents humble themselves and beg that waste? Doesn''t the Fang Family still have me?"


    "You?"


    Disdain and contempt filled Fang Tianhao''s eyes. "If the Fang Family relied on you, I''m afraid our downfall wouldn''t be far off!"


    At seventeen, Fang Hao had also received a lot of resources by riding on the coattails of Fang Qingzhu''s status. Six months ago, he entered the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer ¡ª such talent wasn''t too bad.


    But to rely on him to revitalize the Fang Family?


    That was a fool''s dream!


    Fang Tianhao didn''t bother with him anymore and turned to Fang Zheng with a tone that brooked no argument, "As long as you can bring Xiao Yi back, with his rtionship with Yan Mingli, he will definitely help our Fang Family''s business to a new level. And when we get the news of Fang Jin joining the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the rise of the Fang Family will be unstoppable! You must bring Xiao Yi back, understand?"


    There''s power in wealth, and strength in writing.


    The rise of any family or individual is absolutely inseparable from resources.


    The Treasure Pavilion controlled more than seventy percent of Nanhuang City''s trade ¡ª it was a veritable money tree.


    Yet, thinking of how they must now beg the once-despised waste they''d reluctantly epted as a son-inw made his face burn with pain.


    Fang Zheng felt incredibly frustrated but dared not go against Fang Tianhao''s wishes, "Father, rest assured, I will bring them back!"


    Leaving Fang Tianhao''s separate residence.


    The reverence on the faces of the trio, Fang Zheng, Fang Hao, and Liu Yun, vanished once they were outside, Liu Yun said fiercely, "That old coot actually expects us to kneel and beg that waste to return? If we really did that, could you and I ever hold our heads high again?"


    "Rest assured!" Fang Zheng''s eyes glinted fiercely and menacingly, "If Xiao Yi obediently follows us back, so be it. But if he dares to resist, then he can''t me me for being ruthless!"


    ...


    On the wide street.


    A carriage moved smoothly along. Pedestrians cleared the way upon seeing the symbol of the Treasure Pavilion on the carriage, fearing to disturb the important person inside.


    Inside the carriage.


    Fang Qingzhu was somewhat silent.


    Today at the birthday banquet, the actions of Fang Zheng and his wife, along with Fang Hao, had deeply wounded Fang Qingzhu''s heart.


    Xiao Yi kept holding her hand, his warmthforting her.


    "Xiao, was dinner to your liking?" Elder Yan asked.


    Xiao Yi nodded and smiled, "Indeed, especially the Huadiao-steamed flying dragon. It was truly an extraordinary delicacy!"


    "That''s aged Huadiao Wine of over thirty years, and the dragon was just caught from the Southern Deste Mountain Range this morning; before cooking, they were all lively creatures!"


    Elder Yan took out a jade bottle from his bosom, his eyes beseeching as he looked at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, there are a few Qi Gathering Elixirs inside this bottle, you must ept them!"


    Qi Gathering Elixir.


    A second-grade, low-level elixir, one worth a hundred taels of silver.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Without merit, I cannot ept the reward; I cannot take these elixirs."


    "Don''t be so quick to decline, I have a favor to ask of you!" Elder Yan chuckled, having seemingly anticipated Xiao Yi''s refusal.


    Xiao Yi''s inquisitive gaze met his.


    "On the fifteenth of next month, the Treasure Pavilion''s treasure appraising event of the five cities of Nanhuang will be held in our Nanhuang City. At that time, Pavilion Masters from the other four cities of Nanhuang, as well as some significant figures, will attend. Elder Yan Mingli of Sky Moon City''s Treasure Pavilion and I are old rivals, and just a few days ago, he sent me a challenge letter, dering that the younger generation from both sides wouldpete."


    Nanhuang is boundless and vast, an incrediblyrge territory.


    Within the entire Nanhuang, there are five cities: Nanhuang City, Sky Moon City, Shouye City, Dinghai City, and Qingyang City. Each city has a branch of the Treasure Pavilion, and they constantly vie with each other, both openly and in secret.


    Elder Yan said gravely, "I''ve received word that he has recently taken on an exceptional disciple; although Bing Xin is quitepetent, she still falls short in experiencepared to Cheng Fu''s disciple. Therefore, I would like to ask for your help at the event, Xiao!"


    "I will go!"


    Xiao Yi agreed. To him, it was no more than lifting a finger.


    Elder Yan''s face broke into a thrilled smile, and without further ado, he stuffed the elixirs into Xiao Yi''s hand, "Now you can ept them with a clear conscience, right?"


    Xiao Yi could only smile helplessly and ept them.


    "Pavilion Master, we''ve arrived!" called the coachman from outside the carriage.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The three stepped out of the carriage.


    Xiao Yi took Fang Qingzhu''s small hand, "Shall we go in and sit for a while?"


    Elder Yan nced at the dpidated courtyard in front of him, his eyebrows knitting slightly.


    This courtyard was truly too rundown.


    The walls were cracked, and the door was mostly broken, creaking in the wind.


    Elder Yan averted his gaze and shook his head with a smile, "The Treasure Pavilion still has matters to deal with; I won''t disturb you and Madam Xiao''s rest today!"


    Fang Qingzhu bowed her head, her pretty face flushed.


    Xiao Yiughed heartily, unconcerned, "If that''s the case, I won''t keep you! I''ll remember the matter and will attend when you let me know!"


    "Then I''ll take my leave first!"


    Elder Yan gave a respectful bow to Fang Qingzhu, "Madam Xiao, do remember to visit the Treasure Pavilion when you have the time; let me have the honor of being a proper host!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded, "Take care, Elder Yan!"


    "You two go ahead inside; no need to see me out!"


    Elder Yan waved his hand and slipped back into the carriage.


    They watched Elder Yan leave.


    Xiao Yi looked at Fang Qingzhu before him, "Do you want to stay here, or go back?"


    Fang Qingzhu bit her lip, a hint of struggle appearing on her face.


    What Fang Zheng and his wife did today had indeed chilled her heart; for the moment, at least, she did not wish to see them again.


    She inconspicuously slipped her hand out of Xiao Yi''s grasp, and said softly, "I''d like to be alone for a while."


    "There are vacant rooms in the courtyard. We can each take one," Xiao Yi said, not really minding.


    But before they could step inside, they heard hurried footstepsing from behind, apanied by Fang Zheng''s voice.


    "Wait!"

 Chapter 13 Humiliation Visits!

    Xiao Yi''s steps halted, and he saw Fang Zheng and his wife, with a reluctant Fang Hao in tow, approaching quickly.


    He instinctively nced at Fang Qingzhu beside him.


    Fang Qingzhu hung her head low and shook it, "I don''t want to see them..."


    Having said that, she walked straight into the courtyard.


    Xiao Yi stood in front of the main gate, like a guardian deity, watching the three people approaching closely.


    Seeing Xiao Yi, Fang Zheng and the others cursed silently, but still put on a brilliant smile, "Xiao Yi, you''re finally back!"


    Liu Yun, who had never shown a good face to Xiao Yi, said affectionately, "Xiao Yi, you''ve been with our family for so long, and Qingzhu''s dad and I have been busy with n affairs and haven''t found the time to see you, you''re not upset with us, are you?"


    Xiao Yi did not respond, but said indifferently, "Qingzhu doesn''t want to see you, please leave."


    "Uh..."


    Fang Zheng and his wife exchanged a look, their smiles fading as their gazes darkened.


    In their view, they had lowered their stance enough, and Xiao Yi should be grateful and ttering them.


    But now, Xiao Yi waspletely disregarding them!


    A sh of anger went across Fang Zheng''s eyes, but remembering the task given by Fang Tianhao, he suppressed his fury and spoke softly, "Xiao Yi, even if my wife and I have done something wrong in the past, that''s all behind us now. We''re family, any misunderstanding can be cleared up if we just talk it out."


    With that, he aimed a kick at Fang Hao, who was scowling beside them, "What are you standing around for? Hurry up and greet him!"


    Fang Hao reluctantly mumbled a greeting, "Brother-inw..."


    Obviously, he was extremely reluctant to call Xiao Yi his brother-inw!


    In his eyes, Xiao Yi being called brother-inw was a stroke of fortune unbeknownst for eight generations!


    But as soon as the words left his mouth, a disdainful snort from Xiao Yi came forth.


    "What are you, that you deem yourself worthy to call me brother-inw?"


    "You!"


    Fang Hao''s face fluctuated with varying shades.


    Reluctant toe and plead with Xiao Yi, the mockery from Xiao Yi made his anger rise uncontrobly.


    "I called you brother-inw as a courtesy, so don''t be ungrateful! Isn''t it just good luck that you got Elder Yan''s support? You really consider yourself something special?"


    Fang Hao''s face was full of mockery, his voiceden with sarcasm, "Elder Yan is merely using you as a tool, and when you''re no longer of value, see if he still bothers with you! Without Elder Yan, you''re just a worthless piece of trash!"


    "Shut your mouth, how dare you talk to your brother-inw like that?"


    Only after Fang Hao had finished speaking did Fang Zheng rebuke him with a feigned displeasure, smiling, "Xiao Yi, don''t stoop to Fang Hao''s level!"


    Xiao Yi''s expressionless face watched the three like they were a bunch of clowns.


    If he had really intended to stop Fang Hao, would he have waited for him to finish?


    Xiao Yi sneered, "If I really stooped to his level, he¡­ would already be dead!"


    "Xiao Yi, you''re going too far!"


    Fang Hao''s eyes widened as his vital energy surged, and his fists crackled with energy.


    A body full of vital energy, ready to burst!


    "Enough!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    From inside the gate came Fang Qingzhu''s cold reprimand, her expression frosty as she stared at the three, her voice trembling slightly, "What are you doing here?"


    The actions of the three at the birthday banquet had already deeply wounded Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Zheng frowned, quite displeased with Fang Qingzhu''s attitude.


    Stepping forward, Liu Yun presented a beaming smile, "Qingzhu, your father and I havee to tell you great news! Your grandfather has agreed to let Xiao Yi enter the main residence. From now on, our family can live together again!"


    Fang Qingzhu frowned slightly, finding the smile she once thought was kind on Liu Yun''s face now disgustingly insincere.


    A glint of icy disdain shed in her eyes as Fang Qingzhu said lightly, "It was he who banished Xiao Yi from the main residence, and now it''s he who allows his return. Don''t you find thatughable? What exactly do you take Xiao Yi and me for? Tools at your beck and call?"


    "How dare you talk to your parents like that?"


    Liu Yun''s face stiffened.


    ustomed to Fang Qingzhu''s obedience, she had lost her patience,manding with a fierce face that left no room for refusal, "Help Xiao Yi pack up, and move back to the main residence with us!"


    In the past, although Fang Qingzhu was a pampereddy, favored by all, and esteemed, she was extremely filial, always obedient to her parents'' words.


    When Liu Yun spoke, Fang Qingzhu dared not refuse!


    But now, Fang Qingzhu shook her head, "We''re fine here, we won''t be going to the main residence."


    "You wretched girl, not even listening to your own mother?" Liu Yun''s face darkened as she raised her hand to p Fang Qingzhu''s face.


    p!


    The p came so unexpectedly that everyone was taken by surprise.


    Fang Qingzhu''s head was snapped to the side from the hit, a crimson handprint on her delicate cheek, a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth.


    Her eyes filled with confusion and helplessness!


    This was the first time in her life that Liu Yun had hit her!


    Fang Qingzhu looked incredulously at Liu Yun.


    "What''s with that look? I gave birth to you and raised you, not to mention hitting you, if I told you to die, you''d have to obey! Go pack your things this instant, ande back to the main residence with us!" Liu Yun said domineeringly, her face grim.


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath, her heart growing colder, but her expression was resolute, "I''m not going back!"


    "You wretch, you''re seeking death!" In a rage, Liu Yun raised her hand to deliver another p to Fang Qingzhu!


    But just at that moment...


    p!


    Xiao Yi moved swiftly, shielding Fang Qingzhu and grabbing Liu Yun''s wrist, returning a p across her face!


    With that p, Liu Yun saw stars before her eyes and blood trickled from the corner of her mouth!


    The voice of Xiao Yi, as thoughing from the depths of hell, also carried coldly through the air.


    "Get lost!"

 Chapter 14 Crazy beating this rude mother-in-law

    ```


    "You dare to hit my mother?" Fang Hao roared furiously, pouncing toward Xiao Yi like a tiger descending the mountain.


    Xiao Yi lifted his foot for a kick, even though he was only at the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm, hisbat strength wasparable to a Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer powerhouse, and he sent Fang Hao, who was at the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer, flying with a single kick.


    "Hit my son? Are you trying to start a rebellion?" Liu Yun was burning with rage, her other hand shing toward Xiao Yi''s face.


    Smack!


    Just as she raised her hand, Xiao Yi backhanded her face again!


    "You..."


    Smack!


    Smack smack smack!


    With a volley of ps, he struck the domineering mother-inw''s face left and right, over a dozen times, then flung Liu Yun away, causing her to stagger backward!


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze swept over the two of them, and he said, word by word, "If it wasn''t for Qingzhu calling you ''mother,'' you''d be dead by now!"


    The sharpness of Xiao Yi''s gaze was like a de, and as cold as ice and snow, it suppressed the overpowering Evil Qi brought by the Lifetaker Schr!


    At this moment, even a thickyer of makeup couldn''t hide the increasingly paleplexion of Liu Yun.


    The dozen or so ps had indeed dazed the arrogant mother-inw, and utterly frightened her!


    "Dare to hit my mother? I''ll fight you to the death!"


    Fang Hao, like a carp flipping back onto its feet, rebounded from the ground, and with a flick of his arm, he drew a Soft Sword from his waist.


    The Soft Sword shimmered with silver light, writhing in his hand like a serpent, and a continuous buzzing sound pierced the air as it thrust straight towards Xiao Yi''s heart.


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes grew cold, and he reached out with a single hand.


    The flesh and blood palm made a grating ng as it met the Soft Sword, and Xiao Yi firmly grasped it in hand. Fang Hao''s face turned beet red with exertion, unable to free the Soft Sword from Xiao Yi''s grasp.


    At this moment, Fang Hao''s face was full of disbelief!


    "How can your physical body be so strong?"


    Xiao Yi scoffed disdainfully.


    "Scram!"


    The veins on his arm bulged as though the roar of the sky thundered faintly in the background.


    Eight Extremes Copse!


    Boom!


    Fang Hao screamed as he was sent flying backward, the Soft Sword in his hand dropping to the ground as he violently coughed up mouthfuls of blood!


    The mighty power of the Eight Extremes Copse had shattered five of his ribs!


    This scene made Liu Yun''s eyes nearly split with fury, wing towards Xiao Yi with a ferocious expression on her face!


    "You little bastard, you dare to hit my son? I''ll fight you..."


    "Noisy!"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold snort, flinging his arm as if he was tossing trash, and sent Liu Yun flying more than ten meters away.


    Whoosh!


    Finally, Fang Zheng made his move, darting forward to catch Liu Yun, his face dark as he looked at Xiao Yi with a serious gleam in his eyes, "Worthy of being from the Xiao Family, even if you''re just a despised waste, you still possess such strength."


    Fang Zheng told Liu Yun to step aside.


    His body faintly vibrated with Vital Energy, much stronger than Fang Hao.


    Fang Qingzhu''s expression changed drastically, and a hint of urgency surfaced in her lost gaze.


    "Xiao Yi, he is a Qi Gathering Realm Fourth Layer powerhouse..."


    "You slut, how dare you side with an outsider against me? I''ve always said, raising a daughter is worse than raising a dog, and it seems I was right!" Fang Zheng roared angrily, his eyes chillingly cold.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned deathly white, tears streaming down unstoppably.


    Worse than raising a dog?


    How deeply Fang Zheng''s words must have hurt her?


    They chilled to the bone!


    "Fang Zheng, you are disgraceful as a father!" Xiao Yi said with a face as still as water.


    "She''s my daughter. I gave birth to her, raised her, and she ought to repay me! When she was useful, of course, I treated her as the jewel of my palm, but now? She''s nothing more than waste that can''t even secure the position of Family Head. An outsider who loses me money, why should I be polite with her?"


    Fang Zheng sneered continuously, "If you obediently obey and follow me back to the main residence and serve my Fang Family, I will still acknowledge her as my daughter. Otherwise, you two can be a couple of wandering souls beneath the Yellow Springs!"


    Whizz!


    Fang Zheng suddenly shot an arrow from his fingertip, as fast as a startling reflex, breaking through the air.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank abruptly. Sidestepping the sudden cold arrow, he reached for the Soft Sword on the ground and sped towards Fang Zheng, the Longsword in his hand gleaming with sharp intent: "Chasing Stars, Pursuing the Moon!"


    Fang Zheng''s face darkened. The cultivation of Qi Gathering Realm Fourth Layer endowed him with much denser Vital Energy than Fang Hao''s, his palms pulsing with Vital Energy: "Coiling Snake Palm!"


    The sword shot out like a cold star streaking across the sky!


    The palm struck like a snake, coiling around its territory.


    In the blink of an eye, the palm and the sword''s edge collided heavily, the sword''s edge vibrating intensely and Xiao Yi was forced back several meters!


    ```


    Fang Zheng pursued relentlessly, his palm transforming into a w as he targeted Xiao Yi''s heart from behind, "If you can''t be of use to me, then go die!"


    ck Tiger Heart Dig!


    This was a deadly strike.


    Fang Qingzhu''s eyes were filled with rage, and she moved instinctively, darting forward with her arms spread to shield Xiao Yi from the fatal blow from Fang Zheng.


    "They''re as good as dead!"


    "Dad, quickly kill these two ungrateful wretches!"


    Liu Yun and Fang Hao had ice in their gaze, brimming with intent to kill and void of any past affection!


    "Cheap wench, die!" Fang Zheng said coldly, without a hint ofpassion.


    Just as Fang Qingzhu was about to die at the hands of her father, Xiao Yi suddenly turned around, his left arm encircling Fang Qingzhu''s waist and in a swift motion, he spun her out of harm''s way.


    At the same time, in his right hand, the Soft Sword took flight!


    "Soul Chase, Life Seize!"


    Whoosh!


    The sharp brilliance of the sword was like a fireball streaking across the sky, a sword chasing the soul, a life-seizing sword!


    "Ah..."


    Fang Zheng let out a terrible scream!


    This sword had pierced directly through his palm, continuing through the base of the palm and along the entire length of his arm!


    Xiao Yi casually flicked his wrist, and Fang Zheng''s entire right arm was split into two halves!


    Xiao Yi moved forward in one smooth motion.


    "Eight Extremes Copse!"


    Bang!


    This blow struck Fang Zheng squarely in the chest, sending him flying backward with great force!


    Most of his bones shattered upon impact!


    Ugh!


    Fang Zheng spat out blood as he tumbled down in front of Liu Yun and Fang Hao.


    The family of three looked at Xiao Yi with horror-stricken faces, as if they were staring at a peerless God of ughter. Gone was their arrogance and mboyance, leaving only terror and fear.


    "No, don''t kill us, I, I am your mother-inw!"


    "Bro, bro-inw... no, Xiao, Xiao spare our lives, I''m still young... Sister, please beg Xiao for me! Beg him!" Fang Hao shook in terror, stinking of fear.


    Xiao Yi turned his head to look at Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath, "Let them go!"


    Taking the Soft Sword from Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu walked in front of the three, her voice cold as frost.


    "From today on, I, Fang Qingzhu, sever all ties with you!"


    Whoosh!


    The Soft Sword gleamed coldly as it severed her jet-ck hair, scattering it in the wind.


    The three stood there stunned, theirplexions ashen.


    They... were being discarded by Fang Qingzhu like worthless ribs!


    Clip-clop, clip-clop, clip-clop!


    The sound of carriage wheels broke the deathly silence.


    Lin Bingxin looked on in astoundment at the scene before her, full of questions but not daring to ask any. She respectfully presented the deed to Xiao Yi, "Seeing that your residence was in ruins, my teacher purchased a vi next to the Treasure Pavilion and asked me to deliver the deed to you, please ept it!"


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi received the deed with a light chuckle and then handed it to Fang Qingzhu. He looked at her earnestly, "Qingzhu, would you be willing to move there with me?"


    Fang Qingzhu stood there, dazed as she looked at Xiao Yi.


    She was now without a home, all alone.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Seeing the sincerity in Xiao Yi''s eyes warmed her cold heart. A smile curled on her lips as she nodded emphatically, "I would be d to!"


    "Xiao, Miss Qingzhu, please board the carriage, and I will take you to the vi right away!"


    "No... this is impossible! How could such trash deserve such a ce?" Liu Yun couldn''t help but roar in anger!


    Now, with all ties severed and feelings betrayed, how could she ept such an oue?


    "Impossible! You don''t deserve it! You never will!" Fang Hao''s body was trembling.


    And Fang Zheng was grinding his teeth in anger, his face dark and gloomy.


    "You lowlifes are only fit to live here! Only fit to stay here!"


    Lin Bingxin''s eyes turned cold as she respectfully invited Xiao Yi and hispanion onto the carriage, then looked back at the trio with a touch of disdain in her eyes.


    "Even my teacher, who wanted to take Xiao as a master, was refused. With such a prodigious figure as your son-inw, you didn''t treat him well but instead pushed him away? And you call Xiao trash? Trulyughable!"


    "Not to mention, I wonder who truly is the trash!"

 Chapter 15 Strange Phenomena of Heaven and Earth

    Driven by the Treasure Pavilion, every inch ofnd around it was worth its weight in gold.


    In Nanhuang City, everyone aspired to own a house near the Treasure Pavilion. Anyone who could buy an over three-hundred-square-meter mansion nearby would be considered a true winner in life.


    One of the four major families, the Zhang Family, was situated right beside the Treasure Pavilion.


    Zhang Ze was the young master of the Zhang Family, the only son of the family head, Zhang Yong.


    Among the younger generation in Nanhuang City, his talent was also among the top ranks.


    At the age of neen, he had already reached the Fourth Layer Cultivation of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    "Er Gouzi, why has the que on the mansion next door been changed?" Zhang Ze rode atop a tall horse, nced at the mansion next to the Zhang residence with a brand new que, and asked.


    Leading the horse in front, Er Gouzi turned at the question, "Young Master, it seems that Elder Yan has bought this ce!"


    "Oh? Elder Yan? Could it be that he''s nning to be our neighbor?" Zhang Ze''s eyes narrowed into slits. Elder Yan was the most prestigious figure in Nanhuang City.


    Although his cultivation was not the first in Nanhuang City, if one were to talk about status and power, even the lord of Nanhuang City could notpare to him.


    After all.


    The Treasure Pavilion was spread throughout the entire Great Qian Dynasty!


    Countless young talents dreamt of apprenticing under Elder Yan, but within the vast Nanhuang City, no one could catch his eye, so everyone set their sights on Lin Bingxin.


    Zhang Ze was also among Lin Bingxin''s suitors.


    "Young Master, look, isn''t that Miss Lin?" Eximed Er Gouzi all of a sudden.


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Ze was startled and looked eagerly ahead, only to see Lin Bingxin walking out from that residence. He was about to approach when he saw a handsome young man following close behind her.


    Seeing the young man conversing happily with Lin Bingxin, Zhang Ze''s expression instantly turned gloomy, "Who is that kid? He seems very familiar with Bingxin? Er Gouzi, bring the horse over!"


    "Yes, Young Master!"


    Er Gouzi quickened his pace.


    In front of the residence.


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "Please give my regards to Elder Yan!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ll remember!"


    Lin Bingxin nodded faintly, the inherent coldness in her, as if a millennia-old ice, tough to melt, "Take good care of Qingzhu after you get back, she hasn''t had it easy!"


    "I will!"


    Xiao Yi responded, recalling the way Fang Qingzhu rested her head on his shoulder and fell asleep, he couldn''t help but feel a pang of heartache.


    Lin Bingxin suddenly saw Zhang Ze on his tall horse, rushing over quickly. Her face slightly changed as she quickly said, "I have something else to do, I need to leave first!"


    Before the words had even finished.


    She was already running away like a trail of smoke.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    What did she see that made her run so fast?


    Xiao Yi looked in Zhang Ze''s direction.


    Seeing Lin Bingxin speed up her departure at the sight of him, Zhang Ze did not give chase. Instead, he rode his tall horse to a stop in front of Xiao Yi, intending to figure out the rtionship between this young man and Lin Bingxin!


    As their eyes met.


    Zhang Ze gently pped his palm with the riding crop in his hand, his eyes narrowed into slits, emitting a dangerous light, "You look quite unfamiliar, just arrived in Nanhuang City, haven''t you?"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, "Less than a month!"


    "Less than a month?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zhang Ze nodded slightly, "Although Nanhuang City isn''t big, its waters run deep. One careless move and you could drown. There are certain things you shouldn''t do, and certain people you shouldn''t mess with. Do you understand?"


    Xiao Yi furrowed his brows, "If you have something to say, just say it!"


    Zhang Ze stopped ying with the riding crop, leaned forward slightly with his elbow propped on the saddle, "Lin Bingxin is the woman I''ve taken a liking to, you''d best stay away from her. I tend to lose measure when I get jealous, and it wouldn''t be out of the ordinary for me to beat someone to death over it..."


    "Uh..."


    Xiao Yi suddenly realized. So he was being mistaken for a rival in love?


    He didn''t bother to exin. Innocence speaks for itself, and sometimes the more you exin, the less clear things be. Giving Zhang Ze a smile that was not particrly polite, Xiao Yi turned and walked towards the interior of the residence.


    Zhang Ze looked intently at the vermilion gate, squinted his eyes, and said, "Er Gouzi, I''m about to break through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm. During this period, have someone keep an eye on this ce. If he has nothing to do with Bing Xin, then all is well. But if he dares to pursue Bing Xin, once Ie out of seclusion, I will tten this courtyard!"


    "Young Master, rest assured, I know what to do!" Er Gouzi said respectfully.


    ......


    Inside the courtyard.


    Xiao Yi returned to Fang Qingzhu''s bedroom and looked at the figure lying in deep sleep on the bed. Seeing the faint teardrops hanging on her long eyshes, Xiao Yi felt a twinge of heartache: "Qingzhu, with me here, I will absolutely not allow anyone to hurt you again!"


    Huff!


    He exhaled a long breath of turbid air.


    Xiao Yi returned to his own bedroom and sat cross-legged, taking out the bottle of medicinal pills Elder Yan had given him.


    Qi Gathering Elixir, a low-grade second-tier medicinal pill.


    Each pill was worth a hundred taels of silver, and consuming this pill could double the speed of absorbing the world''s qi for three hours. There were ten pills in this bottle.


    That was enough for someone at the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm to break through to the Qi Gathering Realm.


    The cultivation practice in the Qi Gathering Realm was entirely different from the Physical Body Realm. The Physical Body Realm involved guiding the qi of heaven and earth to cleanse the body, strengthen the Qi-Blood, and temper one''s foundational constitution, whereas the Qi Gathering Realm required locking the qi of heaven and earth within oneself.


    To form a qi vortex in the dantian, allowing the absorbed qi of heaven and earth to gather within the vortex. With each minor breakthrough, the vortex gains an additionalyer.


    Tenyers of qi vortexes stack together,plementing each other to form a loop, evolving into a Qi Sea.


    Once the Qi Sea is cultivated, the qi is abundant and concentrated, without dispersing.


    This allows one to wield various Divine Skills, which are beyond the Qi Gathering Realm, in the Shentong Realm.


    "Let''s break through to the Qi Gathering Realm in one go!"


    He threw the medicinal pill into his mouth, and a fresh stream flowed through his surroundings, his spirit unbelievably focused. His pores seemed to openpletely, and his sensitivity to the qi of heaven and earth became much sharper.


    With the Xuan Gong in operation, Xiao Yi instantly became a bottomless pit, voraciously absorbing the world''s qi around him.


    The beginning is always the hardest.


    Condensing the firstyer of qi vortex in the Qi Gathering Realm is the most difficult; usually, even strong practitioners take at least a year and a half to condense a qi vortex, transitioning from the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm into the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Under the eleration of the Qi Gathering Elixir, it was not until the morning of the third day that Xiao Yi sessfully condensed a qi vortex, stepping into the cultivation of the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer.


    Only when the effects of the Qi Gathering Elixir wore off did Xiao Yi continue to channel qi into the God Sealing Seed within his qi vortex.


    Boom boom boom!


    One after another, the God Sealing Seeds were fully activated.


    One.


    Two.


    Three¡­


    Under the assault of all the qi contained within the First Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, Xiao Yi managed to activate a total of fifteen God Sealing Seeds. Together with the original five, he now had twenty God Sealing Seeds within his body!


    The qi, transformed by the God Sealing Seeds into the power of god sealing, fed back into his body.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation soared to a new level,pletely stabilizing his realm at the First Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    Immersed in his cultivation, Xiao Yi didn''t know that.


    At the moment when he broke through to the Qi Gathering Realm and activated a total of twenty God Sealing Seeds, a magnificent nine-colored light suddenly appeared in the sky above the mansion. The light, like a bridge, covered a hundred meters in radius.


    Thousands of birds gathered around the nine-colored light and did not disperse for a long time.


    Basking in the nine-colored light, they looked just like numerous colorful phoenixes and divine luan birds.


    Suddenly there was a long howl from inside the mansion, "Hahaha, I have finally broken through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm!"


    Before long.


    A message spread throughout the entire Zhang residence: "The Young Master has broken through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm. The heavens have disyed a nine-colored light, and myriad birds gathered without dispersing. This is a heavenly phenomenon celebrating the Young Master''s breakthrough!"


    "The Young Master is mighty, he has actually attracted a heavenly phenomenon, it''s truly miraculous!"


    The Zhang Family rejoiced.


    The patriarch of the Zhang Family, Zhang Yong, was so excited that he set up an altar and prepared abundant offerings to worship the ancestors. He also sent out invitations to the major families and powers of Nanhuang City: "To celebrate my son''s attracting a heavenly phenomenon, we will hold a grand banquet tomorrow evening..."


    As for Xiao Yi, the cause of the heavenly phenomenon, he was currently sitting with Fang Qingzhu, enjoying simple congee and dishes, in perfect harmony.


    Both ears deaf to the world outside the window...

 Chapter 16 Call Uncle!

    "Qingzhu, have you gotten used to living here?"


    Xiao Yi looked at the tranquil girl across from him and asked.


    Fang Qingzhu revealed a gentle smile on her face and nodded, "These three days might be the most rxed andfortable time I''ve ever had in my life!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "When I was a child, I trained harder than anyone else just so my parents would pay more attention to me. Growing up, not wanting to lose their attention, I had topete. Xiao Yi, do you know why I agreed to this marriage?"


    Her slender fingers smoothed the hair in front of her forehead, the golden sunlight bathing her face with a sacred glow, Fang Qingzhu''s smile grew even more radiant, "Because Grandpa said, as long as I agree to this arranged marriage, he would hand over the position of family heir to me. I just thought that if I could ascend to the position of family head one day, they would look up to me, and I wouldn''t have to live under their shadow anymore¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze became somewhat distant as he saw a reflection of himself in Fang Qingzhu.


    From his childhood, everyone''s focus was on Xiao Tianjiao.


    Xiao Tianjiao''s birthday was always a grand celebration, and his birthday, apart from his mother, no one even remembered. Even when his mother suggested holding a family banquet, it would be rejected.


    No matter how hard he worked, he could never get recognition.


    Until the year he was ten¡­


    Xiao Tianjiao imprisoned him and even stripped him of his right to cultivate.


    Their pasts were so simr.


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and looked at Fang Qingzhu seriously, "Qingzhu, I will help you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "I will definitely find a way to heal your dantian, help you sit in the position of family head, and let your parents look up to you¡­"


    "Thank you, Xiao Yi, forforting me!"


    Fang Qingzhu gave a bitter smile, "My dantian cannot be repaired at all, and even if I could repair my dantian, I''m afraid I wouldn''t be able topete with Fang Jin¡­"


    Fang Jin was almost guaranteed to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and by the time he returned from there, he might have already broken through to the Shentong Realm.


    Xiao Yi didn''t say much, but his eyes grew more resolute, "Qingzhu, I will definitely help you fulfill your wish!"


    In the following day.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu spent their time within the residence, tending to nts, ying chess, and even catching fish in the water together, aside from the three meals a day. They even personally cultivated a small vegetable patch.


    This was the life Fang Qingzhu had never experienced but had always longed for.


    The two of them immersed themselves in this simple yet heartwarming joy.


    At night.


    Xiao Yi, sitting cross-legged on the bed, opened his eyes, and a sharp light swirled in his dark pupils, allowing him to appear within the Eternal Heavenly Tomb with a single thought.


    "Medicine Saint Feng Lei¡­"


    "Immortal Medical King Xue Shengyi¡­"


    Xiao Yi attempted one after another, but these tombs of great and renowned figures were utterly unapproachable. Having almost scoured the tombs within reach, Xiao Yi finally found his target.


    It was a grave two feet tall, with a wooden stele erected on it.


    The stele bore the information of the tomb''s upant: Bian He, Heavenly Yuan Realm, known as the Underworld Doctor Ancestor.


    This was the only tomb specializing in medical skills that Xiao Yi could currently ess: "Underworld Doctor Ancestor Bian He, I hope you won''t let me down!"


    Boom!


    The God Sealing Seed around him shone brilliantly, radiating splendidly.


    "Break for me!"


    A cold,rge hand shattered the tomb before him, and an aged figure burst forth abruptly. This figure was hunched and slightly stooped, with a purple Lingzhi the size of a human head in his left hand, and a ginseng walking stick with roots coiling around it in his right.


    "God Sealing Seed, suppress and seal the gods!"


    Twenty God Sealing Seeds burst forth with brilliant light, forming a massive cage that trapped Bian He.


    Bian He''s purple Lingzhi and ginseng walking stick kept striking in all directions, causing the cage to thunder loudly, yet he couldn''t break free from its confines. He turned into a streak of spirit light and was suppressed within the God Sealing Seed by Xiao Yi.


    Inside the God Sealing Seed, a statue identical to him condensed.


    At the same time.


    Xiao Yi also received Bian He''s legacy, which included two items.


    One was the holy scroll of the Underworld Doctor lineage from the distant Southern Border, "Nether King Medical Canon," and the second was a Pupil Skill called "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil."


    The Underworld Doctors of the Southern Border emphasized diagnosis by inspection.


    Among them, "inspection" involved observing with the eyes to understand the patient''s physical condition, the root of the illness, and the nature of the symptoms, among other things.


    "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil" is divided into three realms: Star Pupil, Moon Pupil, and Nether Pupil.


    "The method to repair the dan tian..."


    Xiao Yi, who was quickly scanning through the "Nether King Medical Canon," trembled with excitement and a look of ecstasy crossed his face, "Grafting technique? Heaven really does not let down those who are determined, I''ve finally found it!"


    This ''grafting technique'' is a unique method of the Underworld Doctors, involving the recement of the dan tian with a specific demonic beast''s core.


    This approach has a huge w.


    That is, the limit of one''s cultivation will be determined by the grade of the demonic beast''s core.


    For instance, if you use a second-grade demonic beast''s core to rece the dan tian, the highest one can achieve is the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm; if it''s a third-grade demonic beast core, the highest cultivation limit is the peak of the Divine Ability Realm.


    And so on...


    "Fortunately, these demonic beast cores can be reced. As long as one bes strong enough in the future, it''s entirely possible to hunt higher-level demonic beasts to take their cores and rece them with her new dan tian!"


    Xiao Yi sighed with relief and returned to the bedroom, "I won''t tell Qingzhu for now, I''ll wait until everything is ready before giving her a surprise. When dawn breaks, I''ll go to the Treasure Pavilion to buy the medicinal herbs and beast cores needed for the grafting technique. Qingzhu, I once promised to help you take the position of family head, and I will certainly not go back on my word!"


    Seeing that there were still a few hours until dawn, Xiao Yi simply started to cultivate "Blood Moon Underworld Pupil."


    The first realm of cultivating the Star Pupil is to draw in starlight and condense it within one''s eyes.


    Xiao Yi stood on the rooftop, gazing up at the starry sky, circting the cultivation method.


    Vaguely...


    One could see specks of starlight falling from the myriad stars, merging into his eyes. His eyes became increasingly bright, and two hourster, Xiao Yi suddenly opened his eyes.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    His eyes shone like bright stars as he quirked the corners of his mouth and muttered to himself, "The Blood Moon Underworld Pupil isn''t that difficult to cultivate after all. Just two hours, and I have sessfully condensed the Star Pupil!"


    If the people from the Underworld Doctor lineage in the Southern Border heard this, they would probably be driven mad.


    Even Bian He, who was hailed as the strongest genius of the Underworld Doctors'' lineage, had spent a whole day and night to sessfully condense the Star Pupil!


    Of course.


    Xiao Yi was unaware of this.


    ......


    Treasure Pavilion, Inner Cab, first floor hall.


    The ce was bustling with people.


    Xiao Yi stood among the crowd, believing that news of his arrival would soon reach Elder Yan and the others, so he simply waited there.


    "Is this brother also waiting for Miss Lin?"


    "Brother, take a look at us, who isn''t bringing a gift? Coming empty-handed doesn''t seem very sincere, right?"


    Seven or eight handsome young men stood beside Xiao Yi.


    Each was holding a gift of some sort, ranging from famous paintings, antiques, to fragrant flowers, everything was present.


    So these are all pursuers of Lin Bingxin!


    That icy woman, surprisingly, had quite a few admirers!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes twinkled as he said solemnly, "My mere presence here is the best gift. Once Lin Bingxin sees my face, she wille to me without needing me to greet her. Besides, I can make her call me ''uncle.'' Do you believe it or not?"


    "Pah, you''re blowing your own trumpet a bit too loudly!"


    "Let alone you, even Zhang Ze wouldn''t be given a second nce by Miss Lin... and Zhang Ze is someone who caused a phenomenon between heaven and earth, do you think you canpare with him?"


    "If it''s really as you say, I''ll swallow this antique vase I have in my hand!"


    Just as everyone was collectively condemning Xiao Yi, the young man who had first greeted Xiao Yi suddenly said, "Look, Miss Bingxin ising out, hey hey hey... she''s, she''s heading this way..."


    "No, that''s not right, why is she, she walking towards this bragging king?"


    "Holy crap..."


    Amidst a session of exmations, Lin Bingxin walked straight up to Xiao Yi and said, "Xiao..."


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow and nced sideways at the stunned crowd of young men, he said indifferently, "Call me uncle!"


    Hisss!


    The crowd inhaled sharply.


    Did he actually get Lin Bingxin to call him uncle?


    Was he asking to be beaten up?


    Lin Bingxin''s eye twitched, wishing she could p Xiao Yi to death, but she didn''t dare to!


    How frustrating!


    Lin Bingxin took a deep breath, grit her teeth, red fiercely at Xiao Yi, this bastard actually made her call him uncle in public?


    But when she remembered that the bet had been her own proposal, Lin Bingxin could only clench her teeth and call out the two words with sheer effort, "Uncle... Uncle..."

 Chapter 17 The Zhang Family Dinner

    "Teacher, what brings you to my ce?"


    Elder Yan stood respectfully in front of Xiao Yi, such demeanor if witnessed by outsiders would surely shock them to the core.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "I need some medicinal herbs!"


    "No problem!"


    Elder Yan patted his chest and said, "Teacher, just give me a list, and I''ll have Bing Xin prepare it right away!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and handed the list he had prepared earlier to Elder Yan.


    Without even looking at it, Elder Yan handed the list to Lin Bingxin: "Go to the storeroom immediately and bring everything the teacher needs. If it''s not there, get it from other city branches as fast as possible!"


    Lin Bingxin shot Xiao Yi a resentful nce before taking the list and leaving.


    "Elder Yan, it''s time for your medicine!" A white-haired elder came in, carrying a steaming bowl of herbal soup in his hands.


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "Sick?"


    "An old illness, I''ve been taking medicine but it hasn''t improved."


    Elder Yan offered a wry smile, pointing to the old man and said, "This is Luo, the alchemist I hired for a hefty sum. He''s one of the top ten alchemists in Nanhuang City."


    Luo, the alchemist, nced at Xiao Yi and snorted coldly, slightly lifting his chin with an air of arrogance.


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows furrowed slightly as he activated his Star Pupil to examine Elder Yan, then looked towards the bowl of soup, "What medicine are you giving him?"


    Luo spoke lightly, "Lung Cleansing Detox Soup. This is a divine medicine personally concocted by me. Can you, a wet-behind-the-ears kid, possibly understand?"


    "Elder Yan, Luo may be bad-tempered, but I beg you to calm your anger!" Elder Yan red at Luo fiercely and respectfully apologized to Xiao Yi.


    "Calm my anger? You''re about to be killed by this quack!"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes in annoyance.


    "Ah?"


    Elder Yan was utterly bewildered.


    The color drained from Luo''s face as he bellowed, "Nonsense, when have I ever tried to harm Elder Yan? He has a fire toxin in his lungs; naturally, the Lung Cleansing Detox Soup is needed. You know nothing, you wild boy, spouting nonsense - be careful, or I''ll tear that mouth of yours!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Fire toxin? If it were a fire toxin in the lungs, it would indeed cause constant chest distress and coughing, and the pain should be the worst when the sun is at its zenith at noon. Yet his worst paines at midnight. How would you exin that?"


    "This, this..." Luo''s face turned from green to white, momentarily unable to respond.


    Xiao Yi pressed on, "Using the Lung Cleansing Detox Soup is correct if it were a fire toxin, but what if it were a cold toxin? Introducing cold from the soup would only add poison to poison; continuing with your medicine, he''d be undoubtedly dead within three months!"


    Thud!


    Luo copsed on the ground, frightened and frantic, "Spare me, Elder Yan, spare me! It was only a momentarypse in judgment, please forgive me..."


    Elder Yan could no longer be oblivious that Luo had been bought off.


    His face clouded over, and he waved his hand, "Take him away and interrogate him severely, find out who''s behind this!"


    "Yes!"


    Luo was dragged away by two Qi Gathering Realm strongmen.


    Even now...


    He still couldn''t believe how this young man, who looked immature, could see through everything at a nce. Recalling his earlier usations that Xiao Yi was ignorant and inexperienced, he felt his face burning with shame.


    Thud!


    Elder Yan knelt directly in front of Xiao Yi, "Teacher, I have no way to repay your life-saving grace, please ept my humble bow!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "There''s no need for such formalities between us. I''ll give you a prescription; follow it for a month, and the cold poison in your lungs will bepletely purged!"


    "Thank you, Teacher!" Elder Yan took the prescription with excitement.


    Looking at Xiao Yi with ever more admiration and fervor, Elder Yan couldn''t help but be astounded. Such a young person not only possessed extraordinary vision but also terrifying skills in swordsmanship, and now even boasted medical knowledge? Elder Yan marveled, "Teacher truly is a celestial being!"


    Before long.


    Lin Bingxin entered, holding an antique ck Storage Ring in both hands. Elder Yan received the ring and respectfully presented it to Xiao Yi, "Teacher, this is the Storage Ring I specially prepared for you. All the medicinal herbs you requested are inside!"


    Bing Xin looked on enviously at Xiao Yi.


    This was a Storage Ring!


    Only those above the Golden Core Realm could craft it. In the immense Nanhuang City, those who could wear a Storage Ring were few and far between!


    Xiao Yi raised his eyebrows and epted the ring, "I appreciate the gesture!"


    "It is my duty!"


    After a pause, Elder Yan continued, "Teacher, regarding that list you gave me earlier, we were unable to find the demon core of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python. However, I''ve had Bing Xin issue a reward for its whereabouts; we will notify you immediately if anyone locates it."


    "That''s fine, you handle it!" Xiao Yi nodded, about to stand up.


    Elder Yan respectfully said, "Teacher, yesterday, young Zhang Ze of the Zhang Family broke through to the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm and attracted a heavenly phenomenon. The Zhang Family is hosting a banquet to celebrate and inviting everyone from Nanhuang. Would you be interested in attending?"


    He seldom took part in the gatherings of Nanhuang City''s major families, but a peerless genius from the Zhang Family that caused a heavenly phenomenon was indeed worth his attention!


    "A heavenly phenomenon?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, his eyes showing surprise.


    Anyone who could attract a heavenly phenomenon was unquestionably a favored child of heaven, a prodigy without match.


    Just like Xiao Tianjiaao of the past, whose birth had attracted a heavenly phenomenon and even summoned a fire dragon to acknowledge him as its master.


    Such geniuses were rare even in the Great Qian Dynasty, let alone being born in the remote Nanhuang City.


    Xiao Yi was also somewhat curious about Zhang Ze, who could attract heavenly phenomena, and said, "I have nothing better to do, so it wouldn''t hurt to take a look!"


    ......


    Today, the Zhang family''s residence was brightly lit and bustling with activity.


    On the streets leading to the Zhang''s, one could see carriagesing and going, with all the influential figures of Nanhuang City making personal visits.


    "The Zhangs are truly impressive, having given birth to such a unicorn who calls forth heavenly phenomena. In just over a decade, no one in Nanhuang City may be able to contend with the Zhang family!"


    "That''s not necessarily the case. Fang Jin of the Fang Family is also a true dragon among men. It is said that he is currently undergoing assessments at the Royal Martial Arts Academy in the capital and stands a very good chance of gaining admission."


    "Fang Jin of the Fang Family and Zhang Ze of the Zhang Family, these are the two true dragons of our Nanhuang City!"


    Along the way, one could hear many powerful individuals discussing the phenomena.


    Clearly, the impact of these heaven and earth phenomena was quite significant.


    At the entrance of the Zhang family''s home.


    Zhang Yong and his son were weing guests.


    "Brother Zhang Ze, you must take good care of me in the future," Chen Tao, the son of Chen Yong, said to Zhang Ze, winking and somewhat ingratiating.


    Zhao Xian, the young master of the Zhao Family, nodded at Zhang Ze, neither servile nor overbearing, and then apologized to Zhang Yong, "My father had already entered closed-door cultivation before receiving the invitation and could note in person. I hope Uncle Zhang will forgive him!"


    Zhang Yongughed, "No worries, Brother Zhao getting that Sword technique and starting toprehend it immediately is only natural for a cultivator!"


    Until yesterday, he was quite envious that Zhao Yu had obtained the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll.


    As for now...


    He looked at his son, Zhang Ze, with a face full of pride and self-satisfaction.


    What of a third-grade high-level Sword technique?


    His son was a peerless genius who attracted heavenly phenomena!


    "Howe no one from the Fang Family has arrived yet?" Zhang Ze said with displeasure.


    Zhang Yong sneered, "The Fangs just lost face in such a big way a few days ago; they probably don''t have the nerve to send someone." While he was speaking, his expression suddenly changed, "Xiao Ze, look, isn''t that Elder Yan''s carriage?"


    "Father, it is indeed Elder Yan''s carriage!" Zhang Ze''s eyes lit up.


    The expressions of the guests at the door were all tinged with envy, "Even Elder Yan ising to the banquet? The Zhang family is truly impressive!"


    Zhang Ze and his father wore expressions of pride and hastened to wee the arrival.


    Elder Yan, supported by Lin Bingxin, stepped down from the carriage.


    Zhang Ze and his father said respectfully, "We wee Elder Yan''s grand presence!"


    "Haha, congrattions, Patriarch Zhang, with such a unicorn, the Zhang family''s future is boundless!" Elder Yan said cheerfully.


    Zhang Yong said with a smug expression, "It''s all thanks to Xiao Ze''s own hard efforts! Elder Yan, please doe in!"


    Zhang Ze looked at Lin Bingxin with eager eyes, "Bing Xin, pleasee in!"


    Elder Yan waved his hand, "No rush, I am waiting for someone!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Yong and his son looked at each other in confusion, wondering who had such esteem that Elder Yan would personally wait for them. They didn''t feel it was appropriate to inquire, so Zhang Yong said, "Then please, Elder Yan, go ahead to the front where we have prepared tables and chairs."


    "Thank you very much!"


    Elder Yan smiled and, together with Lin Bingxin, sat down on the chairs ced in front of the residence.


    "Who else in Nanhuang City would Elder Yan personally wait for?"


    "I heard that the lord of the city was also invited, could it be that the city lord will attend?"


    "In the vast Nanhuang City, aside from the city lord, who else would be qualified to have Elder Yan wait in person?"


    Amid the murmurs of spection, the sound of horse hooves ttered from the front, a middle-aged man in a python robe with a figure as straight as a pine approached on horseback. This man exuded a formidable aura, appearing heroic and full of strength, his qi-blood vibrant as the roar of dragons and tigers together.


    He was the lord of Nanhuang City, the most powerful man in terms of martial prowess, existing at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, Sikong Nan.


    "The city lord has arrived?"


    "Look, Elder Yan has stood up; it seems he really is here to wee Lord Sikong Nan of the city!"


    As everyone looked on, Elder Yan stood up and walked briskly towards Sikong Nan.


    Zhang Ze and the others followed closely behind.


    Sikong Nan dismounted, surprised to see Elder Yan personally weing him, his face breaking into a smile, "Elder Yan, you tter me too much!"


    However...


    Elder Yan just nodded slightly at him and then walked past, turning to a man and a woman not far behind Sikong Nan to respectfully bow, "Young Master Xiao, Madam Xiao, you have finally arrived!"


    What?


    Sikong Nan''s smile stiffened on his face.


    Zhang Ze and the others also stopped in their tracks.


    All around, everyone was dumbstruck: "..."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Damn!


    Weing the city lord, my ass!


    They were clearly waiting for that young couple!

 Chapter 18 Sword Intent Seed

    "Is that Fang Qingzhu from the Fang Family? And the man beside her is their son-inw, Xiao Yi?"


    "Elder Yan was actually waiting for them?"


    Everyone felt their scalp tingle, finding it unbelievable.


    They had all thought Elder Yan was waiting for Sikong Nan, the lord of Nanhuang City. Even Sikong Nan himself believed so, as within Nanhuang City, the only one who could receive such warm enthusiasm from Elder Yan was none other than him.


    But now...


    Elder Yan had merely nodded at him.


    Instead, he showed such respect towards Xiao Yi.


    Sikong Nan stroked his chin, "The son-inw of the Fang Family, Xiao Yi? Interesting!"


    When Zhang Ze saw Xiao Yi, his expression turned somewhat unsightly.


    He was a peerless genius who had attracted heavenly phenomena, yet Elder Yan had only casuallyplimented him, while he showed such respect toward Xiao Yi. "He''s just an insignificant son-inw, what makes him worthy of such treatment?"


    Xiao Yi, unaware of their thoughts, looked helplessly at Elder Yan, "Didn''t I tell you to go in first?"


    He did not want to attract too much attention.


    Elder Yan chuckled and said in a low voice, "How could the disciple dare to take a seat before the teacher arrives?"


    "..."


    Xiao Yi helplessly shook his head.


    He had originallye with Elder Yan but couldn''t rest assured leaving Fang Qingzhu at home alone; he had made a special trip back to bring Fang Qingzhu with him.


    He had intended for Elder Yan to go in ahead of him, only to find that he was actually waiting here for him.


    "You walk in front!" Xiao Yi said.


    Given the level of respect Elder Yan had for him, he would surely not dare to walk ahead of him.


    But in doing so...


    The name of Xiao Yi would be famous throughout the vast Nanhuang City. Who else had the stature for Elder Yan to follow behind?


    Elder Yan also understood what Xiao Yi meant, and thus he led the way ahead,ing to Sikong Nan and Zhang Yong. He nodded toward Sikong Nan, then turned to look at Zhang Yong, "Zhang, it wouldn''t be a problem if I brought two extra people, would it?"


    "Of course not, it''s an honor for my Zhang family to have Xiaoe," Zhang Yong replied continuously.


    He could not afford to disregard Xiao Yi''s face, let alone Elder Yan''s.


    Xiao Yi sped his hands and said, "Congrattions, Zhang!"


    "Haha, pleasee inside, Xiao!" Zhang replied.


    Zhao Xian approached him, his demeanor respectful, "Xiao, my father is cultivating sword techniques in seclusion and cannot be present, so I am here to extend his regards to you."


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and followed the crowd into the mansion.


    Sikong Nan watched the backs of Elder Yan and his group, stroking his chin.


    In the vast Nanhuang City, who didn''t tter him with a few words upon meeting him?


    But Xiao Yi had dismissed him as if he were the air.


    He could tell this was not a pretense; in Xiao Yi''s heart, there was truly no fear of him, the first martial force of Nanhuang City. He was curious as he asked Zhang Yong, "Zhang, what is the rtionship between that Xiao Yi and Elder Yan?"


    Zhang Yong replied, "That Xiao Yi has some talent for appraising treasures and helped Elder Yan identify a pair of heirlooms from a legendary schr who could snatch lives with his writings, so Elder Yan holds him in high esteem."


    Zhang Ze scoffed dismissively and said, "Is he not just currying favor with Elder Yan through some clever tricks? In this world, one''s own strength is the foundation..."


    Sikong Nan simply smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Zhang Ze, but his interest in Xiao Yi grew, "If Elder Yan values him so much, surely it''s not something that can be done merely through clever tricks! The son-inw of the Fang Family, Xiao Yi? Quite interesting indeed..."


    Zhang Yong said, "Lord of the city, the banquet is about to start, shall we also go in?"


    "Hmm!"


    ......


    The banquet hosted by the Zhang family was no small affair.


    Yesterday''s birthday banquet for Fang Tianhao had just over thirty tables, but here they hadid out a full sixty tables, all seats taken.


    As the guests took their seats,


    Zhang Yong said with a smile, "Thank you all for gracing tonight''s banquet with your presence. To celebrate Xiao Ze''s attracting the attention of heaven and earth with his anomaly, I have specially prepared a weapon-spirit integration ceremony to add some joy to the asion."


    A weapon-spirit integration ceremony?


    All present couldn''t help but suck in a breath of cold air, their faces full of shock.


    ```


    Elder Yan also raised his eyebrows, "An elemental weapon? Such boldness from Zhang!"


    Sikong Nan''s eyes shone brightly, "I didn''t expect that Zhang could obtain an elemental weapon. I wonder what grade it is?"


    Elemental weapons!


    Only by infusing them with elemental energy can these des be activated. They are categorized into nine grades, each invaluable.


    Even a ninth-grade elemental weapon is worth hundreds of thousands of silver, and that''s with a price yet without a market.


    Watching the envy and astonishment on everyone''s faces, Zhang Yong''s heart swelled with pride. He feigned modesty and said, "With limited capability, what Zhang has acquired is but a second-grade elemental weapon!"


    A second-grade elemental weapon.


    Only a warrior in the Shentong Realm could fully unleash its power.


    Its value surpasses one million silver!


    Even Sikong Nan, as the lord of Nanhuang City who oversees the fortress, has but a second-grade elemental weapon for his battle weapon.


    Zhang Yong having prepared a second-grade elemental weapon for Zhang Ze really is a bold move!


    Zhang Yong smiled and said, "Please wait a moment, I will bring the elemental weapon here!"


    A momentter...


    As he was conversing with Elder Yan, Xiao Yi''s form trembled slightly. His heartbeat suddenly elerated, and the thumping sound seemed to echo in his ears, as if something was drawing him in.


    His gaze instinctively followed.


    He saw Zhang Yong approaching with a ck wooden box in his hands, its surface carved with dragons and phoenixes, adorned with dazzling patterns. Seeing everyone''s attention turning towards himself, Zhang Yong revealed a smug smile, "Ladies and gentlemen, please behold, this is the second-grade elemental weapon, the zing Wind Pursuit Sword!"


    The wooden box''s lock snapped open and, as the lid was lifted, a longsword with a reddish body came into view of all present.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The sharp de seemed capable of slicing through anything.


    On the crimson body of the sword, auspicious clouds swirled around it, densely covering it, and within them a blood dragon seemed to be faintly outlined.


    This further lent the sword an additional touch of bone-chilling evil aura.


    Buzz!


    The moment Xiao Yiid eyes on the longsword, his head buzzed, and the will that had merged with the entirety of the Sword Sage''s swordsmanship inheritance within him shook violently. In his mind, countless streams of sword light emerged, sword techniques shing before his eyes.


    Eventually, it coalesced into an orb of Sword Qi. Inside the orb, there hung a blood-red divine sword in suspension.


    When Xiao Yi opened his eyes, Elder Yan who stood by his side shuddered in disbelief, staring at Xiao Yi.


    In just that brief moment...


    Elder Yan noticed that Xiao Yi seemed to stand even more upright, with a sharper aura surrounding him, resembling an unparalleled divine sword. Taking a deep breath, his eyes filled with shock, he said, "Is this... Sword Intent? No, this is merely the embryonic form of Sword Intent. Has Xiao cultivated a seed of Sword Intent?"


    Sword Intent.


    It''s a kind of martial concept.


    This is an extremely powerful force. Typically, only those in the Golden Core Realm and beyond are capable ofprehending martial concepts, but some unparalleled geniuses are able to grasp a portion of the martial concept''s power even in the Shentong Realm.


    This is a conceptual seed!


    Xiao Yi is but at the First Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm in terms of cultivation level and yet he has alreadyprehended a seed of Sword Intent ¨C it''s simply unbelievable!


    The piercing Sword Intent emanating from Xiao Yi was but a fleeting moment before it retreated into his body.


    Just as the zing Wind Pursuit Sword was presented before everyone, the sharp Sword Qi emanating from the sword''s de overshadowed the trace of Sword Intenting from Xiao Yi, which went mostly unnoticed.


    "This feeling is fantastic!"


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath, not showing much surprise.


    He had already received the Sword Sage''s swordsmanship heritage; now, by consolidating a Sword Intent seed under the stimulus of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword''s Sword Qi, it was just a matter of due course.


    His strength was already not inferior to a practitioner at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, and with the addition of the Sword Intent seed...


    Even if he were to face off against an expert at the Sixth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, he would be able to fight!


    "Coming to this banquet was indeed the right decision!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze rested on the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, feeling a subtle connection forming between him and the sword, as if with a mere thought, it would fly into his hand.


    Elder Yan beside him retrieved his gaze, looking towards Zhang Yong and his son with a peculiar expression, "The Zhang father and son are going to cry..."


    Meanwhile.


    Zhang Yong announced loudly, "I invite everyone to witness, my son Zhang Ze bing the master of the elemental weapon!"


    ```

 Chapter 19 Swordsmanship Domination, the Elemental Weapon Acknowledges Its Master!

    Zhang Ze walked towards the zing Wind Pursuit Sword and stood before the longsword, taking a deep breath, his emotions surging.


    "I, Zhang Ze, am a peerless genius who has caused the heavens and the earth to manifest phenomena. Today, upon obtaining this zing Wind Pursuit Sword, I will surely make its name known throughout the world!"


    Hum!


    Zhang Ze bit his fingertip and flicked a droplet of blood, which shot out and fell upon the zing Wind Pursuit Sword.


    To im a primeval weapon, one must drip one''s blood onto the de.


    Fusing the primeval weapon with blood, then nurturing it with vital energy, is the only way to fully unleash the weapon''s might!


    However, the blood from Zhang Ze fell onto the edge of the sword and was not absorbed by the zing Wind Pursuit Sword¡ªit rolled off as if droplets of water on an oiled cloth, ''pit-a-pat'' falling to the ground, bursting open like a fresh red plum blossom.


    Zhang Ze''s expression stiffened, and the smile on Zhang Yong''s face disappeared!


    Failing to im ownership... failed?


    A drop of cold sweat fell from Zhang Ze''s forehead; he refused to believe this evil omen and squeezed out another droplet of blood, yet it still did not merge with the longsword before him.


    Looking at the two gorgeous bloodstains on the ground, Zhang Ze was overwhelmed with frustration!


    Sikong Nan said solemnly, "Family Head Zhang, are you sure this primeval weapon has no owner?"


    Zhang Yong''s face was as gloomy as if he were mourning, "It surely is ownerless!"


    Sikong Nan frowned and said, "This is strange. If it is ownerless, then logically it shouldn''t be possible for the iming to fail, unless..."


    "Unless what?" Zhang Ze hurriedly asked.


    Sikong Nan nced at Zhang Ze and hesitated to speak.


    Elder Yan looked at Xiao Yi and said indifferently, "Unless, this primeval weapon has discovered someone present with a greater talent than you, someone more suited to be its owner!"


    "Impossible!"


    Zhang Ze''s eyes instantly turned bright red, and, disregarding his reverence for Elder Yan, he hysterically dered, "Who present has greater talent than I do? I am the unrivaled genius who has brought about the visions of the heavens and the earth. Does it refuse to acknowledge me? Would it rather recognize Chen Tao? Zhao Xian? Or Fang Qingzhu, this trash whose dantian is destroyed?"


    As soon as these words were uttered, the faces of Zhao Xian, Chen Tao, and the others immediately turned extremely ugly.


    A shadow of despair shed in Fang Qingzhu''s eyes.


    Anybody present could possibly gain the recognition of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, except her!


    Just as Zhang Ze said, she had lost her core, reduced to nothing but a cripple.


    How could the Crimson me Chasing Soul Sword possibly fancy her?


    But just at this moment...


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi abruptly stood up, his icy gazending on Zhang Ze, and his cold, hellish voice echoed out.


    "Apologize to Qingzhu!"


    "Apologize?"


    Zhang Ze was taken aback, the ferocity on his face not abating in the slightest, as he sneered, "Who do you think you are? You also dare tomand me?"


    "Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu looked anxious.


    Xiao Yi gave her a reassuring smile, then coldly stared at Zhang Ze, "Within three breaths, kneel and apologize to Qingzhu, and I''ll spare your life!"


    "Hahaha! Xiao Yi, Xiao Yi, do you really think so highly of yourself? Spare my life?"


    Zhang Ze''s face twisted with thick mockery as he sneered repeatedly, "Did I say something wrong? Is Fang Qingzhu not a trash? I am the peerless genius who has brought about the phenomena of the heavens and the earth. If I call you all trash, then you are trash!"


    Zhao Xian''s face darkened, "Zhang Ze, even if you are a genius that can invoke the visions of the heavens and the earth, there''s no need to belittle us like this, right?"


    Chen Tao''s expression was also displeased, "Just because you can''t get the weapon to recognize you, do you have to step on us in the process?"


    "Hmph, If I can''t make the primeval weapon recognize me, you all are even less capable!"


    Zhang Ze''s contemptuous gaze swept over everyone, his face cold with mockery, "Don''t say I''m bullying you. If any of you can make this primeval weapon recognize you, I, Zhang Ze, will kneel and apologize in public. If not, then shut your mouths!"


    Chen Tao and the others exchanged looks, left speechless.


    Zhang Ze turned to Xiao Yi, his face full of disdain, "You want to stand up for Fang Qingzhu? Then you''d better have the ability to do so!"


    With that, Zhang Ze moved towards the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, his eyes filled with madness, "I refuse to believe that I can''t tame a mere primeval weapon!"


    Hum!


    Zhang Ze''s body trembled slightly, his vital energy surging with the intent to forcibly refine the zing Wind Pursuit Sword!


    However, just as his hand was about to touch the Crimson me Chasing Wind Sword, the blood-colored longsword suddenly burst forth with a piercing buzz of Sword Qi, shattering the wooden box with a ng!


    The zing Wind Pursuit Sword transformed into a streak of blood-red light and shot towards Xiao Yi!


    ng!


    The edge of the sword plunged into the ground, the sword hilt buzzing and trembling!


    "What... what''s happening?"


    "Why has the zing Wind Pursuit Sword run off to Xiao Yi?"


    Everyone was shocked!


    Elder Yan made a gulping sound, recalling Xiao Yi''s transformation from before, his face revealing a knowing look.


    Lord Sikong''s expression became contemtive, and after a moment his pupils suddenly narrowed, "Is the primeval weapon voluntarily recognizing its master? How is this possible? Only truly astounding and brilliant individuals can make a primeval weapon spontaneously acknowledge them. Xiao Yi, he..."


    "Could it be that Xiao Yi''s talent surpasses Zhang Ze''s?"


    "This is impossible! Zhang Ze is a genius capable of inciting visions in the heavens and earth!"


    Situ Kong''s words drove Zhang Ze toplete madness.


    His eyes were a blood-red, and he howled hysterically, "Impossible! I am the peerless genius who induces the visions of the heavens and the earth! If I can''t tame it, how could you, a worthless cur, manage it?"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi shook his head gently and reached out towards the zing Wind Pursuit Sword in mid-air.


    Hum!


    The longsword turned into a blood rainbow, swooshing into Xiao Yi''s palm in a sh, his hand clutching the de as the sword thrummed, as if rejoicing.


    With the zing Wind Pursuit Sword in hand, the Sword Intent seed inside Xiao Yi''s body emitted blood-red light. The blood clouds on the sword edge blossomed as ifing alive, radiating dazzling red light.


    "It really recognized a master?"


    "Incredible! The elemental weapon actually abandoned an unparalleled genius and chose a worthless son-inw as its master?"


    Shock filled the faces of the crowd.


    With a slight upturn of his mouth, Xiao Yi''s eyes were cool as he stared at Zhang Ze, "Three breaths have passed, if you don''t kneel and apologize to Qingzhu, I''ll take your life!"


    "I''ll kneel to your grandfather!"


    Zhang Ze roared angrily, as he unleashed the full power of his Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    Shua!


    Zhang Ze''s longsword flew from his waist, the silver de furiously stabbing towards Xiao Yi!


    With that sh, there were three swords! Three streams of silver Sword Qi howled forward!


    "Thunderous Triple Strike!"


    The sword was like a thunderbolt, one strike with the force of three!


    The keen Sword Qi skimmed the ground, cutting three vicious sword marks in it, sending sand and stones flying, showcasing its extraordinary power.


    Xiao Yi stood calmly, his sword in one hand, as he made a shing motion forward.


    "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!"


    Shua!


    A blood-colored Sword Qi fanned out in front of him.


    With the augmentation from the Sword Intent seed, the power of this sword increased by another thirty percent!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ng ng ng!


    In the midst of the cacophonous shing of metal, the silver Sword Qi waspletely shattered, while the blood-colored Sword Qi went ''pfft'' as it struck Zhang Ze directly in the chest!


    Wa!


    A mouthful of fresh blood sprayed out as Zhang Ze staggered to the ground, a bloody gash traversing his entire chest!


    Xiao Yi turned the tip of his sword, resting it on Zhang Ze''s throat!


    "Stop!"


    Zhang Yong hurriedly stepped forward, looking solemnly at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, let''s talk this over, please spare Zhang Ze!"


    After speaking, he quickly turned to Zhang Ze, "Apologize to Fang Qingzhu now!"


    A deep unwillingness emerged on Zhang Ze''s pale face, but under the threat of death, he had no choice!


    "Fang Qingzhu, I am sorry!"


    Those three words nearly made him bite his tongue in frustration!


    "Let him go," Fang Qingzhu sighed softly, speaking in a low voice.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly, flung the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, its tip embedding in the ground, pulled up Fang Qingzhu, and turned to leave!


    Ching!


    The zing Wind Pursuit Sword freed itself from the ground and chased after Xiao Yi,nding in front of him.


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    With envy on his face, Sikong Nan said, "Xiao Yi, this sword has chosen you!"


    With an aching heart yet aware that the zing Wind Pursuit Sword could no longer be retained, Zhang Yong forced a smile, "Xiao, since this sword is fated to be with you, we shall gift it to you."


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knitted.


    Elder Yan stepped forward, tossing a stack of silver notes to Zhang Yong, "Here are one million taels in silver notes. From this day on, the zing Wind Pursuit Sword has nothing to do with your Zhang Family anymore!"


    "Thank you, Elder Yan!" Zhang Yong said repeatedly.


    Elder Yan stepped forward with a smile, respectfully saying, "Xiao, you can take the sword with you now!"


    "Fine, if you insist on following me, thene along!" Xiao Yi shook his head, the zing Wind Pursuit Sword buzzing as if cheering, leaping up andnding in Xiao Yi''s hand.


    The group drifted away.


    Sikong Nan squinted his eyes and took his leave from Zhang Yong, "Lord Zhang, I have other matters to attend to, I shall take my leave first!"


    "Lord Sikong, you previously mentioned taking Xiao Ze as a disciple¡­" Zhang Yong said eagerly.


    Sikong Nan nced at Zhang Ze and shook his head silently.


    "We''ll discuss this matter... another day!"


    Having said that, he followed after Xiao Yi.


    "It''s all over, we''repletely finished..."


    Zhang Yong and his son were utterly dejected.


    They had hoped to soar to the heavens with this opportunity, but instead, they were smashed down to the ground!


    The disparity between their expectations and reality was enough to drive one to despair!


    "Xiao Yi... Xiao Yi!" Zhang Ze''s eyes were bloodshot!


    In that moment, ragepletely overwhelmed his reason!


    Meanwhile.


    At the gate of the neighboringpound of the Zhang Family.


    Elder Yan said respectfully, "Xiao, if there''s any news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python, I will inform you immediately!"


    "Much appreciated!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, taking Fang Qingzhu back to thepound.


    Elder Yan, apanied by Lin Bingxin, got into the carriage and drove off into the distance.


    They hadn''t noticed that Sikong Nan had observed all of this.


    His pupils contracted slightly as he looked at the two adjacentpounds, a terrifying spection forming in his mind.


    "Could it be that the one who caused the heavenly phenomenon wasn''t Zhang Ze, but the despised second young master of the Xiao Family... Xiao Yi?"

 Chapter 20 Entering Nanhuang for the First Time

    Sikong Nan was startled by his own guess.


    But upon further thought...


    He grew more convinced that he was right, "That Zhang Ze''s talent can only be considered ordinary, and Xiao Yi''s ability to defeat Zhang Ze, who was at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, while being only at the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer, and to bond with the Yuan weapon by initiating such a celestial phenomenon, makes it ny percent likely that he''s the true master!"


    With this thought in mind.


    Sikong Nan suddenly felt some sympathy for the Zhang family father and son.


    Not only had they lost face by hosting a banquet, but they had also lost a Yuan weapon.


    "No wonder Yan Mingli holds Xiao Yi in such high regard. If someone can cause a celestial phenomenon while just in the Qi Gathering Realm, such talent is definitely top-notch. This person must not be made an enemy; we have to befriend him!" Sikong Nan made up his mind.


    He had been stationed in Nanhuang City for over thirty years, but there had seldom been any battle achievements to speak of, which hindered his chances for promotion.


    If he could personally rmend a genius to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, that would be a great merit. Sikong Nan narrowed his eyes, "Fang Jin of the Fang Family wasn''t rmended by me; even if he joined the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I wouldn''t get any credit. I must find a way to rmend Xiao Yi to the academy. However, before that, I need to first strengthen the bond between us!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Meanwhile.


    The Zhang family estate was deserted.


    The father and son of the Zhang family gathered together, surrounded by chaos with dishes scattered, porcin vases shattered, and decorative furniture smashed.


    "Father, I swear I won''t rest until I''ve exacted revenge!" Zhang Ze''s eyes were bloodshot, and he gritted his teeth with hatred.


    Zhang Yong''s face was ferocious, but he still kept a trace of reason, "Revenge? Xiao Yi has a close rtionship with Elder Yan, and if he finds out we''re targeting Xiao Yi, how will you withstand Elder Yan''s wrath? Can our Zhang family withstand the retaliation from Treasure Pavilion?"


    Zhang Ze said coldly, "As long as we leave no evidence behind!"


    "What''s your n?" Zhang Yong furrowed his brow.


    His hatred for Xiao Yi was just as intense as Zhang Ze''s!


    Not to mention that day at the Fang Family, Xiao Yi had embarrassed him, a renowned collector, with a set of the Subduing Tiger Sword Scroll, and just today at the Zhang Family, Xiao Yi had given Zhang Ze a heavy p and walked away with the zing Wind Pursuit Sword he had painstakingly acquired.


    This was bound to set the stage for a life-and-death feud between the Zhang Family and Xiao Yi.


    Zhang Ze''s eyes narrowed into a slit, a cold light shing, "The enemy of my enemy is a friend... I''ve already sent someone to contact Fang Ao of the Fang Family and Lei Bao of the ck Tiger Gang. United, we can certainly dispose of Xiao Yi without anyone noticing!"


    "Make sure to leave no evidence!" Zhang Yong cautioned.


    Zhang Ze nodded decisively, his eyes filled with viciousness, "Xiao Yi, you care about Fang Qingzhu so much, don''t you? I won''t kill you right away; I''ll force myself on Fang Qingzhu right in front of you, then grind you both to dust. One''s ashes scattered into an abyss, the other thrown into raging rivers ¨C ensuring even in death you cannot be together, keke..."


    ......


    Inside the separate courtyard.


    Xiao Yi was practicing his cultivation. Two days had passed since the banquet at the Zhang family''s house.


    His cultivation had improved significantly, bringing him even closer to the Second Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, Bing Xin is looking for you!" A gentle voice came from outside, belonging to Fang Qingzhu. Since that day at the Zhang family, their rtionship had progressed by leaps and bounds.


    Although they hadn''t yet broached a certain topic, there had been a dramatic change in the way they addressed each other.


    "Bing Xin is looking for me?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then his face lit up with joy, "Could it be that there''s news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python?"


    The core of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python was the most suitable material to rece Fang Qingzhu''s dantian at the moment, and with Fang Jin''s return date approaching, Xiao Yi had no time to lose.


    "I''ll be right out!"


    Xiao Yi donned his clothes and, upon arriving in the hall and seeing Lin Bingxin, asked, "Has there been any news about the Purple-Patterned Blood Python?"


    Lin Bingxin nodded her head, "The teacher has issued a bounty. Someone just came to the Treasure Pavilion with a clue, iming to have spotted traces of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python in the Southern Deste Mountain Range. The teacher asked me to notify you immediately. He also told me to ry to you that he can deploy the Treasure Pavilion''s beast-hunting team to assist you!"


    "No need, I can handle this matter on my own."


    Xiao Yi shook his head in refusal. He didn''t like to be indebted to anyone. After hesitating for a moment, he said, "During my absence, I''ll need you to help me take care of Qingzhu!"


    "Don''t worry about that, I can move in and stay with Qingzhu right away!" Lin Bingxin said.


    She and Fang Qingzhu had long since been calling each other sisters and had be best friends.


    Fang Qingzhu, standing to the side, looked worried, "Brother Xiao Yi, what do you want with the Purple-Patterned Blood Python? That is a second-tier high-level mystical beast, withbat powerparable to the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm. You..."


    Xiao Yi smiled and replied, "Don''t worry, I have my ways of dealing with that beast. Just wait obediently at home for me. When I return, I will give you a tremendous surprise!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s dantian had been destroyed, and only by using the technique of transnting a beast core in ce of her dantian could she resume her cultivation.


    Given Fang Qingzhu''s talent, once she could cultivate again, her strength would increase exponentially.


    This venture to the Southern Deste was a must!


    That very night.


    Xiao Yi left Nanhuang City on his own.


    He didn''t realize that after his departure, a shadowy figure vanished from a dark corner in front of his residence.


    ck Tiger Gang.


    "Xiao Yi has gone to the Southern Deste Mountain Range? Hahaha, truly, heaven is helping me. Send for Fang Ao, Fang Hao, and Zhang Ze right away... No, to avoid being discovered, have them meet at the Qingyan Tower!"


    Lei Bao, listening to the reports from his subordinates, showed an excited expression on his face as he looked at the person before him, "Inform Zhao Shi and the others to keep a close eye on Xiao Yi and report his movements at all times!"


    "Yes, Deputy Leader!"


    The shadowy figure disappeared from sight.


    Lei Bao''s face twisted with a grim expression, his fists tightened, and his eyes cold, "Xiao Yi, the Southern Deste Mountain Range will be your burial ground!"


    ...


    The Southern Deste Mountain Range is part of the vast primordial wilderness.


    It is named the Southern Deste Mountain Range, also known as the Hundred Thousand Mountains, for it lies near the southern part of the boundless wilderness.


    In this ce, mystical beasts are rampant, and the danger is unparalleled. It is known as a forbidden area for mankind. Yet, where there is misfortune, there may be blessings hiding, and amidst the perilous Southern Deste Mountains, countless opportunities and treasures are concealed.


    Take, for example, Sikong Nan, the lord of Nanhuang City. He was once just an ordinary soldier in the city''s defense force.


    It was precisely in the Southern Deste Mountain Range that he stumbled upon a Spirit Fruit. After consuming it, his cultivation advanced greatly, and now he has be the top master of Nanhuang City.


    For precisely this reason...


    Apart from the warriors of the five cities of Nanhuang, many strong individuals from various ces in the Tianqing Kingdom also enter the Southern Deste Mountain Range for trials and training.


    In a forest clearing, an orange-red bonfire zed fiercely. A thigh of a mystical beast was ced over the fire, roasting to a golden brown with sizzling droplets of fat, tempting one''s appetite. Sitting in front of the bonfire, Xiao Yi was cross-legged, attuning himself to nature.


    Suddenly.


    An arrow shot silently from the underbrush towards him...

 Chapter 21 You, Are Not Qualified!

    Whoosh!


    Under the cloak of night.


    A silvery streak of an arrow tore through the dark, hissing as it cut through the air, heading straight for Xiao Yi.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi''splexion changed drastically as he instinctively tumbled and rolled to the side.


    Thud!


    The cold arrow struck precisely where he had been.


    The fletching at the end of the arrow vibrated with a buzzing sound.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze hardened as he turned towards the direction the arrow hade from, only to hear a voice tinged with regret, "He actually dodged? What a pity, such a good opportunity missed. Otherwise, I could have presented your head to the young gang leader before he even reached the Southern Deste Mountain Range!"


    "The young gang leader?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze sharpened; the only person he knew who was called that was Lei Bao.


    Xiao Yi squinted at the figure emerging from the bushes, "Did Lei Bao send you?"


    The man approaching was burly like a bear, holding arge horn bow, eyes furious as if made of bronze bells, filled with a bloodthirsty glint.


    This was Zhao Shi of the ck Tiger Gang, known for his Lion Head Hammers slung on his back. He removed the hammers and nged them together, producing a dull thud. Zhao Shi sneered, "That''s right, the young gang leader ordered me to watch you. But the chance just now was too good to miss, I couldn''t help myself. Too bad you dodged it!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly and advanced with his sword drawn, "Kill me? You''re not qualified!"


    "Qualified or not, my Lion Head Hammers will let you know!"


    As Zhao Shi sneered, his figure charged like a wild buffalo, making a thunderous noise as he stampeded forward.


    Xiao Yi leaped up.


    Had it been before, he might not have been a match for Zhao Shi, but now, having made another breakthrough in his cultivation, hisbat prowess was iparable to the past. With a flick of his wrist, the longswordnded in his palm as he thrust forward.


    With a tricky angle, he narrowly avoided Zhao Shi''s attack and, with two pff sounds, cut Zhao Shi''s tendons.


    Thud, thud!


    The two iron hammers fell to the ground with a crash as Zhao Shi howled in pain, looking at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "How can you be so powerful?"


    ording to the intelligence he had, Xiao Yi should have been no match for him!


    But now...


    He had no power to fight back in front of Xiao Yi.


    "Damn it, I must hurry back and tell the young gang leader that Xiao Yi is much more powerful than we imagined..."


    Zhao Shi''s eyes flickered with venomous intent, and he turned to sprint into the dense forest behind.


    "Since you''re here, don''t even think about leaving!" Xiao Yi pursued with sword in hand.


    However...


    He had just rushed into the forest when Zhao Shi''s venomous voice echoed, "Hahaha, you fell for it! Brothers, chop him to pieces for me!"


    Within the dense forest.


    Xiao Yi was about to catch up with Zhao Shi when four figures burst forth, one with a malevolent expression on his face. A palm strike that had been looming suddenly came down, its ferocious force not holding back in the slightest.


    Even though the attack hadn''t reached him yet, the palm wind caused Xiao Yi''s robes to flutter and his face to contort.


    "Scatter!"


    Xiao Yi swiftly raised his sword, slicing open a gash along Zhao Shi''s back, and turned Zhao Shi into a severely struggling heap. At the same time, his sword swept through the air and with a pfft, severed the palm of the ambusher.


    "Ow... my hand, big brother, he actually cut off my hand, quick, get revenge for me!"


    The ambusher clutched his severed palm, his face sheet white.


    He looked up just in time to see Xiao Yi''s foote crashing down, and with a bang, the man''s head was smashed into his chest cavity.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze turned to the remaining three men.


    Zhao Shi, struggling to his feet, red at Xiao Yi with resentful eyes and roared, "Zhao Jin, what are you standing there for? Kill him quickly..."


    "I have my own judgment¡­"


    Zhao Jin''s face was ice cold, his eyes gradually solidifying with killing intent. In a deep voice, he said, "Old Two, Old Three, let''s go together. Kill him!"


    Zhao Jin led the charge, with Zhao Mu and Zhao Shui close behind.


    All three men were formidable in their own right.


    Zhao Mu and Zhao Shui were both at the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, while Zhao Jin was the strongest, reaching the peak of the Fourth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm. Together, even a master at the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm would not be without the power to fight them.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, holding a blood-dripped twig, and took the initiative to meet the attack: "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!"


    The twig swept out.


    The blood smeared on the twig sprinkled forward, and with a ''plop,'' a drop of bloodnded on Zhao Mu''s eye, causing him to reflexively close it. When he opened his eyes again, Xiao Yi had already brushed past him.


    Zhao Mu turned around, only to find that his body could not move, while only his head plummeted towards the ground.


    Thud!


    As the head hit the ground.


    Xiao Yi pointed the twig forward with a crisp ''ng,'' deflecting the long spear swung by Zhao Shui. With a surge forward, the twig stabbed into Zhao Shui''s chest, piercing through his back.


    "Zhao Mu, Zhao Shui..."


    Zhao Jin''s eyes were about to split, and in the blink of an eye, Xiao Yi had in two men,pletely intimidating him.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s icy gaze fixed on him, Zhao Jin felt an icy chill over his entire body, his face filled with panic, and he no longer dared to linger, running crazily behind him.


    Xiao Yi relentlessly pursued.


    "Damn it, how can this kid, a mere beginner of the Qi Gathering Realm, be so powerful? No good, I can''t escape..." Zhao Jin''splexion abruptly changed, realizing that Xiao Yi''s offensive was swiftly approaching him, he steeled his heart.


    He grabbed Zhao Huo next to him and threw him behind him.


    Thud!


    Zhao Huo''s body lined up with the twig in Xiao Yi''s hand, piercing through his body, adding one more cold corpse. Zhao Jin did not dare to linger any longer, pulled out a horn bow, and fired several arrows at Xiao Yi, then turned and fled.


    "Where do you think you''re running to?"


    Xiao Yi''s cold voice rang out behind him, sending chills all over Zhao Jin and making his scalp tingle.


    zing Wind Pursuit Sword!


    "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    Xiao Yi held the arrow with one hand, his sword speed reaching its limits, each thrust breaking an arrow. He bloodily carved a path through the rain of arrows, a cold light flitted across his eyes: "Soul Chaser, Life Snatcher!"


    Whoosh!


    His figure left a trail of afterimages, and when they re-converged, he had already appeared in front of Zhao Jin.


    With a ''thrust,'' the sword pierced through Zhao Jin''s throat.


    With a flick.


    Zhao Jin''s head was split into two.


    In just a few breaths.


    Only Zhao Shi, barely clinging to life, remained. He was covered in blood, his legs gave out, and he knelt on the ground trembling.


    He never imagined that Xiao Yi would be so terrifying, ughtering his five-man team in the blink of an eye. His lips quivered, "Don''t, don''t kill me, I was only following orders, please..."


    Thud!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xiao Yi swung his longsword, severing his right hand.


    "Don''t kill me..."


    Zhao Shi, enduring the severe pain, shakily handed over a sheepskin map, "I, I have a map on me, which marks the location of an ancient tomb, as long as you let me go, I''m willing to give you the map..."


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Killing you, the map is still mine!"


    "No, you can''t kill me, I am from the ck Tiger Gang..."


    Zhao Tianbao''s face filled with terror, screaming hysterically, but Xiao Yi couldn''t be bothered to listen to him speak any longer, raising the zing Wind Pursuit Sword in the air.


    Thud!


    The bloodied de of the sword pierced Zhao Shi''s head, cleaving it in two.


    In an instant.


    All five experts from the ck Tiger Gang dispatched to surveil Xiao Yi were in.


    Xiao Yi picked the sheepskin map with his sword, then rummaged for spoils of war, amassing a total of fifty-three thousand taels of silver, most notably obtaining twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs from Zhao Shi.


    "So it''s the tomb of a Shentong Realm expert? It happens to be where the Purple-Patterned Blood Pythons roam, worth a look. But..."


    He looked down at the map in his hand, "ording to Zhao Shi, Lei Bao and the others are also on their way to the Southern Deste Mountain Range, I should leave this ce first. I''ll find a secluded area to refine these elixirs and enhance my cultivation. Once Lei Bao and the rest arrive, I''ll make sure they don''t leave!"

 Chapter 22 Breakthrough Again!

    Xiao Yi hadn''t been gone for long.


    In the dense woods, dozens of figures swiftly moved through, and shortly after, they settled at the site where Zhao Shi and his men met their end.


    "Young Master, Zhao Shi and his team have beenpletely annihted..."


    Observing the bodies strewn across the ground, the neer made a thorough inspection of the corpses and said in a grave voice, "Judging by their wounds, it looks very much like the work of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword..."


    "Zhang Xiong, are you certain it was the zing Wind Pursuit Sword?" Lei Bao narrowed his eyes and asked.


    The man before them, dressed in ck with a fierce scar on his face, was Zhang Xiong, the leader of the Zhang Family Hunting Team, at the peak of the Eighth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    And having battled demonic beasts in the Southern Deste Mountain Range for years, hisbat prowess wasparable to that of an ordinary Ninth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm fighter.


    Fang Ao''s eyes zed with a fierce light, "Zhang Ze''s zing Wind Pursuit Sword is in the hands of Xiao Yi; it seems that these men were all killed by him."


    Zhang Xiong nodded, focusing on the corpse of Zhao Shi, "Zhao Shi and Zhao Jin, the five of thembined were quite strong. Even I would have to expend some effort to deal with them. If Xiao Yi were able to kill them, and given the battle traces here, he was in absolute dominance over the five men, crushing them all the way through. Based on my estimate, his cultivation must be at least no weaker than the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm!"


    "What? The Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm?" Fang Ao was utterly bewildered.


    Lei Bao''s face was also filled with shock, "The first time I saw him, he was only at the Tenth Layer of the Physical Body Realm. How much time has passed? And now he''s alreadyparable to the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm?"


    Everyone couldn''t help but gasp.


    Since Xiao Yi had arrived in Nanhuang City, only a month had passed, yet he had grown from beingpletely devoid of cultivation to a powerhouse on par with the Sixth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Such a rate of cultivation was indeed terrifying.


    Lei Bao''s face was gloomy, "We absolutely cannot let this child remain; if we allow him to continue growing, I''m afraid we will all have to look up to him in the future!"


    "We must find him immediately..." Fang Ao said.


    Zhang Xiong uttered a grunt of agreement, his eyes cold and filled with ferocity and madness, "Rest assured, I''ve brought the best of the hunting team. They''ll soon find Xiao Yi''s whereabouts. However, this forest makes it easy to hide one''s presence; we must not fail. Shadow,e out..."


    A dark figure emerged from the crowd, "Captain, rest assured, I know what to do!"


    ...


    Atop a towering great tree with dense foliage.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged, with his palms facing upwards, his eyes tightly shut, the aura around his body undting and fluctuating.


    Streams of heaven and earth essence were absorbed into his body, and, with the rotation of his mysterious skill, amplified his own cultivation.


    Over these past two days...


    He had been refining the twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs he had plundered from Zhao Shi, and now, his cultivation had risen two levels, reaching the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    With a whoosh!


    He exhaled a long breath of turbid air. Xiao Yi channeled the gathered essential aura into the God Sealing Seed within him, activating the God Sealing Seed continuously.


    The twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs and the essential aura of the Third Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm activated a total of forty God Sealing Seeds, bringing the total number of activated God Sealing Seeds he possessed up to eighty. With the feedback of power from the God Sealing Seeds, Xiao Yi was surrounded by a luminescent glow.


    With his current strength, paired with the Sword Intent seedling and the zing Wind Pursuit Sword, he was capable of defeating a fighter at the Eighth Layer Peak.


    Xiao Yi entered the Eternal Tomb immediately, but even after awakening eighty God Sealing Seeds, he was still unable to find a new target to seal.


    "It seems my strength is still not strong enough," Xiao Yi helplessly left the Eternal Tomb, "With my current strength, I can barely handle the Ninth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm, but that Purple-Patterned Blood Python isparable to the Peak of the Gathering Qi Realm. I should head to the tomb of the Shentong Realm expert that Zhao Shi mentioned!"


    Following the map, Xiao Yi continued on his way.


    Since entering the Southern Deste Mountain Range, three days and nights had passed.


    His cultivation had progressed from the Qi Gathering Realm First Layer to the Third Layer, and this was indeed key to the twenty Qi Gathering Elixirs contributed by Zhao Shi; otherwise, such rapid advancement would have been impossible.


    As he moved on, just as he was about to arrive at the ancient tomb indicated on the map, suddenly, a cry for help echoed from the bushes ahead, "Help, save me..."


    Xiao Yi was momentarily stunned.


    A disheveled and beautiful woman, looking desperate, was fleeing. Three fierce-looking young men were relentlessly chasing after her. The woman''s eyes lit up when she saw Xiao Yi, and she quickened her pace.


    She ran up to Xiao Yi and hid behind him, looking pitiful, "Young Master, save me..."


    The three young men followed closely, growling viciously, "Kid, don''t meddle in other people''s business!"


    "If you know what''s good for you, get lost, or else we''ll deal with you too!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and looked at the three young men, "Scram!"


    "You''ve got a death wish, kid!" one of them bellowed.


    "Brothers, kill him!"


    As the three of them exuded killing intent, Xiao Yi snorted coldly and quickly stepped forward, "Eight Extremes Copse!"


    "Eight Extremes Lean!"


    "Eight Extremes Swing!"


    With a punch, a shove, and a swing, all three men were down on the ground, unable to move. The "Eight Extremes Fist" was a martial art known throughout the Blue Star Realm for its lethal potency.


    "Thank you, kind sir, for saving my life. I have nothing to return the favor, but here is a treasure for you," the woman said gratefully, standing in front of Xiao Yi. She bowed deeply, but as she rose, the gratitude and smile on her face were gone, reced by a sly, chilling smirk, "Die!"


    Swish!


    A white powder flew from her hands.


    As the white powdernded on Xiao Yi, his body trembled, rendered immobile. The womanughed heartily, "Xiao Yi, bet you didn''t see thising, did you? With my Muscle-locking Powder, you''ll be paralyzed for the next half hour,pletely at my mercy!"


    "Who are you? Why are you trying to harm me?" Xiao Yi''s brows knitted tightly.


    The woman sneered, "I''m a shadow from the Zhang Family Hunting Team, sent by the young gang leader to kill you!"


    "And us too!"


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, even you have met your doom?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Amidst the derangedughter, the figures of Zhang Xiong, Fang Ao, and Lei Bao appeared one after another. Both the Zhang Family Hunting Team and the ck Tiger Gang''s members, over thirty people in total, emerged and encircled himpletely.


    "So it was you¡­" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Fang Ao and the others.


    "Didn''t expect that, huh? Thought you could rely on Elder Yan? If you''re so capable, call him now, hahaha..." Full of pride, Fang Ao was eager to step forward but still nced at Zhang Xiong, "He can''t move, right?"


    Zhang Xiong nodded, "He''s hit with Muscle-locking Powder. He won''t be able to move for half an hour!"


    "Hehe, half an hour, eh? That''s more than enough!"


    Fang Ao approached Xiao Yi with a vicious smile, "Xiao Yi, didn''t you look down on me? Weren''t you too disdainful to kill me, saying you''d wait for my brother toe back so I could watch how you''d kill him? Now tell me, who is killing whom?"


    He pulled out a dagger and waved it in front of Xiao Yi, "So, should I stab this knife into your heart or should I slice open your throat and watch your blood slowly drain? Oh right, weren''t you saying I shouldn''t touch Fang Qingzhu? How about I castrate you, take your head, and then ravish Fang Qingzhu right in front of you? How does that sound?"


    "Dare to touch a single hair on Qingzhu''s head, and I will decimate your entire n!" Xiao Yi red, his eyes narrowing.


    "Aiyo, you''re about to die and you still threaten me? Go reunite with Fang Qingzhu in hell!"


    With a viciousugh, Fang Ao swung his dagger toward Xiao Yi''s vitals...

 Chapter 23 Astonishing Sword

    ```


    Whoosh!


    The dagger, shing with a chilling cold light, shed toward Xiao Yi''s vitals.


    However...


    The dagger abruptly halted, unable to advance even half an inch further.


    A ferocious grimace froze on Fang Ao''s face, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief as he stared at his own wrist. It was being tightly gripped by a hand, and the terrifying force emanating from that hand hadpletely deformed his wrist.


    Agonizing pain shot through him instantly; the dagger fell from his grasp: "Aoooow... my hand..."


    Xiao Yi snatched up the dagger and, amidst Fang Ao''s screams, brought it down towards his groin.


    Splurt!


    A fountain of blood sprayed wildly, immediately turning the area beneath Fang Ao into a crimson swamp, as a piece the size of a pinky finger fell into the pool of blood. Fang Ao screamed in agony, while Xiao Yi remained expressionless, first slicing open his throat.


    Letting the fresh blood spurt freely.


    And then driving the dagger deep into Fang Ao''s heart.


    Thud! Thud!


    Fang Aoy twitching in the blood pool until he bled out and died. Until hisst moment, his eyes were wide open, filled with disbelief, unable toprehend how a poisoned Xiao Yi could still move.


    After killing Fang Ao, Xiao Yi''s gaze slightly lifted to rest on Lei Bao, Zhang Xiong, and others who all wore expressions of horror.


    Zhang Ying said in disbelief, "You were clearly poisoned by my Muscle-locking Powder, how could you..."


    "Muscle-locking Powder? Are you talking about this?"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile and tossed his hand aside, scattering a cloud of white powder.


    "Damn, that''s Muscle-locking Powder..."


    "Get out of the way, don''t let it touch you..."


    Zhang Xiong''s face changed drastically as he pushed Lei Bao away and quickly retreated.


    But Xiao Yi was faster!


    As soon as the Muscle-locking Powder spread in the air, the zing Wind Pursuit Sword was already in his hand, striking down the hunting team members and ck Tiger Gang one by one with his sword. These formidable opponents, caught off guard and paralyzed by the Muscle-locking Powder, stood helpless like wooden targets for Xiao Yi to y.


    More than thirty people, in a blink of an eye, only six remained.


    Xiao Yi, wielding the zing Wind Pursuit Sword and bathed in blood, emanated evil Qi that pierced the heavens, while his Sword Intent seed turned even redder amidst the ughter. What heprehended was the ughter Sword Intent, a martial arts mentality focused on warfare and killing.


    Gurgle!


    Lei Bao shivered all over, his facepletely drained of color.


    Watching Xiao Yi drenched in blood, this image had be a nightmare for him. Unless he could kill Xiao Yi, he would never be able to step out of the shadow for the rest of his life.


    Zhang Xiong''s expression was grim, and his face twisted into a ferocious scowl.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He had brought along eighteen of the best from the Zhang Family Hunting Team, almost more than half of their fighting force, and now there were only him, Zhang Ying, and three other Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer experts left. The rest were all dead.


    This was a colossal blow to the Zhang Family!


    Zhang Ying''s eyes were bloodshot: "Why? You were clearly hit by my Muscle-locking Powder, so why weren''t you affected at all?"


    Xiao Yi shrugged nonchntly and casually said, "I had suspected you were up to no good from the moment I saw you and was on guard against you. When you used the Muscle-locking Powder, I sealed off my senses and even collected some of the powder. I should thank you, otherwise, with so many of you, it wouldn''t have been so easy to deal with!"


    "You, you..."


    Zhang Ying was so furious that blood trickled from the corner of her mouth, her face turning even paler.


    Just a moment ago, she was gloating, thinking that she had trapped Xiao Yi.


    But...


    She had been yed by Xiao Yi all along.


    Zhang Xiong said coldly, "Xiao Yi, I must admit that we all underestimated you, no... it should be said that everyone has underestimated you. The Xiao Family''s true dragon isn''t just Xiao Tianjiaao; you too are a true dragon..."


    Xiao Yi calmly looked at him.


    Zhang Xiong continued, "However, it''s a pity that the biggest difference between you and Xiao Tianjiaao is that he is a true dragon soaring across the heavens, whereas you are still struggling in the mire, trying to cross the dragon gate. It''s just too bad that you will never have the chance to cross it in this lifetime because today, within this Southern Deste Mountain Range, you will meet your death!"


    No sooner had the words left his mouth.


    Zhang Xiong led the charge, with Lei Bao and the others close behind.


    All with faces full of savage ferocity.


    Zhang Xiong wielded a pair of gauntlets as his weapon: ck as night, forged from tungsten iron, and covered with spikes, they were high-grade primary weapons. ck light swirled around the gauntlets, seemingly capable of devouring all light, and when he threw a punch, it formed a ck canopy in the air.


    Lei Bao''s eyes brimmed with ferocity and hatred, holding a long spear like a venomous snake lying in wait, ready to strike at any moment.


    Zhang Ying and the other three hunters spread out to all sides, preventing Xiao Yi''s escape.


    They had absolute faith in Zhang Xiong''s strength, confident he could kill Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi faced the ck canopy head-on and swept the zing Wind Pursuit Sword in front of him: "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    Tear!


    A sh of crimson sword light tore the ck boxing shadows into two halves.


    And within the splits of the shadowy fists, a ck iron fist tore through the air. Instinctively, Xiao Yi raised the zing Wind Pursuit Sword horizontally across his chest. The ck iron fist, with a roaring impact, struck the de and sent Xiao Yi flying.


    ```


    Lei Bao seized the opportunity, a trace of madness flicking across his eyes, "Die!"


    Whoosh!


    The long spear, like a venomous snake discovering its prey in ambush, thrust fiercely towards Xiao Yi''s back.


    "Idiot, get out of the way!" Zhang Xiong''s face changed dramatically as he bellowed.


    "Huh?"


    Lei Bao froze, the ferocity on his face disappearing.


    In midair, Xiao Yi grabbed the spearhead, rolled with momentum, and clung to the spear shaft, circling to Lei Bao''s back. As they brushed past each other, Xiao Yi''s sword edge swiftly shed across Lei Bao''s throat.


    The moment hended.


    Xiao Yi kicked out, sending Lei Bao''s body and head flying toward Zhang Xiong.


    Boom! Boom!


    Zhang Xiong threw two consecutive punches, shattering both the head and body, but when the blood mist cleared, he had lost sight of Xiao Yi. Suddenly, three screams came from behind him; Xiao Yi had somehow made his way to his back, directly ughtering the other three members of the hunting team.


    Of the thirty-strong group, only Zhang Xiong and Zhang Ying remained.


    "Zhang Ying, be careful!"


    Zhang Xiong''s eyes bulged with rage as he watched Zhang Ying, unable to dodge Xiao Yi''s cold sword edge, and bellowed furiously, "Xiao Yi, if you dare to hurt him, I will exterminate your entire n!"


    Thud!


    Xiao Yi''s cold sword edge pierced Zhang Ying''s chest. With a twist of his wrist, the sword spun like a drill, gruesomely boring a bloody, gaping hole straight through Zhang Ying''s torso.


    Xiao Yi turned to look at the enraged Zhang Xiong, his face smeared with blood, and cracked a smile, "The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty is always ready for you to try and exterminate them!"


    "I..."


    Zhang Xiong''s face stiffened. The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty? Exterminate them, my ass!


    Let alone him, even the entire Zhang Family wasn''t enough to fill the gaps between their teeth!


    Zhang Xiong, looking at the corpses strewn all over the ground, realized that this venture had been a disastrous loss. The only way to justify himself was to return with Xiao Yi''s head: "Xiao Yi, I will grind your bones to dust!"


    "Thousand Leaves Demon-Subduing Hand!"


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh!


    Zhang Xiong''s fists pounded like pounding garlic, each strike conjuring dozens of fist shadows that coalesced into thousands, forming a dark steel torrent that swept toward him.


    "Grind my bones to dust? You''re not worthy yet!"


    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, as all eighty of his God Sealing Seeds burst forth simultaneously, fully activating the power of the God Sealing Seed. The zing Wind Pursuit Sword in his hand hummed, and the power of the Sword Intent seed made the sword light more concentrated. With a low roar, "Life from Despair!"


    This was the fourth stance of the Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword, Life from Despair!


    It condensed all of his internal energy in the sword edge, producing the most powerful strike, three times stronger than normal.


    Moreover...


    The energy within Xiao Yi was the power of God Sealing, and with the boost of the Sword Intent seed, this strike was ten times more powerful than his peak!


    Boom!


    The sword light was astonishing.


    It was like a beam of light piercing the horizon, tearing through the thousands of fist shadows, as if it could split the heavens and the earth.


    Zhang Xiong''s face changed drastically, raising his fists to block in front of him: "Absolute Defense!"


    Thump!


    This strike smashed through his pair of top-grade elemental fist guards, sending Zhang Xiong flying out, spewing blood. His hands trembled, his eyes filled with fear, "I almost got killed, can this really be the strength of someone in the Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer? This person... must not be allowed to live..."


    His eyes bore into Xiao Yi with a ruthless gaze.


    Xiao Yi''s heart skipped a beat, "Damn, I didn''t kill him?"


    Using that most powerful strike had almost drained all the energy from his body.


    Seeing Zhang Xiong chasing with a vicious face, Xiao Yi gathered his spirits and fled at full speed.


    During the chase, they had covered dozens of kilometers.


    Woooo...


    Amidst the howling cold wind, a dark cliff appeared ahead, thousands of meters high, its bottom invisible at a nce. A golden eagle soared through the canyon, the roaring wind whistling eerily.


    "Hahaha, keep running, will you? I want to see where else you can run to!" Zhang Xiongughed viciously, following closely.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, retreating, inadvertently knocking a few pebbles down the cliff, unable to hear even the sound of their fall!


    Zhang Xiong said grimly, "Xiao Yi, you''ve got nowhere to run now, surrender quietly!"


    Xiao Yi''s expression was as still as water. In his current state, he stood no chance against Zhang Xiong. As for escaping? Ahead was an abyss thousands of feet deep, wait a minute...


    An image of a piece of parchment sprung to Xiao Yi''s mind, and suddenly, with a corner of his mouth lifted, he turned back with an expression of cold determination, "Once I return to Nanhuang, that will be the day your Zhang Family is annihted!"


    Whoosh!


    He leapt into the abyss.


    Zhang Xiong rushed forward, but Xiao Yi''s figure was already gone. Frowning and snorting coldly, he muttered, "This cliff has walls sharp as swords on both sides, thousands of meters deep; falling means certain death. Atst, the menace is gone..."

 Chapter 24 Iron Blade King

    The abyssal valley floor.


    A coldke with rippling turquoise wavesy before him, the water ice-cold, with a chilling mist rising from it.


    Ssh!


    Suddenly, the surface of the water exploded with white foam as a figure shot out, struggling to swim to the edge and lying down shivering and gasping for breath, spitting out mouthfuls of blood.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curled into a smile of relief at having narrowly escaped death, "Thank goodness Zhao Shi''s map didn''t lie to me, otherwise I would''ve been smashed to pieces this time!"


    Faced with Zhang Xiong''s relentless pressure, Xiao Yi had remembered that ancient tomb marked on Zhao Shi''s map was deep within the coldke at the base of the cliff!


    The coldke was vast, covering two-thirds of the base of the cliff, which was why he had decisively chosen to jump off.


    Of course, even with the coldke below, plummeting from a cliff thousands of meters high was a sure path to death.


    Before hitting the water, Xiao Yi had exerted all his strength to propel the Eight Extremes Fist, repeatedly striking downward to slow his fall with the resistance of the air currents.


    Still, his body now felt as if it had fallen apart.


    Whoosh!


    Whisk!


    Mustering his spirit to sit up, Xiao Yi started to run the Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill. Eighty God Sealing Seeds bloomed with dazzling light, their radiance enveloping his body, voraciously consuming the natural essence of heaven and earth around him.


    The foggy mist rising from the coldke was drawn towards him, enveloping his body.


    Mist swirled around him.


    In the distance, the valley was whipped by gusts of wind that howled incessantly.


    It took a whole day and night for the mist around Xiao Yi to dissipate, and hisplexion regained some of its color.


    "Thankfully, it was only some minor internal injuries that did not affect my core. Now that I have recovered seventy percent of my strength, I''m curious to see what treasures lie in the tomb of this Divine Skills Realm expert!"


    As Xiao Yi got up, his body cracked and popped, and he plunged back into the coldke.


    He followed the current down.


    At the bottom of the coldke was a dark passageway. After swimming through it for over a thousand meters, Xiao Yi burst forth from the underwater channel.


    The view ahead suddenly opened up!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This was a cavern filled with signs of human workmanship, its smooth, even walls appearing as though they were carved by an extremely sharp instrument in a single stroke.


    "The entire cave seems like a natural formation without any signs of secondary excavation. Could it be that someone hollowed out the mountain belly in one go, creating such a massive cave?"


    Xiao Yi found his own thought somewhat crazy.


    This was a rocky mountain. To carve out such a huge cave in one go would require an incredibly powerful being.


    His gaze swept the interior of the cave, and in the very center, there was a stone house.


    The stones on the stone house were covered in signs of age, with dark webs of spider silk indicating it had long been abandoned.


    Creak!


    He pushed open the dust-covered door, stirring up the dust enough to make Xiao Yi frown.


    The house was pitch ck, yet Xiao Yi''s eyes were immediately drawn to a figure on the bed.


    It was a skeleton, dark yellow in color, sitting cross-legged on the bed.


    In its lower abdomen, a walnut-sized Golden Core floated serenely, radiating a brilliant golden glow.


    Xiao Yi inhaled sharply, "A Golden Core Realm expert?"


    Above Divine Skills is the Golden Core.


    Golden Core Realm experts are distinguished from ordinary flesh by not only their lifespan, which extends to two hundred years, but also because the bones of a Golden Core Realm expert turn to a bronze color, indestructible and eternal, hence the Golden Core Realm is also known as the Golden Body Realm.


    "I thought it was a Divine Skills Realm powerhouse, but it turned out to be from the Golden Core Realm..." Xiao Yi took a deep breath to calm his excitement.


    If it were merely the remains of a Golden Core Realm expert, it wouldn''t have made him lose hisposure like this.


    But there was aplete Golden Core!


    The life''s cultivation of a Golden Core Realm expert was all contained within the Golden Core, where infinite energy was nurtured.


    What was Xiao Yi''s "Divine Enthronement Heaven Subduing Skill" mostcking?


    It was energy!


    "This Golden Core, if I couldpletely refine it, it might not be enough to get me into the Golden Core Realm, but it would definitely be sufficient for breaking through to the Shentong Realm!"


    Xiao Yi was ecstatic as he walked up to the remains of the Golden Core Realm expert, knelt down, and bowed his head: "Senior, this junior has offended you!"


    Crack!


    The moment the Golden Core was retrieved, the golden skeleton copsed to the ground with a crash!


    From its finger bones, a dark red storage ring fell to the ground.


    A storage ring.


    Xiao Yi let his blood to im it as his master.


    Inside the ring, there were only a few tens of thousands of pieces of silver, aside from that was a secret tome named "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill," a golden token, and a letter.


    "Lucky junior, by the time you read this letter, I may have already perished. In an effort to break through to the Golden Core Realm, I spent all my savings, but just as I was about to seed, I was betrayed by a close friend and, with grave injuries, hid here. The only thing I can''t stop worrying about is my daughter, still in swaddling clothes..."


    "I am Hu Yi, known as the Iron de King of Tianqing Kingdom; I only ask that you send my n Settling Skill ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill'' and the king''s token to the Iron de King''s estate for my daughter. Tell her that the person who killed me was none other than the Comrade King, Xu Shiheng. This Golden Core of mine shall serve as your reward... I am eternally grateful..."


    Xiao Yi was not from Tianqing Kingdom and had no idea who the Iron de King was.


    But to be bestowed a kingship in a kingdom and possess Golden Elixir Realm Cultivation, this Hu Yi was definitely no ordinary man!


    Xiao Yi pocketed the storage ring and solemnly said, "Senior, rest assured, I will deliver your belongings to the Iron de King''s estate!"


    Having said that, Xiao Yi dug a grave for him in the cave the skeleton was in, buried the remains, and erected a gravestone.


    The tomb of Hu Yi, the Iron de King of Tianqing Kingdom!


    Afterpleting all this, Xiao Yi sat cross-legged inside the stone hut and began to refine the Golden Core on the spot.


    "With the energy of this Golden Core, just refining one-tenth of it would allow me to reach the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm. However, the Zhang Family has sent people to assassinate me, and I fear their next target will be Qingzhu. I must leave the Southern Deste Mountain Range within ten days!"


    Hum!


    The mysterious skill started operating, and the energy within the Golden Core was greedily devoured!


    ...


    Inside Nanhuang City.


    Zhang Xiong respectfully looked at the two people in front of him, Zhang Yong, and spoke in a grave voice, "Family head, young master, your subordinate haspleted the mission and killed Xiao Yi!"


    "Good! Zhang Xiong, you are indeed a pir of our Zhang Family!" Zhang Yongughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder forcefully.


    Zhang Ze spoke with a sinister tone, "Uncle Xiong, did you bring back Xiao Yi''s head?"


    Zhang Xiong sighed, "Young master, your subordinate is ipetent, Xiao Yi''s body fell into the gorge after his death, and his body was not recovered whole!"


    "Haha, it is already very good that you killed that little beast. If you couldn''t bring back the body, let it be!" Zhang Yong consoled him.


    "Although it''s a pity that we couldn''t bring his head back and let him watch me y with Fang Qingzhu, it doesn''t matter," Zhang Ze nodded and narrowed his eyes. The cold gleam within them flickered menacingly, "I''ve been keeping an eye on Fang Qingzhu this whole time. It''s just that Lin Bingxin has been inseparable from her, which makes it difficult to act. Uncle Xiong, leave this to you. From now on, you keep watch over Fang Qingzhu, and the moment she separates from Lin Bingxin, capture her immediately for me!"


    "Young master, rest assured!" Zhang Xiong patted his chest in assurance, then hesitated before saying, "Family head, what about Lei Bao and Fang Ao..."


    Zhang Yong waved his hand and said indifferently, "You don''t need to worry about this. Our Zhang Family has never sent anyone to assassinate Xiao Yi, this was all done by Lei Bao and Fang Ao. Do you understand?"


    Zhang Xiong''s eyes lit up, "Family head is brilliant!"

 Chapter 25 The Might of a Single Sword

    Within the Southern Deste Mountain Range.


    In the depths of a dense forest, gloomy and terrifying, the humid air was filled with a pungent smell of blood.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The trees had been snapped in half, the grass had been ttened to the ground, and chaos reigned. Corpsesy scattered in pools of blood, each body grotesquely deformed, some even crushed to a pulp¡­


    Boom!


    With a thunderous crash, arge tree over sixty meters tall copsed, creating an empty space as it fell.


    A purple giant snake, over ten meters long, appeared from the woods, its tail coiling around the fallen tree and fiercely sending it flying with a flick.


    Whoosh!


    The tree blotted out the sky as it swept across, unstoppable.


    "Protect the youngdy!"


    "This beast has actually advanced to the third order, let''s fight it with all we''ve got..."


    A group of strong protectors roared as they charged towards the purple giant snake.


    But the purple giant snake, having just stepped into the lower tier of the third order, wasparable to a First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm powerhouse. Itsbat strength was incredibly terrifying, ughtering those who came to surround and attack it.


    Its bloodthirsty eyes fixed on what was ahead, the snake twisted its body and pursued.


    From its gaping maw blew a foul wind, causing the other monsters of the forest to flee from afar, not daring to provoke this ruler of the outskirts of the Southern Deste Mountain Range.


    Five ck-d strong protectors were evacuating with a young man and ady, watching as the purple giant snake came chasing after them. The five turned to the young man, "Qi, we''ll hold off this beast. Take the youngdy and leave quickly."


    "Rest assured, I will definitely bring Xue''er back to Nanhuang City safe and sound!" the young man replied continuously.


    He immediately picked up the girl, who was wearing a white dress and floated like a fairy, and ran at breakneck speed.


    The girl in the white dress was extremely pale, with a hint of bright red staining her long white dress at the chest. A look of despair filled her eyes, "Brother Tianying, just put me down and go on your own! I don''t want to drag you down..."


    "What nonsense are you talking? I will definitely take you back to Nanhuang City!" Qi Tianying said with a serious face.


    A nce over his shoulder caught sight of the fight.


    Those five who were blocking the purple giant snake had all been killed, and one of them was even swallowed whole in front of his eyes, causing Qi Tianying''s face to turn deathly pale as he saw the purple giant snake catching up.


    All of a sudden, Qi Tianying threw the girl he was carrying onto the road, ignoring her bewildered expression, and strode away, "Xue''er, stay here. I''ll go get help immediately!"


    The girl in the white dress, Xue''er, watched dumbfounded as Qi Tianying dashed into the dense forest, "&*()..."


    Go find your own reinforcements!


    He was clearly using her as a shield to dy the purple giant snake!


    "My life is over..."


    A fishy wind swept over her, and as the purple giant snake''s gaping maw was almost upon her, Xue''er closed her eyes in despair.


    But at that moment...


    A bloody sword light descended from the sky, punctuating a fierce wound on the purple giant snake''s body, causing it to scream incessantly. Its massive body swept across, bringing down arge part of the forest.


    p!


    Xiao Yi, in a green outfit, floated over gracefully. He leapt high off the ground, thrusting the zing Wind Pursuit Sword towards the purple giant snake, "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    "Seizing Souls and Lives!"


    The edge of the sword radiated a bloody light, each strike effortlessly slicing through the body of the purple giant snake, causing it to wail continuously. Its resentful eyes red at Xiao Yi as it let out a low growl, intending to flee.


    "Do you think you can escape?"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, leaped up high, holding the sword in both hands as surging qi converged at the tip of the sword.


    After ten days of cultivation...


    He had already refined one-twentieth of the Golden Core, stepping into the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm. With a hundred and forty God Sealing Seeds within him, hisbat strength could now fully rival a First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm powerhouse.


    The might of a single sword struck terror into the world!


    Boom!


    The crimson sword edge brutally beheaded the giant serpent, and its enormous body struggled for dozens of seconds before itpletely lost its vitality.


    Xiao Yi expressionlessly sliced open the belly of the purple giant serpent and dug out a snake galldder and a beast core, "The snake galldder can replenish Qingzhu''s vital energy, but this beast core is an unexpected delight. A third-order beast core can certainly allow Qingzhu to step into the Spiritual Realm Cultivation!"


    This purple giant serpent was exactly the Purple-Patterned Blood Python he had been seeking.


    It had just advanced from a high-level second-order to a low-level third-order.


    Fortunately, it had just broken through; otherwise, with Xiao Yi''s current strength, he really wouldn''t have been able to handle it.


    "Thank you for saving my life, noble sir. May I ask how to address you?" A weak voice came from behind Xiao Yi.


    "I hunted this beast because I needed to kill it, not specifically to save you."


    Xiao Yi nced at her and frowned, "Your injuries are severe. Use this to stop the bleeding first!"


    "Thank you, noble sir!"


    Xue''er was taken aback, receiving the golden sore medicine Xiao Yi tossed to her. She was about to speak when she heard an overjoyed voice, "Hahaha, Xue''er, it''s so good that you''re safe! I saw that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python didn''t follow, and I was worried something happened to you, so I rushed back right away to rescue you!"


    The person who came was Qi Tianying.


    Discovering that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python had not followed and that a fierce fight had taken ce, he immediately rushed back.


    Seeing the Purple-Patterned Blood Python lying in a pool of blood, he then showed himself.


    Xue''er''s face darkened as her gaze towards Qi Tianying lost the earlier admiration and grew colder, "You went to find reinforcements, isn''t that so?"


    "Ah ha, it''s just that I couldn''t stop worrying about you!"


    Qi Tianyingughed it off, showing no guilt for having left Xue''er to flee alone. His eyes swept over the Purple-Patterned Blood Python behind Xiao Yi, and noticing its split-open belly, Qi Tianying furrowed his brow and said to Xiao Yi, "Young man, you''ve done a great deed by saving Xue''er. You can have the corpse of this Purple-Patterned Blood Python as a reward, but that snake galldder and beast core must be returned to me. Hand them over!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Xue''er''splexion turned ugly, "Qi Tianying, have you lost your mind? The Purple-Patterned Blood Python was killed by this gentleman, why should the snake galldder and beast core be given to you?"


    The most valuable parts of the Purple-Patterned Blood Python were indeed its galldder and beast core; as for the body, it wasn''t even worth one-tenth of the galldder!


    Qi Tianying frowned and said displeasedly, "What nonsense are you talking about, Xue''er? If it wasn''t for me leading everyone to encircle and weaken this Purple-Patterned Blood Python, how could this youngster have taken advantage of it?"


    "Shut your mouth!"


    Xue''er red furiously. What bullshit about leading everyone? As soon as Qi Tianying discovered that the Purple-Patterned Blood Python had broken through to the third order, he stayed far behind, and in the end, he abandoned her and ran away on his own. And now he had the nerve toe and demand the snake galldder and beast core?


    Xue''er looked at Xiao Yi with an apologetic expression, "I''m truly sorry, sir!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, ready to leave.


    But Qi Tianying abruptly stepped in front of him, his expression dark, "Young man, do you know who I am? I am the Qi Family''s great young master from Shouye City. If you don''t leave that beast core and snake galldder behind today, do you know what the consequences will be?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Are you threatening me?"


    "Threatening? You can see it that way if you like," Qi Tianying said with arrogance, "My Qi Family..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    A sword light shed before his eyes, severing his right arm at the shoulder, and Xiao Yi looked at Qi Tianying coldly, "I don''t like being threatened."


    "You''re doomed, my Qi Family will not let you off..."


    Qi Tianying clutched his severed arm, his pale face twisted with ferocity.


    Xiao Yi sighed lightly, "I already said I don''t like being threatened."


    Thud!


    A sword sealed his throat.


    Qi Tianying fell to the ground clutching his bleeding neck, convulsing wildly, his eyes filled with despair and regret.


    "Miss, are you alright?" came several voices from afar.


    Xiao Yi nced at the stunned Xue''er and spoke indifferently, "I''ll take my leave now!"


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi leaped gracefully, disappearing into the jungle and heading straight for Nanhuang City, "Zhang Family, I, Xiao Yi, have returned!"

 Chapter 26 Sorry, Im Late!

    Nanhuang City.


    Even though it had been over ten days since he left, nothing here had changed.


    On his way to the residence, Xiao Yi was covered in the smell of blood, causing people to steer clear of him.


    "Qingzhu, I''m back!"


    As soon as he entered the house, Xiao Yi called out, but there was no response. A sense of intense unease gripped his heart.


    When he reached Fang Qingzhu''s bedroom, he discovered it was inplete disarray, with no one to be found.


    "How could this be? Where is everyone?" Xiao Yi''s face turned pale.


    At that moment...


    Lin Bingxin''s voice came from outside, "Qingzhu, are you not home? Why is the main door open?" Lin Bingxin appeared in the bedroom and saw Xiao Yi with his back to her, her eyes lit up, "Xiao Yi, you''re back?"


    Xiao Yi looked as grim as still water, turning to face Lin Bingxin.


    His eyes were fierce like a wild animal''s, emitting a chilling light that seemed to threaten to devour someone.


    Lin Bingxin felt a bone-chilling cold, she swallowed hard, her voice trembling, "What, what''s wrong with you?"


    Xiao Yi said with a cold face, "I asked you to take care of Qingzhu, where is she? Where did she go?"


    "Qingzhu is missing?"


    Lin Bingxin was startled, only then noticing the mess in the bedroom. Her face changed dramatically, "Impossible, she was still here when I left this morning, how could this happen¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s face remained as grim as water, "You just left this morning?"


    "Yes!"


    Lin Bingxin quickly said, "I had to deal with some matters at the Treasure Pavilion, I left for just an hour¡­"


    "The Zhang Family? The Fang Family? Or is it the ck Tiger Gang?"


    Xiao Yi''s mind raced like a fierce tiger as he headed for the door, "You''d better not have hurt Qingzhu, if even a single hair on her head is harmed, I''ll annihte your entire n!"


    Watching Xiao Yi rush out the door...


    Lin Bingxin stood in a daze for a moment, then came to her senses, "This is bad, a major disaster is about to unfold, I must report to my master immediately¡­"


    ...¡­..


    The Zhang Family.


    Two guards at the Physical Body Realm stood watch at the front. They barely caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi''s figure appearing before the gate. They called out, "Who goes there? This is the Zhang residence, trespassers will be killed without mercy!"


    "Bring out Zhang Yong to see me!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "How audacious!"


    One of the guards became furiously enraged, "You dare to call the family head by name, it seems you''re here to make trouble. Die!"


    The two guards raised their swords and shed at Xiao Yi.


    Crash!


    Xiao Yi moved swiftly, kicking the Zhang family''s gate wide open, while the two guards still maintained their sword-swinging posture, but a red line grew across their throats, and their heads tumbled down.


    Themotion naturally drew the attention of the Zhang Family''s experts.


    Several strong figures appeared in front of Xiao Yi, with Zhang Xiong at the forefront, his face incredulous, "Xiao Yi? You, you''re actually alive?"


    Xiao Yi moved, his vital energy surging wildly, sending more than a dozen of the Zhang family''s experts flying away in an instant. In the blink of an eye, he appeared before Zhang Xiong, who reacted with horror and threw a punch in defense.


    Xiao Yi used his finger as a sword, severing Zhang Xiong''s arms, then grabbed his throat with one hand and said coldly, "Where is she?"


    Zhang Xiong''s face grew paler, his expression ferocious, "Xiao, Xiao Yi, you''re indeed formidable. Not only did you survive the jump from that abyss, but your strength has also improved tremendously. But what of it? Aren''t you supposed to protect Fang Qingzhu? Right now, she''s probably already been ruined by our young master, hahaha¡­"


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was unspeakably ugly, his eyes blood red.


    "Seeking death? Hahaha, if I, Zhang Xiong, were afraid of dying, would I lead a team to ambush and kill you?" Zhang Xiongughed manically, "You just wait at home. Once the young master is tired of Fang Qingzhu, he will naturally send her back to you, hahaha¡­"


    "Not afraid of dying, are you? For every breath you don''t speak, I''ll kill ten of your Zhang Family. I will make your family apany her in death!"


    With a casual swing of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He decapitated a Tenth Layer Physical Body Realm expert.


    "You..." Zhang Xiong''s eyes were split with rage.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Two breaths!"


    Thud!


    Another person was beheaded.


    Thud!


    Three people!


    Four people!


    Five people...


    Xiao Yi had already in more than thirty people, like a blood-colored god of death, the powerful members of the Zhang Family around him had lost their nerve early on and tried to flee. But as long as they dared to move a step, Xiao Yi''s sword would fall upon them.


    Looking at the corpses strewn across the ground, blood flowing into rivers, staining the entire front courtyard red.


    Despair filled Zhang Xiong''s eyes, "Devil, you are a devil..."


    "Devil? Even if I have be a demon, it was you who forced me!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Brother Xiong, just tell him!"


    "We don''t want to die..."


    One after another, the strong members of the Zhang Family knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrobly.


    Zhang Xiong watched Xiao Yi raise his longsword again, despair mixed with intense reluctance and resignation, "I''ll tell you, I''ll tell you... The young master and the family head took Fang Qingzhu to the dungeon in the backyard, please stop killing..."


    "Take me there!"


    Xiao Yi grabbed Zhang Xiong with one hand, while the sword point rested on the neck of a Qi Gathering Realm Third Layer strongman, who slumped his head down and led the way.


    In the backyard, in front of a rockery.


    Zhang Xiong said, "The entrance to the dungeon is behind the rockery."


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi''s fingers clenched, snapping Zhang Xiong''s neck, tossing his corpse aside. As he retracted his longsword, the strongman from the Zhang Family also had his throat sealed by the sword.


    Xiao Yi followed the entrance behind the rockery into the underground passage.


    Inside the dungeon, the firelight flickered dimly, adding to the sinister atmosphere.


    Now and then, one could see rats scuttling in the darkness.


    In the deepest cell.


    Fang Qingzhu, bound tightly, was trapped on a torture rack, hair disheveled, her body covered in whip marks stained with blood. Beneath her feet, two hollow bamboo tubes were inserted into her veins, her blood dripping down, leaving stains on the ground.


    Fang Qingzhu''s lips were pale and cracked, her dark eyes fixated on Zhang Ze father and son in front of her, "Is this all you''re capable of? Dreaming of vengeance against Xiao Yi with such skills?"


    "This bitch sure has a tough mouth..." Zhang Yong threw the bloodied whip on the ground, sitting on the Taishi Chair, panting, "Xiao Ze, look at how you''ve whipped this bitch to a pulp, it''s not even fun to y with her anymore!"


    Zhang Ze had a vicious smile, "Doesn''t father think it''s gratifying to grab a handful of blood while toying with her, causing her to scream in pain?"


    "Hahaha, your father has never yed with a woman like this before!" Zhang Yongughed heartily.


    Fang Qingzhu felt increasingly weak, gritting her teeth, "Xiao Yi won''t let you off..."


    "Your Xiao Yi is already dead, buried in a deep abyss, unless he bes a ghost andes back, he can''t save you!" Zhang Ze said boastfully.


    "Impossible, Xiao Yi can''t be dead!" Fang Qingzhu roared.


    "Hehe, I sent Zhang Xiong and Lei Bao to raid and kill Xiao Yi, and Zhang Xiong is an Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm strongman, do you think Xiao Yi stands a chance?" Zhang Ze said.


    "Xiao Yi is dead? How can that be..." Fang Qingzhu''s face was full of despair.


    Zhang Xiong was the leader of the Zhang Family Hunting Team, a master of the Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.


    If he really made a move, Xiao Yi''s chances of survival were virtually non-existent.


    Zhang Ze''s face was smeared with a lecherous smile, his greedy and fervent gaze focused on Fang Qingzhu. As he walked towards her, he said, "Fang Qingzhu, Xiao Yi really cares about you! It''s just too bad that he couldn''t see for himself, he''ll only get to reunite with you down below, then I''ll tell him how you were killed by me, hahaha..."


    Zhang Ze lunged at Fang Qingzhu.


    But just at that moment...


    An icy, bloody sword light suddenly appeared, and with a ''pfft'', it cut Zhang Ze down, amidst his shrill screams. A cold voice came from behind him simultaneously, "Sorry, I''mte!"

 Chapter 27 A Rage to Crown!

    "Xiao Yi, I knew you were alright..."


    Even when she was tortured by Zhang Ze and his son without shedding a tear, Fang Qingzhu''s eyes reddened the moment she saw Xiao Yi. Ever since her dantian was destroyed, the loving faces of her parents hadpletely changed.


    She hadpletely lost hope in the Fang Family.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Plus, with Xiao Yi''spany day and night during those days, he had left an indelible mark in her heart.


    When she heard earlier that Zhang Ze had sent Zhang Xiong to assassinate Xiao Yi, she was nearly in despair.


    After all,


    Zhang Xiong was far stronger than Xiao Yi.


    Until now...


    Seeing Xiao Yi alive and well in front of her, Fang Qingzhu was finally able to let her hanging heart settle down.


    Xiao Yi looked at Fang Qingzhu bound on the torture rack with a touch of distress in his eyes. He lifted his sword to release the chains that bound her, pulled out the two hollow bamboo tubes from her feet, and carefully applied golden sore medicine to her wounds.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with eyes brimming with emotion, bright as stars.


    "Does it hurt?"


    As Xiao Yi''s fingertips traced over the scars on her face, Fang Qingzhu involuntarily flinched in pain, pursed her lips, and said with a lightugh, "It doesn''t hurt!"


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi let out a long breath and said, "Wait for me a moment!"


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently nodded her head.


    Xiao Yi then stood up and turned to look at Zhang Yong, who was trying to stop Zhang Ze''s bleeding, his gaze icy cold, "How do you want to die?"


    Zhang Yong''s face was ashen.


    Zhang Ze''s lifeblood had been severed entirely; his life waspletely ruined.


    Zhang Yong''s own lineage would end with him.


    His face twisted with maliciousness, he unleashed the full strength of his Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. His eyes filled with ferocious killing intent, he roared, "You mongrel, I will grind your bones to dust!"


    Zhang Ze, covered in blood below the waist, his face deathly pale and twisted, his voice bing shrill and piercing, "Dad, cripple him for me. I want to personally carve him into a thousand pieces, eat his flesh, drink his blood..."


    Zhang Yong nodded and said, "Don''t worry. Since he made you no longer a man, I will make sure he can''t even be a ghost!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Yong''s figure didn''t move, only raised his right hand.


    Surging vital energy turned into thousands of fine threads, weaving in front of his palm, coalescing into an energy sphere. The sphere spun in the air and ignited a red me with a roar: "Fiery me Palm!"


    Practitioners in the Shentong Realm could externalize their vital energy.


    By drawing on vital energy to activate Divine Skills.


    Their power was several times stronger than that of ordinary martial arts!


    The fireball sent waves of heat skyward, its crimson light illuminating half the dungeon. The licking mes made a piercing whooshing sound as it shot towards Xiao Yi.


    Wherever the fireball passed, the bricks on the ground seemed as if they would melt.


    The wooden bars of the dungeon burst into mes.


    "Xiao Yi, be careful..." Fang Qingzhu shouted.


    Xiao Yi''s expression was solemn.


    His cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm, enough to defeat an ordinary practitioner of the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. However, Zhang Yong was at the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. The gap between them was huge, and Xiao Yi could not afford to be the slightest bit negligent: "This battle cannot be dyed, it must be quick and decisive!"


    Zhang Yong, confident in his superior strength, did not take him seriously.


    To win this battle, Xiao Yi needed to take unconventional moves, strike first, and crush Zhang Yong before he could react!


    "Sweeping Thousands of Troops!"


    "Pursuing Stars and Chasing the Moon!"


    "Seizing Souls and iming Lives!"


    The zing Wind Pursuit Sword emitted a blood-red radiance all around, as ifpletely fused with Xiao Yi''s arm, showing a hint of unity between man and sword.


    This unity between man and sword was a sign of trulyprehending Sword Intent.


    The seed of Sword Intent fully burst forth.


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves suddenly grew thirty percent more formidable, with an edge that seemed to tear open the heavens itself.


    Whoosh!


    The move ''Sweeping Through Thousands'' first halted the momentum of the fireball, and then the technique ''Chasing Stars and Moons'' focused on the weakest point of the fireball, causing it to burst with a loud boom.


    Xiao Yi then burst through the exploding fireball, tearing open the sky filled with sparks, his blood-red sword edge mixed with sparks, thrusting towards Zhang Yong''s throat.


    The sword edge tore through the air, rustling Zhang Yong''s clothes noisily.


    His face expressionless, he scoffed, "Acting recklessly, overestimating your own abilities!"


    Whoosh!


    Vast vital energy surged, bursting forth from his body.


    It condensed on his palm.


    As if donning a red gauntlet, with a chime, he grabbed the de and amidst a shower of sparks, the unstoppable momentum of the zing Wind Pursuit Sword came to an abrupt halt.


    Zhang Yong''s left hand then moved to his waist, and he suddenly thrust out a fist.


    Whoosh!


    Dazzling vital energy on his left hand solidified into a crimson de and lunged toward Xiao Yi''s abdomen.


    Vital energy turned into a weapon.


    A signature move of a Shentong Realm expert.


    Though this weapon made of vital energy was not as strong as elemental weapons, its power vastly exceeded ordinary metal weapons. If this de struck Xiao Yi, he would not die but be crippled for sure.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, your death is certain," Zhang Ze hysterically screamed.


    His eyes were bloodshot, filled with intense excitement.


    But his joy was short-lived, as it tore open the wound in his crotch and blood gushed like a fountain¡­


    With his right hand trapped, Xiao Yi saw the attacking toward his abdomen, and a gleam shed in his eyes, "Eight Extremes Lean!"


    With a sudden force centered on his heel, he spun around on the spot.


    He narrowly dodged Zhang Yong''s left-handed attack but still sustained a gruesome wound on his waist, skin ripped and flesh burst, causing Xiao Yi to wince in pain. Despite the intense pain, Xiao Yi forcefully leaned back.


    Thud!


    His entire back mmed heavily against Zhang Yong''s chest.


    Xiao Yi''s strength had increased several-foldpared to before, andbined with the inherently powerful Eight Extremes Fist, this collision broke three of Zhang Yong''s ribs and caused internal injuries.


    Blood spurted from his mouth as his body was lifted from the spot and sent flying backward.


    Xiao Yi quickly turned around and chased after Zhang Yong, grabbing his ankle and smashing him down toward the ground with force.


    Thud!


    The entire dungeon vibrated.


    Zhang Yong''s back hit the ground, shattering floor tiles, and as dust and debris flew, Xiao Yi did not pause, "Kick them when they''re down!"


    Clutching Zhang Yong''s ankles, he smashed him down over and over again.


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Boom!


    Zhang Yong, like a human-shaped sledgehammer, shattered the ground, crashed into walls, and broke tables and chairs... It all happened so fast that Zhang Yong, dazed with stars in his eyes and injury upon injury, could not react in time.


    With the strength of a Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he hadn''t even managed to disy half of his power before he was left spewing blood from all seven orifices, on the brink of death.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi spun in ce like a tornado, generating gusts of wind. Suddenly releasing his grip, he flung Zhang Yong out viciously.


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    Zhang Yong smashed through the bars of five cells before hitting a stone wall with a bang, bing embedded in a huge human-shaped indent, unable to move.


    Whoosh!


    Xiao Yi dove down, and the zing Wind Pursuit Sword showed no mercy, piercing through Zhang Yong''s brow with a whoosh, nailing him firmly to the rock face. Zhang Yong''s body jerked, blood dripping down from the wall, his mouth agape, only able to let out hoarse gasps.


    In his eyes, there was nothing but regret.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze then turned to a dumbstruck Zhang Ze, "Your turn!"

 Chapter 28 Payback Tenfold

    "It''s your turn now!"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze fell upon Zhang Ze, his icy eyes sharp like the edge of a knife, making it unbearable to meet his stare.


    Thump!


    Zhang Ze''s body trembled as he knelt to the ground, the arrogance and fierceness previously etched on his pale face reced by abjection and terror, "Mercy, Xiao, have mercy! This was all Fang Ao and Lei Bao''s doing, leading me astray... it has nothing to do with me..."


    Before this.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zhang Ze''s greatest support was the Zhang Family.


    But now...


    The strongest warrior of the Zhang Family, Zhang Yong, had been killed by Xiao Yi with the force of thunder, leaving him with no backbone. All he could hope for now was to save his own life, to survive and wait until he joined the Royal Martial Arts Academy, then find a way to seek revenge!


    However.


    Xiao Yi remained unmoved, his gaze towards Zhang Ze devoid of sympathy, only coldness, "I just counted, there are three hundred seventy-five whip marks on Qingzhu''s body!"


    "Ah?"


    Zhang Ze was stunned, not understanding Xiao Yi''s meaning.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I once said, for whoever dares to harm even a single hair on her, I would repay it tenfold. Three hundred seventy-five whip marks, I''ll repay you with three thousand seven hundred fifty sword strikes, and the two bamboo tubes used to bleed her feet will count for a thousand strikes, making a total of five thousand seven hundred fifty strikes. You have no objections, right?"


    Thump!


    Zhang Ze''s body shook violently, copsing to the ground.


    Five thousand plus sword strikes to the body?


    Wasn''t this the same as being smashed to pieces?


    "No, don''t... Xiao, I realize my mistake, I truly do... I''m willing to be your ox and horse, please spare me, please show me mercy just this once..." Zhang Ze crawled and rolled, desperately clutching Xiao Yi''s legs, wailing bitterly.


    Forget five thousand strikes¡ªbeing poked with an embroidery needle five thousand times would leave one riddled with holes!


    "Show mercy?"


    Xiao Yi let out a coldugh, his deep voiceced with icy murderous intent, "When you sent men to kill me in the Southern Deste Mountain Range, why didn''t you show mercy? When you captured Qingzhu and tortured her so harshly, why didn''t you think to show mercy? And now you''re begging me to save you? Don''t you see this is pure delusion?"


    Ever since his mother''s death, Fang Qingzhu was the first person to give Xiao Yi a sense of home''s warmth.


    How could he tolerate her being persecuted in such a way?


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s ice-cold and resolute face, Zhang Ze''s face filled with despair. In the face of imminent death, he mustered his viciousness, a sh of savagery in his eyes, "If you won''t let me live, then you''ll die with me!"


    Whoosh!


    From within Zhang Ze''s sleeve, a ck dagger shot out, the de smeared with a deadly poison, aimed straight at Xiao Yi.


    "A dog can''t change its habit of eating shit!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly as the zing Wind Pursuit Sword flicked upwards.


    Thwack! Thwack!


    Zhang Ze''s hands were chopped off at the wrists, the hand holding the dagger falling to the ground with a smack, pain distorting Zhang Ze''s entire face; "Ahh¡­ Xiao Yi, I won''t let you off even if I be a ghost..."


    "You can talk about that when you be a ghost!"


    Xiao Yi responded indifferently, lifting Zhang Ze by one hand and hanging him up on the rack.


    Snap!


    With a casual p, he dislocated Zhang Ze''s jaw, making it impossible for him to even bite his own tongue andmit suicide.


    Xiao Yi turned towards Fang Qingzhu, his fierce expression softening, "Qingzhu, turn your head away, don''t look!"


    "Okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently turned away.


    Whoosh!


    The zing Wind Pursuit Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand turned into countless petals descending colorfully, each streak of the sword light removing a piece of flesh from Zhang Ze''s body. Amid the blood and flying flesh, unbearable pain engulfed him, but all the jawless Zhang Ze could manage were choked breathing sounds.


    Tears, mingled with sweat, fell ceaselessly.


    Regret and despair took over his entire face.


    Thud!


    Thud!


    The silver gleam of the sword flickered in the dungeon; with each appearance, flesh was sliced and sent flying.


    "One thousand and eighty!"


    "One thousand and eighty-one!"


    "One thousand and eighty-two..."


    Xiao Yi''s voice sounded like a demonic chant that reaped souls, both of Zhang Ze''s arms had been whittled down to bone, and he had fainted several times from the pain, only to be revived by Xiao Yi.


    It was a pain so intense that life itself seemed undesirable.


    Zhang Ze had never thought that he would one day yearn for death''s arrival.


    Bang!


    The dungeon''s door was suddenly blown open, causing Xiao Yi''s sword to pause slightly, as a group of powerful individuals rushed in from outside. Leading them was Elder Yan, the Pavilion Master of the Treasure Pavilion, followed closely by Sikong Nan, the Nanhuang City Lord, and Zhao Yu, the head of the Zhao Family.


    "Quick, find Xiao!"


    "Zhang Yong, if you dare harm a hair on Xiao''s head, I will eradicate the Zhang Family!"


    However...


    When Elder Yan and the others saw the situation inside the dungeon, the words they had ready died on their lips.


    Hisss!


    A collective gasp of shock went through the crowd.


    Elder Yan spat out a mouthful of saliva, "Xiao, Xiao, are you alright?"


    Xiao Yi didn''t turn around, "You''re here? Wait a moment, four thousand more swords!"


    "Four thousand swords?"


    "What does that mean?"


    Everyone was momentarily stunned.


    Soon...


    They understood.


    "One thousand and eighty-three!"


    "One thousand and eighty-four..."


    With each sword stroke by Xiao Yi, a chilling number was uttered, and with each number, a piece of flesh was sliced from Zhang Ze.


    Hisss!


    The crowd gasped again.


    Watching Zhang Ze''s agonized face, unable to speak, with only the white of bone remaining in his two arms and legs, some of the weaker-strong individuals began to retch violently at the sight.


    "This, this is death by a thousand cuts! It''s too, too cruel..."


    "So, so terrifying... one must never cross Xiao Yi..."


    "Don''t talk... rgh..."


    Even Elder Yan and Sikong Nan, who were worldly and well-informed, looked at each other with pale faces at that moment.


    Sikong Nan murmured softly, "Even though I''ve been through hundreds of battles in the military, I''ve never seen someone execute a lingchi with such calm."


    Elder Yan nodded somberly, ncing deeply at Xiao Yi and gesturing towards Fang Qingzhu, "Look at her, and you won''t find Xiao cruel anymore!"


    Sikong Nan nced at Fang Qingzhu, and although she was covered by Xiao Yi''s coat, her body was still visibly battered and bruised.


    Whoosh!


    Sikong Nan exhaled a long breath, silently reminding himself, "This young man is someone to befriend, not to be made an enemy of!"


    If these words were to spread, they would certainly cause a huge stir.


    He was, after all, the Nanhuang City Lord, the top expert of Nanhuang, and yet he did not wish to make an enemy of Xiao Yi?


    The pungent odor of blood permeated the dungeon; those unable to withstand the shocking sight before them had long since retreated, but the memory Xiao Yi left them with was nightmare-like, and they would likely never be able to forget it for the rest of their lives.


    Within the crowd.


    Zhao Xian was pale as a ghost, he had just been one of the most frantic vomiters, and he looked up nkly at Zhao Yu beside him, "Father, father, I''m so d I heeded your advice and never crossed Xiao!"


    "Indeed!"


    Zhao Yu nodded gravely, "Once we return, immediately sever all ties with the Fang Family and the ck Tiger Gang, understand?"


    Zhao Xian hummed in agreement, puzzled, "Father, what about our coboration with the Zhang Family?"


    "The Zhang Family?"


    Zhao Yu''s expression turned strange as he looked at the vast Zhang family estate, "After today, will there even be a Zhang Family in Nanhuang City?"

 Chapter 29 Fame Shakes Nanhuang

    ```


    Three hourster.


    Xiao Yi walked out of the dungeon, carrying Fang Qingzhu in his arms, with only Elder Yan and Sikong Nan closely following behind him.


    The others had already escaped the dungeon long ago.


    Not everyone could withstand the spectacle of a lingering execution!


    Even with the fortitude of Elder Yan and Sikong Nan, they too were pale at this moment, and the sight of anything red caused their internal organs to churn violently, giving rise to a strong urge to vomit.


    "Xiao!"


    "Xiao, Xiao¡­"


    Zhao Yu, Zhao Xian, and others looked at Xiao Yi with faces full of reverence.


    Xiao Yi was spotless, and with a gesture for silence, he gestured that Fang Qingzhu sleeping in his arms, and in a lowered voice said, "I will take her back to rest first, the rest is up to you guys!"


    Zhao Yu nodded heavily, whispering, "Xiao, rest assured, leave it to us!"


    Elder Yan and Sikong Nan both nodded their heads.


    Xiao Yi nodded to the group and then left the Zhang residence.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Once Xiao Yi was gone, Zhao Yu looked at the two with a wry smile, "City Lord, Elder Yan, what should we do?"


    Elder Yan squinted and said, "The Zhang family has no reason to exist anymore!"


    Sikong Nan said indifferently, "The Zhang family''s properties should all be transferred to Xiao''s name. As for those of the Zhang family¡­ If you don''t remove the roots when cutting the grass, the spring breeze will bring them back to life."


    "I understand!"


    Zhao Yu nodded in realization, his face showing a hint of intrigue as he mumbled, "If the Fang family knew about all this, that old man Fang Tianhao would probably regret until his intestines turned green, wouldn''t he?"


    "I reckon he would be so angry he''d vomit blood!"


    Sikong Nan couldn''t help butugh as well, "To think that an eighteen-year-old who could kill a Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm expert, with such talent, would be driven out of the Fang family as a useless son-inw, I don''t know whether to say Fang Tianhao''s standards are too high, or that he''s blind¡­"


    "Not only the Fang family is blind,"


    Elder Yan also sneered contemptuously, "The Xiao Family, in the far-off Great Qian Dynasty, only treasures Xiao Tianjiao while expelling such a real dragon as Xiao from their home, sending him to the Fang family as a door-to-door son-inw. Who knows what the reaction of the Xiao Family will be if one day Xiao outshines Xiao Tianjiao?"


    Although it must be said that Xiao Tianjiao, at merely ten years of age, had already stepped into the Divine Skills Realm, boasting an incredible talent.


    But what about Xiao Yi?


    When he first came to Nanhuang City, he hadn''t even reached the first level of the Physical Body Realm, but now he could kill experts in the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    And all of this in less than two months.


    So, who is the real dragon?


    Anyone with eyes can see!


    Sikong Nan and Zhao Yu both nodded in agreement, and the three of them couldn''t help feeling fortunate: "Good thing we chose to stand on Xiao''s side¡­"


    Afterward¡­


    The news of the Zhang family''s annihtion spread wildly, instantly causing an uproar throughout Nanhuang City.


    Meanwhile.


    Led by the Treasure Pavilion, with support from the Lord''s Mansion and the Zhao Family, a force began aprehensive crackdown on the Zhang family''s influence. In just half a day, all of the Zhang family''s assets were transferred to Xiao Yi''s name, and simultaneously, the Treasure Pavilion and the Zhao Family dered aplete halt to all business dealings with the Fang Family and the ck Tiger Gang.


    An edict of banishment!


    This plunged the Fang Family and the ck Tiger Gang into endless despair.


    Within Nanhuang City¡­


    Word gradually spread that the person who caused all thismotion was none other than Xiao Yi, once expelled from the Fang family as a useless son-inw.


    In no time, the name Xiao Yi was known throughout Nanhuang.


    It even became taboo!


    Within the ck Tiger Gang.


    The gang leader Lei Laohu was in a towering rage, smashing everything in the room, his face somber: "Xiao Yi, the Zhao Family, the Treasure Pavilion¡­ you''ve pushed us too far!"


    "Boss, what should we do? Our gambling houses have all been shut down, and if this continues, the gang won''t be able to sustain itself¡­" the deputy leader said with a morose face by the side.


    Lei Laohu''s chest heaved violently, and ultimately it turned into a helpless and unwilling sigh, he ground his teeth and said, "What else can we do? Who in Nanhuang City dares to provoke Xiao Yi now? Prepare a generous gift immediately; I will go and apologize in person!"


    An hourter.


    Bare-chested and carrying whips on his back, Lei Laohu personally dragged a cart full of apologies, kneeling in front of Xiao Yi''s courtyard gate.


    Yet the gate of the vi remained closed.


    Nheless.


    Lei Laohu was meticulous and dared not show any disrespect.


    At the same time¡­


    The Fang Family was inplete disarray.


    One piece of bad news after another arrived: "Patriarch, it''s terrible, our deals with the Zhao Family, Chen Family, and Zhang Family have all been cut off."


    "Patriarch, there''s been an incident, our Fang Family''s pharmacies have been smashed¡­"


    "Our cloth shops have been smashed too¡­"


    "Patriarch, word has spread throughout the city, saying our Fang Family is doomed. Some have even made up rhymes about it, singing that the Fang Family is amazing, forced a real dragon away, now as the real dragon soars through the skies, the Fang Family is bound to rise¡­"


    ```


    ```


    Pfft!


    Sitting at the head seat, Fang Tianhao trembled as he listened to one piece of bad news after another, his face turned pale, and with a ''wa'' sound, he spat out a mouthful of old blood. He aged dozens of years in an instant. Trembling, he pointed at Fang Zheng and his wife, barely containing his fury, "You, you two arepetent at nothing but failures. I told you to invite Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu back, and look what you''ve done?"


    Fang Zheng, left with only one arm, looked wronged, "Dad, how could I have known that waste would be so strong?"


    Liu Yun shamelessly said, "Dad, don''t be angry! We''ll be sincere this time, apologize in person. Qingzhu is softhearted, as long as we appease her with our suffering, she will definitely forgive us!"


    Fang Tianhao''s eyes lit up with a glint of hope, "Then what are you waiting for? Go and invite them back here!"


    ...¡­


    Outside the separate courtyard where Xiao Yi was residing.


    Fang Zheng''s family of three looked at Lei Laohu kneeling at the gate and exchanged nces. Fang Hao whispered, "Dad, isn''t that Lei Laohu? Why is he kneeling here too? Is Xiao Yi really that terrifying?"


    Shut up! Fang Zheng red at him fiercely and said in a low voice, "Still dare to call him waste? Remember this ¨C lower your stance when we meet. Things are not like before, we are here to ask them to return to the Fang family!"


    "I understand¡­" Fang Hao shrank his neck.


    The three approached the gate.


    At the entrance, Zhao Xian was on guard. Seeing the three, he frowned slightly, "This is a restricted area of Xiao''s residence, off-limits to outsiders!"


    Liu Yun, full of arrogance, pped Zhao Xian across the face and said, "Open your eyes and see who I am! I am Xiao Yi''s mother-inw. Hurry up and notify Xiao Yi, we are here to take them home!"


    Zhao Xian, holding his reddened face, looked astonished.


    Liu Yun, impatient, demanded, "What are you still dazed for? Go and report at once!"


    "No need!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from inside the gate. He had intended to meet Lei Laohu, but as he reached the entrance, he heard the p Fang Zheng delivered to Zhao Xian and immediately pushed the door open.


    "Young Master Xiao¡­" Zhao Xian respectfully stepped aside.


    Fang Zheng''s face broke into a smile, even tinged with sycophancy, "You are finally out, Xiao Yi."


    "What Xiao Yi? This is our precious son-inw!"


    Liu Yun nudged Fang Zheng aside, her face beaming with a radiant smile, "Son-inw, you and Qingzhu have suffered a lot these days staying outside. Actually, your dad and I did all that for your own good, because only through the bitterest hardships can one be superior. Look, with our help, you''ve now achieved such sess! We havee today because we feel that your trial is over and are inviting you both back home!"


    Their attitude hadpletely reversed from before, even showing a hint of subservience.


    This was the change brought about by power!


    Xiao Yi, however, didn''t even nce at them and instead said to Zhao Xian, "Where did he hit you? Hit him back exactly the same way!"


    "Ah?"


    Zhao Xian was taken aback.


    The smiles on the three members of the Fang family also froze, and Fang Zheng blinked, "Xian, Xian Yi, what are you, what are you talking about?"


    Xiao Yi repeated, "Hit back!"


    Zhao Xian, face alight with excitement, responded, "Alright!"


    p!


    He swung back his hand and pped Liu Yun, stunning her.


    "Xiao Yi, have you gone mad?"


    "We came to take you back to the Fang family..."


    The three members of the Fang family werepletely dumbfounded.


    "Too light!"


    Xiao Yi frowned at Zhao Xian, then turned his attention to Lei Laohu, "Aren''t you here to apologize? Leave them crippled, and then you can go back."


    "Yes, Young Master Xiao!"


    The once powerful leader of the ck Tiger Gang, now like a loyal enforcer, proceeded to brutally beat the three members of the Fang family.


    "Xiao Yi, you even beat your own mother-inw; you have lost all morals..."


    "You heartless wretch..."


    Lei Laohu burst out in a rage, "Dare to insult Young Master Xiao? You''re seeking death!"


    Bang bang bang!


    Lei Laohu''s blows grew even fiercer.


    "I dare not..."


    "I won''t dare again, please spare me..."


    After half an incense stick burned.


    The threey on the ground, barely alive. Xiao Yi looked down at them coldly, "If there''s a next time, there will be no mercy!"


    "Young Master Xiao, shall I, shall I take them back to the Fang family now?" Lei Laohu asked tentatively.


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Lei Laohu dragged the barely alive three back toward the Fang family.


    The Fang family residence.


    Seeing the pitiful state of the three, Fang Tianhao''s face contorted even more, his teeth clenched tightly, his expression ferocious, "What a Xiao Yi, thinking my Fang family would fear him? Someone, send a message to Fang Jin, I want him toe back and tear Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu to pieces..."


    ```

 Chapter 30 Transferring Flowers and Joining Trees, Xiao Yi Passes on His Power!

    Ever since the day Xiao Yi had Lei Laohu and Zhao Xian thoroughly thrash the three visitors from the Fang Family, led by Fang Zheng,


    the Fang Family had closed its doors to all visitors.


    All of their businesses were shut down.


    After all...


    Facing the suppression from the Zhao Family, Chen Family, and even the Treasure Pavilion, nobody was interested in the Fang Family''s businesses anymore.


    The once bustling Fang residence was now deste, with hardly a visitor in sight.


    On the contrary, Xiao Yi''s residence was frequently bustling with traffic, and a long queue of gift-givers formed at the door. However, aside from Elder Yan, Zhao Yu, and Sikong Nan, Xiao Yi declined to meet anyone else.


    In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed.


    In these ten days, Xiao Yi, with the tremendous energy provided by the Golden Core, had advanced his cultivation level, reaching the Eighth Layer of Qi Gathering Realm.


    The number of God Sealing Seeds had reached one hundred fifty-five.


    Hisbat power had also improved significantly.


    Fang Qingzhu, after ten days of Xiao Yi''s meticulous care, had also recovered from her injuries.


    Inside the quiet room.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with confusion "Xiao Yi, what did you bring me here for?"


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Do you remember I told you I''d give you a surprise once your injuries healed?"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded, her voice tinged with a touch of mncholy "I''ve been asking you, and you wouldn''t tell me what kind of surprise..."


    "Now I can give you that surprise!"


    Xiao Yi smiled, and under Fang Qingzhu''s expectant gaze, he slowly said, "I can let you start cultivating again!"


    "Start... cultivating again?"


    Fang Qingzhu was stunned, suddenly standing up, she grabbed Xiao Yi''s shoulders and shook them, her voice filled with disbelief "Xiao Yi, are you, are you serious?"


    Xiao Yi chuckled "It''s true!"


    "How... how is that possible? My dantian is shattered, how could it possibly be repaired..." Fang Qingzhu murmured nkly.


    Xiao Yi said, "I have a technique called ''Transnting Spirit and Space'', which can rece your dantian with a beast core. However, doing so will limit your maximum cultivation level to the grade of the beast core..."


    He exined the methods and limitations of the Transnting Spirit and Space technique to Fang Qingzhu.


    Although the grade of the beast core would limit her maximum cultivation level, from another perspective, it also meant that Fang Qingzhu''s future was filled with more possibilities.


    Currently, Xiao Yi''s cultivation wasn''t strong enough; he could only hunt third rank magical beasts. But what about the future?


    If he could hunt ninth rank magical beasts, or even the legendary divine beasts...


    And rece Fang Qingzhu''s dantian with a divine beast''s core...


    Wouldn''t she have the potential to ascend to divinity?


    Xiao Yi earnestly said "Qingzhu, are you willing to ept this treatment?"


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath and said solemnly "I''m willing!"


    "Then let''s begin the Transnting Spirit and Space technique now!" Xiao Yi touched his nose, looking somewhat embarrassed, "However, performing this technique requires that you take off your clothes, you see..."


    "..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned as red as a ripe apple, and she responded shyly with a sound of acknowledgment.


    She then began to disrobe.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, his breathing became a bit more rapid, but after forcing himself to calm down, he began to perform the Transnting Spirit and Space technique.


    This technique was not simple!


    Otherwise, it would not be considered a forbidden art by the Underworld Doctor lineage. Since the ancestor of Underworld Doctors, no one in the Southern Border''s lineage of Underworld Doctors understood how to perform this technique. Fortunately, Xiao Yi had received the inheritance of the Underworld Doctor ancestor, which made it rtively easy for him to carry out.


    After ten hours.


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of stale air, his face beaming with a brilliant smile "Qingzhu, congrattions, you can start cultivating anew!"


    Fang Qingzhu put her clothes back on, her face as red as a ripe persimmon, as she nodded with a voice as faint as a mosquito''s whimper. The fragrance of a maiden filled the room, a light, enchanting scent that made one unable to help but have one''s thoughts run wild.


    With a light cough, Xiao Yi shifted his gaze away from her graceful figure and said, "Qingzhu, I have a Cultivation Technique here that is quite suitable for you, called ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill.'' It''s a high-grade technique of the fourth rank, strong enough to cultivate to the peak of the Golden Core Realm. I''ll pass it on to you now..."


    The mention of the ''Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill'' made Fang Qingzhu''s eyes shine even brighter.


    Meanwhile, as Xiao Yi was transmitting the technique to Fang Qingzhu...


    In the distant Tianqing Kingdom''s capital, within the renowned Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The vast grounds of the Royal Martial Arts Academy could amodate tens of thousands of people. The academy was divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Profound, and Yellow. The Heaven-level students were fewest in number but the strongest in might, all being experts of the Golden Core Realm. Each one was a noble conferred by the royal family, enjoying noble rank.


    Next were the Earth-level students, all surpassing the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Profound-level students were those above the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    The remaining students below the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm were Yellow-level students.


    Fang Jin had just passed the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment and sessfully became a Yellow-level student. After training in the academy for two months, he had officially stepped into the Divine Ability Realm, standing out as one of the best among this new group of students.


    And because of this...


    Fang Jin also made quite a few friends among the higher-year students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, especially Jia Sichun, a Profound-level student of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, with whom he had the best rtionship.


    Jia Sichun was from the capital''s Jia Family, his father being a second-rank official at court, with a prominent background.


    In particr, his elder brother, Jia Sidao, was among the top ten Earth-level students, at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, capable of advancing to the Golden Core Realm at any moment to be a Heaven-level student.


    With his own talent being strong and backed by a prominent family, plus having a powerful and protective elder brother,


    Jia Sichun may have only been a Profound-level student, but even average Earth-level students dared not provoke him, which led to his arrogant and overbearing nature. Given to lechery, Fang Jin ingratiated himself by pandering to Jia''s tastes, thus bing good friends.


    "Fang Jin, I''ll take you to the Myriad Flowers Pavilion!" said Jia Sichun, draping his arm over Fang Jin''s shoulder.


    But Fang Jin''s face was sullen as he replied, "Brother Jia, I''m afraid I won''t be able to apany you. Something came up at home, and I need to make a trip back!"


    Jia Sichun looked disappointed, "What kind of issue could that tiny Fang Family possibly have?"


    Fang Jin spread the letter in his hands, his face carrying a look of hatred, "My brother was killed, and the Fang Family is surrounded by enemies and in grave danger. I have to go back!"


    "Didn''t you say the patriarch of the Fang Family was a fourthyer expert of the Divine Ability Realm? Even though the Divine Skills experts from such a tiny and barren ce as Nanhuang can hardly wake up their Innate Divine Skills, all false Divine Skills... A fourthyer Divine Skill expert shouldn''t have many threats, right?" Jia Sichun frowned, puzzled.


    Nanhuang was nothing more than a tiny and impoverished ce.


    Even the Divine Ability Realm experts from there were not regarded highly by them.


    Fang Jin said fiercely, "But our opponent can kill thirdyer Divine Ability Realm experts, and with the backing of Treasure Pavilion, my Fang Family is no match for him."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Treasure Pavilion? Then your enemy does have some skills!" Jia Sichun nodded.


    Fang Jin felt a growing urgency in his heart.


    After learning of Xiao Yi''s strength, he knew it would be difficult to take revenge on his own and was intent on getting Jia Sichun''s help.


    Fang Jin''s eyes spun shrewdly, feigning a sigh, "It''s also my brother''s fault for not listening to me. Fang Qingzhu is as beautiful as a celestial being, the number one beauty of Nanhuang. I told him not to touch that woman. He wouldn''t listen, and in the end, he was killed by that good-for-nothing son-inw Fang Qingzhu brought home. Sigh..."


    "As beautiful as a celestial being? The number one beauty of Nanhuang?"


    Jia Sichun was taken aback, his eyes lighting up, "Is this Fang Qingzhu you speak of truly that beautiful?"


    Fang Jin''s heart leaped with joy as he quickly responded, "Of course! Fang Qingzhu''s beauty is well-known throughout Nanhuang!"


    "How does shepare to the Oiran of the Myriad Flowers Pavilion?"


    Fang Jin shook his head, "A thousand oirans couldn''tpare to her!"


    Hiss!


    Jia Sichun''s eyes swiveled greedily; avarice and heat shed through them as he licked his lips with a blood-red tongue, "Fang Jin, as brothers, your business is my business. I''ll apany you back to Nanhuang City this time. With me there, even the Treasure Pavilion should show me some face! But, well..."


    Fang Jin pped his chest, "Don''t worry, Brother Jia. I know what you mean! Once I''ve had my revenge, I''ll make sure to bring Fang Qingzhu to your bed..."


    "Hahahaha, good brother! You truly understand me!"


    Jia Sichunughed heartily.


    Fang Jin forced a smile alongside him, but his eyes were growing colder, "Xiao Yi? Fang Qingzhu? Your days are numbered!"

 Chapter 31 Fang Jin Returns!

    "Grandfather, I have had someone find out for us¡ªthe house up ahead belongs to Xiao Yi!"


    On the wide street, a inly dressed grandparent and grandchild walked side by side.


    The girl, in a white dress, carefully supported the white-haired and bearded old man beside her and pointed to a mansion ahead. Excitement sparkled in her eyes.


    The old man chuckled and nodded. His murky eyes studied the mansion and the long line of people waiting outside, and heughed, "It seems that this Xiao Yi is not a simple character, attracting so many visitors bearing gifts!"


    The girl smiled broadly, "Grandpa, shall we go and find him now?"


    The old man shook his head, "No rush, Grandpa still has some matters to attend to. After they''re resolved, I''ll apany you to properly thank them, all right?"


    The girl''s expression dimmed slightly, yet she obediently nodded, "Mhmm, I''ll listen to you, Grandpa!"


    "Haha, you''re such a sweet girl, not like your sister¡­"


    The old man affectionately ruffled the girl''s head and looked again at the mansion, as if he could see through the walls. A glint shimmered in his dim eyes, "A Golden Core? Quite the interesting youngster..."


    Inside the mansion.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu were cultivating, facing each other in a position that pointed toward the sky with all five hearts.


    Between their palms, a Golden Core the size of a walnut bobbed faintly.


    Strands of golden energy escaped from the Golden Core.


    And seeped into both their bodies.


    Xiao Yi''s body glowed with gold. His vitality surged, as powerful as a dragon or tiger.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face glowed with health, and a purple light flickered around her, like a fairy bathed in the glow of purple clouds.


    Whoosh!


    Both retracted their power at the same time, and the Golden Core fell into Xiao Yi''s hand. The storage ring on his fingertip shed as he stored the Golden Core away. Both opened their eyes, and as they faced each other, Fang Qingzhu said with a smile, "Xiao Yi, brother, thank you!"


    "No need for thanks between you and me," Xiao Yi said with a mild smile.


    Fang Qingzhu gently nodded her head.


    It had been half a month since Xiao Yi performed the technique to shift flowers and:


    rece the core in Fang Qingzhu''s dantian with the beast core of a Purple-Patterned Blood Python.


    Over this half-month...


    Xiao Yi had been cultivating with her using the Golden Core. Fang Qingzhu had already been at the peak of the Qi Gathering Realm before her cultivation was crippled. Now that her dantian was restored, all she needed was to absorb enough energy to regain her cultivation. In just half a month, she hadpletely returned to her peak condition.


    Once again at the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm.


    Ready to break through to the Shentong Realm at any moment!


    As for Xiao Yi, his progress hadn''t been slow either, having reached the Tenth Layer of the Qi Gathering Realm and activated two hundred God Sealing Seeds.


    He was just a step away from entering the Shentong Realm!


    Of course.


    By cultivating together with the Golden Core, they had used up a full fifth of the core''s energy.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, I feel like I am about to step into the Shentong Realm!" remarked Fang Qingzhu.


    Xiao Yiughed, "I should be breaking through in the next couple of days as well. Let''s strive to enter the Shentong Realm together."


    "Yes!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Fang Qingzhu nodded vehemently, her eyes filled with resolve and determination, "As soon as I enter the Shentong Realm, I will have nothing to fear, even if Fang Jin returns. The position of family heir belongs to me!"


    Xiao Yi rubbed her head and said, "Don''t put so much pressure on yourself. What does it matter if you''re no match for Fang Jin? I''m here for you!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted, her face breaking into a sweet smile.


    "Young Master Xiao, Yan Mingli requests an audience!" called a voice from outside¡ªYan Mingli''s.


    Fang Qingzhu softly said, "Xiao Yi, brother, Elder Yan must have urgent business. You should go see him first!"


    "Alright!"


    Xiao Yi walked outside and frowned at Elder Yan, whose forehead showed traces of sweat, "What''s the matter?"


    Elder Yan nced inside the door and said in a low voice, "Xiao, I''ve just received a message that Fang Jin has returned to the Fang Family!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was somewhat surprised. Logically speaking, even if Fang Jin had returned, it wouldn''t have caused Elder Yan to loseposure like this. Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "But did he bring anyone back with him?"


    Elder Yan''s gaze held admiration as he looked at Xiao Yi and said, "The message from Lord Sikong is that Fang Jin has returned with a young man. That person is wearing the uniform of a Mysterious Rank student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy..."


    Xiao Yi arched an eyebrow.


    He was, of course, familiar with the levels of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The Mysterious Rank Academy, that was at least the cultivation of the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm or higher.


    But a Third Layer Divine Passage Realm from the Royal Martial Arts Academy was far from beingparable to Zhang Yong. In Nanhuang City, a third-rank martial technique could be a n''s treasure. Yet in the Royal Martial Arts Academy, it''s not to mention the third-rank martial techniques, even fourth-rank martial techniques were at the students'' disposal to study and understand at will.


    What''s more important was...


    There were Divine Skills above martial techniques!


    The power of Divine Skills of the same level far exceeded that of martial techniques of the same tier.


    It could be said without exaggeration that a student of the same Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm from the Royal Martial Arts Academy would absolutely be stronger inbat than those who hadn''t mastered Divine Skills, even if they were of the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    No wonder Elder Yan had lost hisposure.


    However.


    Xiao Yi was now halfway into the Shentong Realm, and he also bore the seed of Sword Intent, hisbat strength absolutely able to easily defeat a master of the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, unless the opponent had the cultivation of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm or above and had mastered Divine Skills.


    Otherwise, Xiao Yi did not even consider them a threat!


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Let the generals handle the soldiers and the earth handle the flood; we shall watch quietly and see how things unfold!"


    Meanwhile.


    Within the Fang Family...


    Fang Tianhao was overjoyed, his face glowing as he looked at Fang Jin: "Fang Jin, you''re finally back!"


    "I pay my respects to the family head!"


    Fang Jin merely gave a perfunctory bow to Fang Tianhao. Ever since he became a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he had been looking down on Fang Tianhao more and more. Then, with respect, he looked at Jia Sichun, "This is Brother Jia, he is a Mysterious Rank student at the Martial Arts Institute."


    "So it''s Jia, your visit truly brings light to our humble home!" Fang Tianhao said with sparkling eyes, Mysterious Rank students - these were high-level experts of at least the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. He spoke with a fawning tone.


    As for Fang Jin''s perfunctory attitude, he did not dare to show the slightest dissatisfaction.


    Jia Sichun nodded slightly, looking at the Fang Family''s courtyard with a slight frown and a disdainful tone, "Your Fang Family is too rundown, aren''t they? If not for Fang Jin''s sake, you couldn''t have gotten me to set foot in this godforsaken ce even if you carried me on a pnquin."


    "Uh..."


    Fang Tianhao wore an embarrassed expression.


    Jia Sichun spoke indifferently, "Fang Jin, aren''t you here for revenge? Have someone send a letter, tell that Xiao Yi toe over and meet his death right away. I can''t bear to stay in this dump for a moment longer!"


    Fang Jin immediately said, "Brother Jia, rest assured, I have already nned everything. I guarantee that all matters will be settled within three days!"


    "What does it matter to me how many days you take to settle things?"


    After a pause, Jia Sichun turned toward Fang Tianhao and directly ordered, "You, go call Fang Qingzhu here. Oh, right, she has a live-in son-inw, doesn''t she? Have him personally bring Fang Qingzhu to me!"


    Fang Tianhao''s face stiffened, and he said with great trepidation, "Jia, Master Jia, that Xiao Yi is fierce, I dare not go!"


    Smack!


    Jia Sichun pped Fang Tianhao across the face with the back of his hand, his voice cold as ice, "Useless trash, you can''t even handle such a simple task? Who among you will bring Fang Qingzhu back? I''ll reward them with a Shen Yuan Elixir!"


    The Shen Yuan Elixir, a high-grade elixir of the third rank, could allow a Divine Passage Realm strongman using it for the first time to break through a minor realm directly.


    It was an incredibly valuable elixir.


    Fang Jin had received a Shen Yuan Elixir from Jia Sichun''s hands, and now he already had the cultivation of the Second Layer Spiritual Power Realm.


    *Gulp!*


    Fang Tianhao was tempted by the Shen Yuan Elixir but just thinking about Xiao Yi''s terrifying strength in killing Zhang Yong, he could only lower his head. This only made Jia Sichun even angrier, but just then, a voice came from outside the door: "Master Jia, I am willing to serve you!"

 Chapter 32 Life and Death Platform!

    Everyone looked toward the door.


    They saw Lei Laohu, with his tiger''s back and bear''s waist, stride in, his face alight with excitement as he eyed the Shen Yuan Elixir in Jia Sichun''s hand.


    Fang Tianhao frowned and said, "Lei Laohu? Who let you in?"


    Lei Laohu ignored Fang Tianhao, respectfully bowed to Jia Sichun and Fang Jin, and said with a sycophantic smile, "Jia, Mr. Fang, I am the leader of the ck Tiger Gang. I share an irreconcble feud with Xiao Yi, and the moment I heard you two had returned, I immediately came to pay my respects. Overhearing Jia''s words from outside, I took the liberty to offer my services, willing to follow your everymand!"


    "Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Being able to cultivate to such a level in this small ce, you do indeed qualify to be this young master''s dog!"


    Jia Sichun sized up Lei Laohu and said indifferently, "Go, as long as you bring the person back, this young master will grant you a Shen Yuan Elixir!"


    "Rest assured, Jia, I will not disappoint you!" Lei Laohu, far from feeling humiliated at being called a dog by Jia Sichun, thanked him with a glowing face and strode off.


    Fang Tianhao hesitated and then said, "Jia, I''m afraid that Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu will not be willing toe over!"


    Jia Sichun sneered, "Would he dare? Once I, Jia Sichun, make my name known, he''ll obediently send Fang Qingzhu to my bed! I just hope that little guy hasn''t touched her, or if he has, I''ll have to grind his bones to dust first..."


    ......


    Lei Laohu sat in his carriage, feeling the strength within him growing, his eyes bing increasingly cold, "Xiao Yi, you killed my son, ended my lineage, and made me lose facepletely. Today, it''s time for me, Lei Laohu, to take my revenge!"


    A momentter.


    Lei Laohu arrived at Xiao Yi''s residence.


    Thud!


    Lei Laohu carried a stele on his shoulder, rushing over with a swiftness.


    On the stele was inscribed "Tomb of Xiao Yi" in big characters as he nted it with a thud in front of the main entrance.


    Those in line to present their gifts couldn''t help but show shock on their faces, "Has Lei Laohu been hit on the head by a door?"


    "How dare he do this? Has he forgotten the lesson from the Zhang Family?"


    "Not long ago, he knelt here begging Xiao for forgiveness, how can he now dare to do this?"


    However, Lei Laohu paid no heed to the murmurs of the crowd, his icy gaze fixated on Zhao Xian as he growled dispassionately, "Tell that dog Xiao Yi toe out and see me!"


    Zhao Xian hurriedly opened the door and ran inside, looking for Xiao Yi, "Xiao, it''s bad news, Lei Laohu brought a tombstone and blocked the main gate, and he''s calling for Xiao to roll out and meet him!"


    "Lei Laohu? Has he gone mad?" Elder Yan frowned.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and said, "Fang Jin just got back, and Lei Laohu is causing trouble on my doorstep?"


    "You mean... Lei Laohu was sent by Fang Jin?" Elder Yan asked with a frown.


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders, seemingly unconcerned, "Whoever sent him, we''ll know when we go out and see!"


    A group of people walked out of the residence.


    Seeing the red inscription on the stele, Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted slightly, revealing a hint of interest, "I have managed the Eternal Heavenly Tomb for ages, yet I never expected someone would deliver a tombstone for me!"


    Elder Yan was instantly furious; he regarded Xiao Yi as his honored master, and could not tolerate such provocation.


    Elder Yan shouted coldly, "Lei Laohu, you are courting death!"


    Lei Laohu nced at Elder Yan and said ndly, "Elder Yan, there''s no need to be angry. My visit today is also following orders."


    Xiao Yi and Elder Yan exchanged nces.


    As expected!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed, looking curiously at Lei Laohu, "Following orders? Whose orders are you under?"


    "I am here by themand of Jia, a Profound Level student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy!" Lei Laohu held his head high, proudly stating, "Jia ordered you to immediately bring Fang Qingzhu to the Fang Family; he wants you to personally deliver Fang Qingzhu to his bed..."


    Hiss!


    The surrounding crowd was utterly shocked.


    Who didn''t know that Fang Qingzhu was the wife of Xiao Yi?


    Asking him to personally deliver Fang Qingzhu to another man''s bed?


    This was not merely a challenge but an absolute disregard and humiliation!


    What man with even a shred of dignity could endure such a thing?


    Let alone Xiao Yi?


    His eyes emitted a cold glint as they locked onto Lei Laohu like icy daggers, "Are you looking for death?"


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, now that Lei Laohu has the backing of Jia, do you think I''d still be afraid of you?"


    Lei Laohu mentioned Jia with a face full of reverence and was extremely confident in his strength, sneering continuously, "If you behave and personally deliver Fang Qingzhu for Jia''s enjoyment, maybe Jia could leave you a whole corpse. Otherwise, this stele can be erected above your grave today..."


    "You think a mere Profound Level student from the Royal Martial Arts Academy can intimidate me?"


    Xiao Yi let out a cold snort, "You''re too naive!"


    His figure suddenly moved, with the force of thunder, he moved in an instant.


    Whoosh!


    A series of afterimages merged into one on the ground, and under Lei Laohu''s astonished gaze, appeared right in front of him. It was just a punch, casuallynding on Lei Laohu''s body.


    Boom!


    Before Lei Laohu could react, he was sent flying, copsing on the ground like a heap of mud.


    Blood couldn''t stop gushing out.


    His face was filled with astonishment, horror, fear, and a deep sense of disbelief: "You... you''re finished... I represent Jia, and by hitting me, you''re pping Jia''s face. Even if you''re willing to deliver Fang Qingzhu to his bed now, he won''t let you go..."


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi''s hand shed with the light of his sword and cut off Lei Laohu''s left hand, asking indifferently, "Why does this Jia specifically want Qingzhu?"


    Lei Laohu, in pain, his face twisted, knew he had to cooperate or the next sword would sever his head, and hurriedly replied, "Fang Jin, it was Fang Jin who rmended Fang Qingzhu to Jia. That''s all I know..."


    "Fang Jin?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned ice-cold in an instant, his intent to kill Fang Jin was stronger than ever.


    He was about to speak...


    Inside the gate, Fang Qingzhu''s cool voice was heard: "You go tell Fang Jin that three days from now, I, Fang Qingzhu, will face him on the Fang Family''s Life and Death tform to decide our fate."


    "Qingzhu?"


    Xiao Yi looked at her.


    Fang Qingzhu took a deep breath, the icy expression on her face softened a bit, and with a smile at Xiao Yi said, "Big Brother Xiao Yi, leave Fang Jin to me to deal with!"


    Xiao Yi was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright!"


    He walked over to Lei Laohu, spoke lightly, "I will let you go back. Ry exactly what Qingzhu has said to Fang Jin. And by the way, tell Jia Sichun to clean his neck and wait!"


    Jia Sichun actually dared to covet Fang Qingzhu, even demanding that she be delivered to his bed.


    This man was now marked by Xiao Yi as someone who must be killed.


    "Yes, yes, I will ry the message exactly!"


    Lei Laohu was sincerely frightened, and the coachman quickly helped him into the carriage, which then hastily made its way back to the Fang Family.


    The Fang Family''s great hall.


    Fang Jin and the others looked at Lei Laohu, and for a moment the atmosphere turned silent.


    "Hehehe, what a Fang Qingzhu. Just a discarded wretch, and she dares to challenge me on the Life and Death tform?"


    Fang Jin sneered and looked at Fang Tianhao, "Head of the family, spread the news tomorrow. Three days from now, I want everyone to witness who the real dragon of the Fang Family is!"


    "Don''t worry, I''ll have someone take care of it right away!" Fang Tianhao hurriedly nodded.


    However, Jia Sichun was squinting his eyes, sizing up Lei Laohu, "Did you tell him that you were sent by me?"


    "This humble one has told him it was Jia''s intention, but that Xiao Yi said, for you to clean your neck and wait..."


    Lei Laohu looked down at his severed left hand, a trace of spite shing in his eyes, and embellished with malice, "Not only that, but Xiao Yi also said that killing Mr. Jia would be as easy as ughtering pigs and dogs."


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun mmed his palm on the tea table, shattering it, his eyes ice cold, sneering continuously, "Such boldness,paring me to ughtering pigs and dogs? Hmph, isn''t Xiao Yi just a waste expelled by the Xiao Family, an impotent son-inw? It''s fine for him to show off in this small ce, but he dares to insult me like this?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fang Jin said, "Brother Jia, after I defeat Fang Qingzhu in three days, I will take care of Xiao Yi for you, to let off some steam!"


    "No!"


    Jia Sichun''s sinister smile continued, "He looks down on me, right? I''ll let him see just how ridiculous all his pride and confidence are in front of me. Lei Laohu, I now grant you a Shen Yuan Elixir and a third-grade martial skill. Three days from now, I want you to publicly ughter Xiao Yi, understood?"


    Lei Laohu''s breath became rapid, his eyes turning red, and with sincere trepidation, he said, "Thank you for your grace, Mr. Jia. I won''t let you down!"


    In his eyes, a cold and biting glint of determination was visible...


    "Xiao Yi, your death awaits in three days!"

 Chapter 33 Alarm Throughout the City

    "Have you heard? Fang Jin from the Fang Family has returned and he''speting for the position of the heir to the Fang Family!"


    "The news I heard is that Fang Jin is already a student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he doesn''t even care about the position of the family head, but Fang Qingzhu refuses to give up the position of the heir, and she even challenged Fang Jin!"


    "What? Wasn''t Fang Qingzhu crippled? Challenging Fang Jin, isn''t that seeking death?"


    "That might not be the case, perhaps Fang Qingzhu will have Xiao Yi step in?"


    "This is destined to be a sh of the titans!"


    Such discussions became the most frequent topic in Nanhuang City over the past two days.


    Fang Qingzhu from the Fang Family, once the pampered princess, now a crippled nobody.


    Fang Jin from the Fang Family, always suppressed by the once-pampered princess Fang Qingzhu, had finally made a name for himself and became a distinguished disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    The two of them were like heaven and earth.


    One could even say...


    If it wasn''t for Xiao Yi recently annihting the Zhang Family single-handedly, right now everyone would assume Fang Qingzhu was as good as dead. However, the focus of attention is now on the battle between Xiao Yi and Fang Jin, and who will have thestugh.


    And not Fang Qingzhu versus Fang Jin.


    After all.


    In everyone''s eyes, Fang Qingzhu is nothing but a cripple.


    Within the Xiao Family''s side residence.


    Xiao Yi was dressed in a short gown of crescent moon white, his ck hair a floating cascade, adding a sense of grace and ir to his demeanor. In front of him stood Fang Qingzhu in a tight-fitting purple leather armor, with a long purple whip at her waist.


    "Xiao Yi, how do I look in this outfit today?" Fang Qingzhu asked with a smile.


    Xiao Yi gave a thumbs-up, "Perfect!"


    "Giggle giggle giggle!"


    Fang Qingzhuughed merrily, then suddenly stood on tiptoes and lightly pecked Xiao Yi on his cheek before blushing and fleeing with her hand over her face.


    Xiao Yi touched his cheek subconsciously, the lingering faint fragrance sending his heart racing, a smile unconsciously lighting up his face, "Did this girl just steal a kiss from me?" Watching her bounded away, her long hair swinging behind her, Xiao Yi''s smile gradually faded.


    In his mind, he couldn''t help but recall the night before, when the two of them practiced cultivation and had their breakthrough to the Shentong Realm.


    The ice-blue phantom phoenix that appeared behind Fang Qingzhu.


    The phoenix, king of mythical birds who fed on dragons, roaming the heavens and earth with unmatched strength. When Fang Qingzhu broke through to the Shentong Realm, an ice-blue phantom phoenix appeared behind her, and she awakened her Innate Divine Ability.


    It is known, not every Shentong Realm cultivator could awaken their Innate Divine Ability!


    Only those with exceptional talent, or a powerful bloodline inheritance, had a chance of awakening their Innate Divine Ability.


    Like Xiao Tianjiao...


    When he broke through to the Shentong Realm, he awakened his Innate Divine Ability, the Limitless Golden Body. By invoking this Divine Skill, he could make himself invulnerable to de and fire, water and me, andbined with the terrifying power of the Supreme Overlord Holy Body, he was invincible within his realm, fighting across levels as easily as drinking water.


    "The Fang Family''s ancestors have no records of birthing such powerful individuals, how did Qingzhu awaken her Innate Divine Ability?"


    As he pondered.


    Fang Qingzhu''s urging voice came from in front, "Xiao Yi, hurry up!"


    Ah!


    Why think so much?


    It only adds to one''s troubles!


    Xiao Yi let out a heartyugh and responded, "I''ming!"


    Elder Yan was already waiting outside, standing in front of an opulent golden carriage, respectfully saying, "Young Master Xiao, Madam Xiao, please get into the carriage!"


    "Thank you!"


    Fang Qingzhu smiled sweetly, looked to the left and right and not seeing Lin Bingxin, asked with curiosity, "Elder Yan, where is Bingxin?"


    Elder Yan smiled and said, "Bingxin is on her way, you will see her soon!"


    "Alright then!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded and climbed into the carriage.


    Elder Yan personally drove the carriage, a truly astonishing level of deference.


    Tatata!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The carriage slowly made its way toward the Fang Family, and Xiao Yi, sitting inside, narrowed his eyes and lifted the curtain.


    He saw figures darting out from all around the street, closely following behind the carriage.


    Within the crowd.


    It was possible to vaguely make out the figures of Lin Bingxin, Zhao Yu, Zhao Xian, and others.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, what are they doing¡­" Fang Qingzhu looked bewildered, why such amotion?


    Elder Yan''s voice came from outside the carriage, "Xiao, Madam Xiao, this has been organized spontaneously by everyone. The shameless actions of the Fang Family have long been intolerable to everyone, today they are all here to cheer and support you!"


    Lin Bingxin had already caught up to the side of the carriage, riding a tall horse, smiling as she looked inside, "Qingzhu, sister, fight hard, you are not fighting alone!"


    "We support you!"


    "Go for it!"


    Cheers and shouts kepting from outside the carriage.


    In these past few days...


    The Fang Family continually ndered Fang Qingzhu and Xiao Yi, both of whom had been focused on their closed-door training and were unaware of the events unfolding outside. However, Elder Yan, Zhao Yu, and the others were well aware, and they also mobilized their resources to expose the deeds of the Fang Family to the public.


    From the expulsion of Xiao Yi from the main courtyard by the Fang Family.


    To the humiliation and oppression of Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu during Fang Tianhao''s birthday feast.


    And the shameless actions of Fang Zheng, Liu Yun, and others, as well as Fang Jin''s attempt to please a high-ranking disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy by offering Fang Qingzhu to Jia Sichun, and so on...


    The people deeply detested the despicable actions of the Fang Family.


    With the calls from the Treasure Pavilion and the Zhao Family, the scene that unfolded now was made possible.


    Tens of thousands of people surrounded Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu, converging into an iron flood and majestically heading toward the Fang Family.


    Emptying every alley, startling the entire city.


    ......


    The Fang Family''s premises were already swarming with a sea of people.


    On the open ground outside the main gate, a huge fighting tform made of bluestone had been set up.


    This was the Life and Death tform.


    By the side of the tform.


    Jia Sichun loungedzily on a Taishi Chair, with a beautiful woman on each side attentively tending to him, with Lei Laohu, Fang Jin, and Fang Tianhao sitting to his left and right.


    As for Fang Zheng, Liu Yun, and Fang Hao, they didn''t even have the privilege of sitting, and stood behind the others.


    Jia Sichun caressed the waist of a woman beside him, enjoying the taste of the delicacies in his mouth, and impatiently said, "Haven''t Xiao Yi and the others arrived yet?"


    "They should be arriving soon!" Fang Tianhao said obsequiously.


    Boom boom boom!


    Suddenly, a thunderous noise like a multitude of armies on the move came from the front, rattling the cups on the table, as a ck tide of steel gradually emerged on the street, almost covering the entire street.


    At the forefront of the crowd, a golden carriage slowly approached.


    "Here theye!" Fang Jin squinted.


    Jia Sichun raised his eyebrows, "Oh? The carriage from Treasure Pavilion? It seems this Xiao Yi has quite a special rtionship with the Treasure Pavilion!"


    Fang Tianhao looked concerned, "Jia, the Elder Yan from Treasure Pavilion has an unbreakable bond with Xiao Yi, do we¡­"


    "No need to worry!"


    Jia Sichun waved his hand indifferently, "If it were the Pavilion Master of the capital''s Treasure Pavilion, I might fear him somewhat. But a mere branch Pavilion Master from Nanhuang, is someone I do not regard highly!"


    Fang Tianhao let out a sigh of relief.


    Meanwhile.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu also stepped down from the carriage.


    The moment Jia Sichun caught a distant glimpse of Fang Qingzhu, he abruptly stood up from his seat, his eyes glued to her, his gaze filled with a fiery passion, he swallowed and eximed, "Beautiful, incredibly beautiful, hahaha, Fang Jin, you have not disappointed me at all."


    Jia Sichun nced at Lei Laohu andmanded, "You, go bring that Fang Qingzhu to me!"

 Chapter 34 You Think You Are Worthy?

    "Bring Fang Qingzhu to me!"


    Jia Sichun stared at Fang Qingzhu with excitement, giving orders to Lei Laohu.


    Lei Laohu''s whole body surged with Qi-Blood like a rainbow, bursting forth from his body, all over him lingered the ferocious aura of a recent breakthrough. Having received a Shen Yuan Elixir from Jia Sichun, he had progressed from the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm to the Fourth Layer.


    Hisbat strength had increased several-fold from before.


    It was the perfect moment for him to retaliate in high spirits and redeem his previous disgrace.


    "Rest assured, Jia," Lei Laohu respectfully said. "I''ll bring Fang Qingzhu to you right away!"


    Jia Sichun said, "Don''t harm the beauty, but as for the others," his eyes shed with a cold light, "if they dare to obstruct, kill!"


    "Yes!"


    Lei Laohu strode towards Xiao Yi and the others with the confident gait of a despot.


    "Eh? Isn''t that the ck Tiger Gang''s Leader Lei? What is he up to?"


    "They say when the Zhang Family was just annihted, Lei Laohu knelt in front of Xiao Yi''s residence begging for forgiveness. Howe he''s now siding with that Jia?"


    "He''s probably looking to avenge his past humiliation. They say this Jia is from the Mysterious Rank Academy at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, with a deep background. With such a powerful patron, Lei Laohu naturally need not fear Xiao Yi anymore!"


    Amidst the murmuring.


    Lei Laohu arrived in front of Xiao Yi and Qingzhu, looking proud and indifferent. His gaze was cold as he regarded Xiao Yi, madness for revenge shing in his eyes: "By Jia''s order, I''m to take Fang Qingzhu to serve him!"


    "How dare you!"


    Elder Yan''s expression darkened as he angrily reprimanded.


    Lei Laohu stared down Elder Yan without fear, raising his mangled left hand and feigning a fist salute in the direction of Jia Sichun, casually saying, "Elder Yan, consider carefully. This is what Jia wishes. Are you sure you want to oppose him?"


    "You..." Elder Yan''s face turned unsightly.


    Jia Sichun was not only backed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but his family background was also terribly strong.


    Even Elder Yan dared not offend him too much.


    As Elder Yan hesitated, Xiao Yi spoke indifferently, "You really are tired of living!"


    Instinctive fear flickered deep within Lei Laohu''s eyes, but upon thinking of Jia Sichun''s support and his newfound strength having broken through to the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm and having received a martial skill from Jia, he felt full of confidence.


    "Hmph, I am no longer the same Lei Laohu as before. I have sessfully stepped into the Fifth Layer of the Shentong Realm with Jia''s help and acquired a third-grade high-level fist technique. I won''t be at a disadvantage even against you!"


    Lei Laohu arrogantly dered, "Xiao Yi, if you know what''s good for you, hand over Fang Qingzhu to Jia. Perhaps you can then clutch at life and maintain a semnce of it. Otherwise, this day next year will be your day of remembrance! If you doubt it, we can settle this with a fight!"


    Xiao Yi''s fingers slightly curled up, forming a sword-finger gesture, ready to make a move.


    Suddenly stepping forward, Zhao Yu bowed respectfully, "Xiao, such trash does not deserve to be on the receiving end of your hands. Please allow me to sever his head!"


    Taken aback, Xiao Yi looked at the earnest expression on Zhao Yu''s face and nodded. "Granted!"


    Whoosh!


    Zhao Yu let out a breath, ecstasy spreading across his face.


    With Xiao Yi''s permission for him to step forward, it indicated that he was regarded as one of Xiao Yi''s own.


    Lei Laohu eyed Zhao Yu standing in front of him, squinting, "Zhao Yu, has your brain been squeezed by a door? Behind me stands Jia, a student of the Mysterious Rank Academy of the Royal Martial Arts Institute, with a background both powerful and formidable. And yet you choose to stand with Xiao Yi?"


    Slowly drawing his longsword, Zhao Yu spoke calmly, "Jia Sichun? He''s not even qualified to carry Xiao''s shoes... Enough talk, it''s time to die!"


    "Since you seek death, don''t me me for it!"


    Lei Laohu snorted coldly, "Barbaric Bull Power Fist!"


    He leapt into the air and charged ferociously towards Zhao Yu.


    This set of moves, known as the "Barbaric Bull Power Fist," was a third-grade high-level fist technique he had bought from Jia Sichun with over a decade''s umtions of the ck Tiger Gang, far stronger than any martial skill he had previously mastered.


    Forceful and overwhelmingly fierce.


    However...


    Zhao Yu, on the other hand, appeared indifferent. Holding the longsword, he suddenly sidestepped, "Tiger-ying First Sword!"


    Swish!


    This sword strike,unched from below to above, barely forced Lei Laohu to dodge by tilting his body. Calm andposed, Zhao Yu immediately followed with the next move: "Tiger-ying Second Sword!"


    This sword came shing diagonally from top to bottom.


    Lei Laohu felt a chill all over. Instinctively stepping to the side, he retreated backward.


    But just as he retreated, a breath of death had already struck from behind.


    With a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, Lei Laohu was chilled to the bone with fright.


    Zhao Yu had unknowly positioned himself behind him, "The Third Sword of Subduing the Tiger!"


    Swish!


    A single sword thrust, and even ghosts and gods were startled.


    Thrust!


    That thrust pierced through Lei Laohu''s throat, and he knelt on the ground, clutching his throat, trembling all over. Zhao Yu watched him coldly, "Both are third-grade high-level martial arts. Yours was bought from the ck Tiger Gang with more than a decade of savings, while mine was something Xiao discarded because he didn''t think it was good enough!"


    Thrust!


    Lei Laohu spurted a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Did the martial skill he spent more than a decade''s savings on actually amount to less than the trash Xiao Yi didn''t even want?


    Ah...


    Lei Laohu roared unwillingly, and with a loud boom, fell on his back, breathless in death.


    Zhao Yu put away his longsword under the awe-struck gaze of the crowd and stood before Xiao Yi, stating respectfully, "Xiao, I have not failed your expectations!"


    "Well done!"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, then his gaze shifted to Fang Jin and Jia Sichun.


    The two had left their seats at the moment of Lei Laohu''s death.


    "Here, take him back!"


    Xiao Yi kicked Lei Laohu''s corpse to Jia Sichun''s feet.


    "Useless trash, a disgrace..."


    Jia Sichun, with an angry face, struck out with his palm, smashing Lei Laohu''s body into mincemeat. He looked up, locked eyes with Xiao Yi, and sparks flew, their res shing in the air with fiery intensity.


    "Brother Jia, don''t get angry. I''ll kill him momentarily to vent your anger!"


    Fang Jin let out a long howl, his figure soared to the sky, and in an instant, he was on the arena stage, looking down coldly at Fang Qingzhu, "Qingzhu, it''s your fortune that Brother Jia thinks highly of you. If you serve Brother Jia well, I will not only give you the position of family heir, but I will also plead for mercy on your behalf to spare the life of the dog, Xiao Yi. How about that?"


    Fang Qingzhu coldly responded, "The position of family heir is already mine, Hexu, it''s yours to give away!"


    "Oh? So you are keen on battling me? I''m not afraid to tell you, I''m a cultivator of the Second Layer Spiritual Power Realm and have even awakened my Innate Divine Ability. You''re just a cripple with a damaged dantian. Are you sure you want to fight me?"


    Fang Jinughed heartily, his wordsced with a nauseating smugness, "Or are you nning to have a husband and wife team-up ande to die together?"


    "You''re not worthy to make Brother Xiao Yi take action!" Fang Qingzhu coolly replied.


    Swish!


    Her figure shed, and she leapt onto the arena stage, her face indifferent, "Begin!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Hahaha, you should make the first move. If I start, you won''t even have the chance to react!" Fang Jin was full of pride.


    "Oh!"


    Fang Qingzhu just responded with a sound.


    The next second.


    Her figure vanished from Fang Jin''s sight.


    "What? Where is she?"


    Fang Jin was utterly befuddled, then suddenly, a burning pain spread across his face.


    Smack!


    Fang Jin spun around like a top, was flung ten meters away, tumbled for several turns, and crashed down from the arena stage.


    Hiss!


    The crowd gasped, their faces aghast, "What... what just happened?"


    "Such speed, wasn''t Fang Qingzhu''s dantian supposedly ruined? How... how does she have such strength and speed?"


    Fang Jin was pped into a state ofplete confusion.


    Fang Qingzhu walked to the edge of the arena stage, looking down with scorn at Fang Jin, mocking with a coldugh, "Still thinking of challenging Brother Xiao Yi? Do you think you''re worthy?"

 Chapter 35 Overwhelming Domination

    "Impossible, how can this be possible?"


    Fang Jin''s face was filled with disbelief and shock.


    The news of Fang Qingzhu being crippled was known throughout Nanhuang City, but the strength and speed that Fang Qingzhu had just disyed, how could someone whose dantian had been destroyed possess such abilities?


    At the very least, that level of strength and speed was something even Fang Jin felt inferior to!


    Jia Sichun narrowed his eyes and looked at Fang Qingzhu with an increasingly intense gaze, his desire to possess her growing stronger: "Excellent, excellent, what a heavenly prodigy. To be able to break through to the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm at such a young age in this remote ce, if she can awaken her Innate Divine Ability, she would even be qualified to be a concubine of this young master!"


    "What? First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm?"


    "Is it true? Fang Qingzhu reached the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Wasn''t her dantian destroyed?"


    The most shocked were undoubtedly Mr. and Mrs. Fang Zheng.


    They had personally witnessed Fang Qingzhu''s dantian being destroyed!


    And now Fang Qingzhu had actually broken through to the Divine Passage Realm?


    Elder Yan and Zhao Yu exchanged looks, also seeing the shock and astonishment in each other''s eyes, butpared to the confusion and iprehension of others, they felt even more shocked.


    The two exchanged nces and turned simultaneously to look at Xiao Yi, who stood with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.


    They could be certain that Fang Qingzhu had indeed been crippled!


    Yet now, Fang Qingzhu had broken through to the Divine Passage Realm.


    This was nothing short of a miracle!


    "It must be Xiao!"


    "Apart from him, no one else could create such a miracle... a reborn dantian, Xiao''s methods are truly profound and unfathomable..." As they looked at Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with even more reverence.


    Above the arena.


    Fang Qingzhu said indifferently: "Fang Jin, how much longer do you n to lie there? Weren''t you going to take away the position of family heir? Come on, show me your full strength and let me see what makes you believe you can rece me!"


    Before her dantian was destroyed, Fang Qingzhu was already considered a heavenly prodigy.


    A prodigy has the pride of a prodigy!


    Ever since her dantian was destroyed, Fang Qingzhu had endured the world''s coldness and seen all its hideous faces.


    Her mentality became even stronger than before.


    But at the same time...


    It made her even colder towards her enemies.


    Fang Jin''s face alternated between pale and flushed, originally thinking that his breakthrough to the Divine Skills Realm, especially with Jia Sichun''s help to step into the Second Layer of the Divine Skills Realm, would mean a triumphant return. He would announce himself as the overlord of Nanhuang City in front of everyone.


    But...


    His dream was harshly shattered by Fang Qingzhu from the very start.


    "Damn it!"


    Fang Jin clenched his teeth, his eyes filled with ferocity and madness, "It was just my carelessness just now... Fang Qingzhu, you''vepletely infuriated me."


    "Oh?"


    Fang Qingzhu remained calm as usual, squinting her eyes and saying, "And what about it?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I''m going to kill you!"


    Fang Jin, red-faced, let out a low roar and summoned a ck longsword from his storage ring.


    The longsword was wrapped with a ck dragon, the tip of the de flickering with cold light, shining for ten miles.


    "Second-Grade Yuan Weapon Dragon Scale Sword!"


    "Half a year ago, this weapon was auctioned by Treasure Pavilion and bought by a mysterious person, I didn''t expect it to end up in his hands!"


    "This is bad, Fang Qingzhu''s weapon is only a Firstyer High-Level Yuan Weapon Purple Cloud Whip, she''s at a big disadvantage just based on their weapons alone!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted, her eyes flickering with sharp light, but she showed no sign of panic. Instead, she turned back to Xiao Yi with a yful smile: "Xiao Yi, that sword looks pretty good, do you like it?"


    Xiao Yi smiled: "It''s not bad!"


    "Alright!"


    Fang Qingzhu beamed with charm, sweetly saying, "Since Xiao Yi likes it, then it''s mine!"


    "You dare covet my weapon? You''re delusional!"


    "Poison Dragon sh!"


    Fang Jin leaped up, the Dragon Scale Sword exuding a cold brilliance. The ck dragon pattern coiling around the sword seemed toe alive, and amidst a deafening dragon''s roar, the glistening silver tip stabbed towards Fang Qingzhu.


    The strike was powerful and heavy, its angle extremely tricky.


    However...


    Fang Qingzhu''s face remained indifferent, her figure graceful as a celestial, her delicate hand flicking the Purple Cloud Whip.


    Crack!


    The Purple Cloud Whip danced wildly like a raging serpent, striking out in an instant, coiling around the de of the Dragon Scale Sword. Following that, a faint ice-blue phantom flickered in her eyes, seemingly that of a soaring phoenix cloaked in icy blue.


    The Ice Blue Phoenix swept past.


    A dreadful cold swept down his palm, and ayer of cold ice had actually condensed on the longsword.


    "Not good!"


    Fang Jin''s face changed suddenly.


    In such an instant...


    His palm was already covered with ayer of frost, the entire palm numb.


    "Let go!"


    Fang Qingzhu sharply pulled her whip, and with a snap, she broke Fang Jin''s frozen grasp, revealing fierce cracks in the frozen palm. The mist of cold made the oozing blood instantly turn into crimson ice spikes.


    The Dragon Scale Sword fell into Fang Qingzhu''s hands.


    Taking advantage of the momentum, the whip coiled and snapped against Fang Jin''s chest.


    Clothes burst apart, skin split, flesh exploded, and blood gushed like a fountain!


    Fang Jin screamed miserably as he was hurled out, Fang Qingzhu pursued, and with the Purple Cloud Whip binding, she threw the longsword fiercely. With a piercing sound, it prated Fang Jin''s thigh, nailing him to the arena floor.


    All of this happened in a fleeting moment, in the blink of an eye.


    Fang Qingzhu had taken absolute advantage!


    In contrast, Fang Jin...


    This genius from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, now impaled on the arena floor like a dead dog, wailed miserably.


    "Holy shit, isn''t Fang Qingzhu too strong?"


    "Worthy of being the once number one beauty of Nanhuang City, her strength is terrifying!"


    "Fang Jin''s loss isn''t undeserved..."


    The crowd eximed at Fang Qingzhu''s strength, but Xiao Yi''s expression darkened, a glint of intense cold murderous intent flitting across his eyes.


    Just as Fang Qingzhu defeated Fang Jin, a figure suddenly sprang out from below the arena. A sword finger surged with overwhelming Yuan energy aimed directly at Fang Qingzhu, apanied by Jia Sichun''s bitterly cold voice, "Fang Jin is my dog, hitting him means disrespecting me, get down on your knees!"


    Jia Sichun was a cultivator of the Sixth Layer of the Divine Skill Realm and a genius who had awakened his Innate Divine Ability.


    With his gesture, the breath of death enveloped Fang Qingzhu.


    As the sword finger was about to strike Fang Qingzhu...


    At that moment...


    Xiao Yi stepped forward into the air, crushing that sword finger with a stomp, and with a backhanded p, a loud snapnded on Jia Sichun''s face.


    Flinging Jia Sichun away.


    Xiao Yi looked at him with icy eyes, "Dare to touch my woman, I see you''ve grown tired of living!"


    "You dare to hit me?"


    Jia Sichun''s face was full of ferocious hate, who had he ever been pped by in public from childhood?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "If you seek death, wait until Qingzhu has resolved the matter here, I will oblige you. If you dare to meddle again, I''ll cripple you right now!"


    Boom!


    The aura of the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing General was unmatched, capable of subduing the heavens and sealing gods and demons.


    Jia Sichun''s pupils shrank suddenly, and an unprecedented solemnity rose in his heart, but he retreated to the side without a word.


    Xiao Yi turned to Fang Tianhao, "Mr. Fang, can you now announce who will be the Fang Family sessor?"


    Whew!


    Fang Tianhao exhaled a long breath, looking at Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu with aplicated expression. He had never imagined that the two whom he once drove out and never took seriously coulde this far.


    His eyes carried ferocity and coldness, staring fixedly at the two but he shook his head and said, "Qingzhu, it''s a joy that you have recovered your cultivation. However, it''s still not your turn to be the sessor of the Fang Family head."


    "Hm?"


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback, her brows tightly knitted.


    She did not covet the position of head of the Fang Family, but it was the goal she had struggled for since childhood to prove herself.


    She wanted to prove to everyone that she Fang Qingzhu was no less than any man.


    To show her parents that she deserved their love and attention.


    And now...


    She had done it!


    She had defeated Fang Jin and proven her strength.


    But Fang Tianhao said she still couldn''t be the sessor?


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned pale, her lips tightly pursed as she asked word by word, "Why?"


    Fang Tianhao said coldly, "Because..."

 Chapter 36 The Origins of Fang Qingzhu

    Fang Tianhao said coldly, "Because you are not of my Fang Family''s bloodline!"


    Boom!


    Fang Qingzhu staggered back three steps, her pretty face turned deathly pale, and she looked at Fang Tianhao in disbelief, "What are you saying? I''m not of the Fang Family bloodline?"


    From her childhood, she was born and raised in the Fang Family.


    She had even been willing to be a sacrificial pawn for the Fang Family''s interests, sinking to the role of a tool for the Fang Family to cling to the Xiao Family through alliance marriage.


    But now...


    Fang Tianhao was actually telling her she was not of the Fang Family?


    Fang Tianhao nced at the hiding Fang Zheng couple and said indifferently, "Do you still note forth at this point?"


    The Fang Zheng couple came out from behind.


    They exchanged a nce, and Fang Zheng pushed Liu Yun, "You say it!"


    Liu Yun red fiercely at Fang Zheng, her gaze toward Fang Qingzhu filled withplexity, and she sighed, "Qingzhu, the head of the family is right, you truly are not one of us. Eighteen years ago, on a snowy night, we found you in the Southern Deste Mountain Range during our training and brought you back. You are just an unwanted wild seed!"


    Boom!


    Fang Qingzhu trembled, feeling an icy chill throughout her body.


    She was truly not of the Fang Family?


    She was just an unwanted wild seed?


    Fang Qingzhu clenched her lips tightly as fresh blood seeped from them, staining her pearly white teeth red. "I don''t believe it, you''re lying to me, right? You must all be conspiring to deceive me, right?"


    Her hoarse voice wasced with hysteria, and her bloodshot eyes were too intense to meet.


    "I..."


    Liu Yun looked at the girl she had raised for eighteen years, suddenly feeling a strange sense of fear and unfamiliarity. She opened her mouth but couldn''t make a sound.


    Fang Zheng, standing to one side, sighed and said, "Let me do it then!"


    "You are indeed not our daughter. At first, we thought to raise you only to have you serve as a maid, but at the age of eight, you showed exceptional martial arts talent, and we decided to keep your true origin a secret. Having a daughter with remarkable talents could stabilize our position within the n. We hoped to keep this secret forever and treat you as our own, especially after arranging your marriage with the Xiao Family. But you were crippled and useless, and married to such a weakling, you hold no value for us now..."


    Fang Zheng looked up at Fang Qingzhu and said, "Fang Jin has Jia''s support, and even if you regain your cultivation, you cannotpete with him. Qingzhu, for the sake of eighteen years of affection, my advice to you is to submit willingly to Jia. As long as you serve Jia well, even if only as his lover, you will still be our good girl!"


    Thump! Thump! Thump!


    Fang Qingzhu suddenly realized why, as a child, Fang Zheng and his wife had always been so indifferent to her.


    It was only after she began to cultivate and disyed immense talent that they suddenly started showing her great concern.


    But once she was married to Xiao Yi, and her cultivation was destroyed, they became strangers to her.


    "So it turns out... I was nothing but a tool for you to use all along..." Fang Qingzhu murmured to herself. As she spoke, tears fell, and as she cried, sheughed as well.


    Yet herughter was deste, and her smile was terribly bitter.


    She felt as if the whole world plunged into endless darkness.


    Out of reach was any light or hope!


    Liu Yun, standing aside, shouted, "Your father is right, with Jia''s status, bing his lover would hugely benefit us and the Fang Family. You''re nothing but an unwanted wild seed, bing his lover is a great fortune for you, I urge you..." Ah...


    Before she could finish.


    Smack!


    Liu Yun was sent flying by a p from Xiao Yi, her teeth shattered from the impact, and Xiao Yi''s cold gaze swept across them, "If you utter one more useless word, I''ll ughter you right now!"


    Hiss!


    Fang Zheng and Fang Hao quickly bowed their heads, as silent as cicadas in winter.


    Watching Fang Qingzhu by his side, who alternated betweenughing and crying, Xiao Yi''s eyes shed with pain, and he gently embraced her, "Don''t be afraid, you still have me!"


    Fang Qingzhu stiffened, then gradually softened in his arms.


    The warmth emanating from Xiao Yi''s body felt like a lifesaving straw, pulling Fang Qingzhu out from the abyss of darkness and despair.


    Life returned to Fang Qingzhu''s eyes once more.


    She was not alone, she was not unwanted.


    She still had Xiao Yi!


    "What a touching disy of love between a man and his girl¡­ However, you knew that I fancied her, yet you dared to be so intimate with her, isn''t that too dismissive of me?" Jia Sichun looked at Fang Qingzhu curled up in Xiao Yi''s embrace, his eyes filled with rage and jealousy, which diluted the awe his imposing aura should havemanded.


    His possessiveness was extremely intense.


    In his eyes, anyone or anything he desired was his.


    No one else was permitted to touch them!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You¡­"


    Just as Fang Qingzhu was about to speak, Xiao Yi stopped her and shook his head with a light chuckle, "Leave it to me!"


    Fang Qingzhu obediently nodded, "Mhm!"


    Watching Fang Qingzhu step off the tform, Xiao Yi''s soft smile quietly faded away, and his nearly closed eyes emitted a cold sharpness. Casually strolling by Fang Jin, he reached out his hand into thin air, and the Dragon Scale Sword whistled into his grip with a swift motion.


    "Owow¡­" Fang Jin cried out in pain.


    The Dragon Scale Sword had only pierced through his flesh when it went through his thigh, but Xiao Yi suddenly withdrew it,pletely shattering his bones.


    Xiao Yi nced sideways at the curled up Fang Jin who was screaming on the ground and said indifferently, "You''re too noisy!"


    The longsword pierced, prating Fang Jin''s throat.


    From the moment Fang Jin set his sights on Fang Qingzhu, his fate had already been sealed!


    "No¡­ you, you actually killed Fang Jin?" Fang Tianhao''s eyes were filled with fury.


    Now that their rtionship with Fang Qingzhu had be irreparably vtile, Fang Jin was their Fang Family''s only hope.


    But now¡­


    Xiao Yi had personally crushed that hope.


    Fang Tianhao shouted to Jia Sichun beside him, "Jia, kill him, quickly avenge Fang Jin!"


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun made his move.


    Only...


    His palm struck Fang Tianhao''s head.


    Fang Tianhao''s body trembled, blood spurted from his seven apertures, and until his dying moment, he still couldn''t understand why Jia Sichun, clearly on the same side, would suddenly strike at him.


    "A dog dares to give orders to me?"


    Jia Sichun withdrew his hand, took out a handkerchief to wipe his palm, and looked at Xiao Yi with disgust, "Xiao Yi of the Xiao Family? Your brother Xiao Tianjiao is indeed an impressive figure, said to have entered the Dharma Manifestation Realm half a month ago, bing the Deputy Sect Master of Tianjian Sect, and he might reach the ranks of the ancient giants within ten years. But I heard he doesn''t think highly of you; he even considers you a disgrace and expelled you from the Xiao Family. If I kill you now, he should thank me, right?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "He has reached the Dharma Manifestation already? That''s fast!"


    Though he harbored all sorts of hatred towards Xiao Tianjiao, he couldn''t help but admire his martial talent.


    Entering the Dharma Manifestation Realm in his twenties!


    Even in the history of the entire Heavenly Yuan Realm, such individuals are rare.


    "It seems I still have a long way to go to surpass him!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, his gaze settling on Jia Sichun, the Dragon Scale Sword in his hand vibrating ever so slightly, its tip flickering with silver light, bright and cold for a hundred zhang, and he said coldly, "If you want to kill me to curry favor with Xiao Tianjiao, you''ll have to see if you''re capable!"


    Jia Sichun''s tongue, red as blood, licked his lips, and he sneered, "If you can withstand ten moves from me and hand over Fang Qingzhu to me, I''ll spare your life. How about it?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Killing you is like ughtering pigs and dogs, ten moves? That''s too many!"

 Chapter 37 Visit Mr. Xiao

    ```


    "Killing you is like ughtering pigs and dogs, ten moves? Too many!"


    Xiao Yi wore a look of indifference on his face as he gently shook his head.


    Although his cultivation was only at the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, the four hundred God Sealing Seeds within his body had been activated. Even though he hadn''t subdued any new foes, those seeds had infused his Sword Intent Seed with the power of the divine.


    He hadpleted thest step of transformation.


    True Sword Intent had formed!


    With Sword Intent in his grasp and having stepped into the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he had also awakened his Innate Divine Ability.


    This elevated Xiao Yi''s power to a whole new level!


    He underwent a fundamental transformation!


    With his current strength, not even a Sixth Layer of Divine Skill Realm powerhouse like Jia Sichun was of any concern to him.


    "Killing me is like ughtering pigs and dogs?"


    Jia Sichun''s face was filled with a hideous rage, experiencing humiliation like never before, he touched his cheek that had just been pped by Xiao Yi, his eyes glinting with icy coldness, "A dog like you dares to humiliate me like this? I''ll show you how foolish it is to have angered me!"


    Boom!


    Jia Sichun''s fists flew through the air.


    Vital energy surged wildly along his arms as if cloaked in an armor of Qi, his figure as swift as the wind and lightning, racing forth in a blink.


    Whoosh!


    In the blink of an eye.


    Jia Sichun appeared before Xiao Yi, pointing his finger, "Four Directions Prison Dragon Finger!"


    Boom!


    Vital energy, fine as threads, burst forth from his fingertips, enveloping the space around Xiao Yi from all directions, interweaving into a cage of Qi.


    Jia Sichun''s face twisted malevolently, "Six Harmonies Extinction Sun Palm!"


    He opened his hands, one to the left and one to the right, with palms facing each other.


    From his palms erupted scorching vital energy like raging mes, transforming into two fiery dragons rushing towards Xiao Yi within the cage. The dragons appeared fierce and life-like, with mes that soared high enough to almost melt the arena itself.


    "Is this... really martial arts? Why do our techniques seem like child''s y before his, although we''re also in the Divine Skills Realm..." Zhao Yu swallowed nervously, his eyes filled with horror and dread.


    Elder Yan took a deep breath, his face tinged with bitterness, "This is true Divine Skills. What we''ve been cultivating is merely martial arts... Nanhuang is too small!"


    Nanhuang was indeed too small.


    So small that these family heads who presided over their respective areas couldn''t even awaken their Innate Divine Abilities when breaking through to the Divine Skills Realm.


    If they were in the capital, these Divine Skills Realm experts could only be called pseudo-Divine Skills.


    They were far inferior to those of the same realm who had awakened their Innate Divine Abilities.


    Not to mention in the Great Qian Dynasty...


    Any Divine Skills Realm cultivator who hadn''t awakened their Innate Divine Ability, even in the military, would only be cannon fodder.


    Not far away, amidst the crowd.


    Lord Sikong wore a grave expression as he turned toward the elder beside him, his heart filled with unease, he ventured, "Elder Wang, should you intervene?"


    "Grandfather, won''t you take action?" The young girl standing beside him looked up.


    Elder Wang chuckled and shook his head, petting the girl''s head, he smiled, "No need, that young fellow named Xiao Yi has brought me quite a few surprises! And his wife, having such a rare Ice Attribute Innate Divine Ability, if I bring this couple back, those old fellows will surely be green with envy..."


    Sikong Nan''s face shifted slightly.


    He was well aware of Elder Wang''s status and naturally understood where the elder spoke of taking them.


    Sikong Nan calmed the envy and excitement in his heart, looking towards Xiao Yi, he thought to himself, "It seems it must have been Xiao who brought forth the heavenly phenomenon back then, and now he has even caught Elder Wang''s favor. Xiao''s future is boundless indeed!"


    Meanwhile.


    The fiery dragon from the mes had already rushed toward the Four Directions Prison Cage.


    Numerous mes spewed out tongues of fire, emitting intense heat as if to incinerate all in its path to ashes.


    "Die, Xiao Yi!"


    Fang Zheng and his family had faces full of venomous resentment.


    However...


    Amidst the mes, a heaven-shattering Sword Qi burst forth.


    ```


    ```


    Whoosh!


    The silver sword light cleaved the fierce mes into two halves, and along with the entire vital energy prison, crumbled to dust under Xiao Yi''s sword edge. Following closely, Xiao Yi''s figure emerged from the mes, like the deity of fire descending upon the world.


    "Impossible¡­ How, how could you possibly break my Four Directions Prison Dragon Finger?" Jia Sichun''s face was filled with shock, disbelief written all over it.


    This was a third-grade high-level martial skill,bined with the fire attribute vital energy brought by his Innate Divine Ability, it was tremendously powerful.


    Using these two consecutive moves against his opponents, he had always been invincible!


    Boom!


    Jia Sichun''s body shook violently as tongues of fire burst forth from within him, turning him into a human-shaped me. mes spewed from his eyes, revealing his Innate Divine Ability, the ming Devil Body.


    Enveloped in the soaring demon mes, the ming Devil Body charged towards Xiao Yi: "Trinity Palm!"


    "Four Symbols Thunderous Fist!"


    "Five Directions Demon King Finger..."


    With demon mes enhancing his body, over ten different skills came crashing down like andslide, but Xiao Yi effortlessly neutralized each one. Facing Xiao Yi, who stood quietly before him, revealing no ws, Jia Sichun, even with his demon mes, still felt an icy chill throughout his body.


    Xiao Yi held the Dragon Scale Sword, looking indifferently at whatid before him: "Ten moves have passed, now it''s my turn!"


    "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    A horizontal sweep of the sword, its brilliance like thousands of galloping horses.


    Boom!


    The terrifying Sword Qi sent Jia Sichun tumbling into the air, and right then, Xiao Yi''s second sword strike was upon him: "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    Whoosh!


    This sword strike snapped the tendons in both of Jia Sichun''s hands.


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser!"


    In an instant, dozens of sword shadows descended upon Jia Sichun''s body, obliterating the mes andpletely shattering the Innate Divine Ability, the ming Devil Body. Xiao Yi shed forward in pursuit, a foot stomping down hard.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Bang!


    Jia Sichun''s head smashed heavily onto the arena, reverberating with a thunderous boom, spreading spiderweb-like cracks all over the stage.


    Sand flew and dust tumbled.


    As the dust settled,


    Xiao Yi stood proud between heaven and earth, while Jia Sichun was pinned beneath his foot, his head having smashed a deep pit in the arena floor, blood oozing from all seven orifices, both hands limp with snapped tendons, looking every bit the cripple.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "You''ve lost before ten moves were up!"


    Hiss!


    The arena was shrouded in silence, as quiet as death.


    Gulp!


    Someone swallowed nervously, breaking the eerie stillness.


    "I, I''m fuckin''¡­"


    "Xiao won? He, he actually defeated Jia Sichun?"


    "Jia Sichun is a Profound Level student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a genius who has awakened his Innate Divine Ability. Would this not mean that Xiao''s strength surpasses that of the Profound Level students at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    "That''s terrifying!"


    "Xiao''s talent and strength are indeed frightening, but... he''s gotten himself into big trouble! I heard that Jia Sichun''s background is profound, his father holds a high position in the current court, and his brother is an Earth Level student at the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Xiao has no background; how can he deal with the Jia Family''s retaliation?"


    "Xiao is from the Xiao Family..."


    "The Xiao Family? They were about to expel Xiao from their family, why would they care about his life or death?"


    At this moment,


    amotion suddenly arose from the crowd: "Lord Sikong is here!"


    "Make way, Lord Sikong must havee to save Jia..."


    "Xiao Yi is as good as dead!"


    Jia Sichun, still being stepped on by Xiao Yi, regained his senses. With a bloody face, he roared ferociously, "So what if you''re stronger than me, Xiao Yi? Can your strength possiblypare to the power of my Jia Family? You''re doomed... Lord Sikong, my father is Jia Jun, a second-grade officer of the court. Help me kill him!"


    However...


    Sikong Nan did not even give Jia Sichun a nce but bowed deeply to Xiao Yi in full view of everyone, speaking loud and clear: "Sikong Nan pays respects to Mr. Xiao..."


    ```

 Chapter 38 No Ones Face Works!

    "Greetings, Mr. Xiao!"


    Sikong Nan stood in front of Xiao Yi with a face full of solemn respect, meticulous in his demeanor.


    This scene left the crowd around the tform in utter shock, "Isn''t Lord Sikong here to help Jia? Why, why is he showing such respect to Xiao Yi instead?"


    "What on earth is going on?"


    Jia Sichun was thoroughly confused.


    The moment they saw Sikong Nan, everyone, including Jia, thought he was there to help them.


    But then...


    It was as if Sikong Nan didn''t even see him.


    It felt like an invisible p had fiercely struck his face, causing a burning sting on his cheek. Gnashing his teeth, he said, "Sikong Nan, do you not see that this young master is trapped here? Won''t you lend a hand and rescue me?"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi kicked, shattering all of Jia Sichun''s teeth, then turned to Sikong Nan, "Lord Sikong, what brings you to me?"


    Sikong Nan''s respectful stance didn''t waver, "Mr. Xiao, Elder Wang wishes to see you!"


    "Elder Wang?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, not knowing who Elder Wang referred to, but his impression of Sikong Nan was not bad, so he replied, "Wait a moment. Once I have killed him, I will go with you!"


    "This..."


    Sikong Nan''s expression slightly changed.


    Because Elder Wang highly valued Xiao Yi, he pretended not to see Jia Sichun, but if Jia Sichun were to be in by Xiao Yi right before his eyes, it would be difficult for him to escape me when Jia''s father sought ountability.


    As Sikong Nan struggled with this dilemma, a hoarse voice came from the crowd, "Young friend, could you do an old man a favor and spare his life?"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was stunned, and looked in the direction of the voice.


    Sikong Nan was already standing aside with respect, "Elder Wang!"


    "Hmm!"


    Elder Wang smiled, his expression kind as he looked at Xiao Yi, "I am Wang Zhiyuan!"


    "Wang Zhiyuan? Why does that name sound so familiar?"


    "Wait, isn''t the vice chancellor of the Royal Martial Arts Academy also named Wang Zhiyuan?"


    "Hiss! No way? The vice chancellor of the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Why, why would hee here?"


    Xiao Yi''s gaze towards Elder Wang was filled with confusion.


    If this man could serve as vice chancellor at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he was definitely one of the top figures in the Tianqing Kingdom. Why would hee to this remote and deste ce?


    Just as Xiao Yi was about to speak, Jia Sichun, as if grabbing onto a lifeline, screamed hysterically, "Elder Wang, save me... my father is Jia Jun, my brother is Jia Sidao, please save me..." His face turned red with excitement as he stared at Xiao Yi with hatred, "Hahaha, you''re as good as dead, dog! Elder Wang is famously protective of his charges, and I am a genius disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. He will definitely take a stand for me!"


    In Jia Sichun''s eyes, the arrival of Elder Wang was his ultimate reliance!


    The thought of being trampled underfoot by Xiao Yi, an ant he had never taken seriously, subjected to immense humiliation, made Jia Sichun''s heart brim with tremendous hatred.


    His vindictive gaze carried the thrill of revenge.


    Jia Sichun''s eyes red fiercely at Xiao Yi, brimming with arrogance as he dered, "You dog, if you want to save your wretched life, you can kneel before this young master. If you kneel, beg for mercy, and send Fang Qingzhu clean to my bed, I might consider sparing your miserable life!"


    Elder Wang was present, always known to be protective.


    In Jia Sichun''s eyes, he was already out of harm''s way, naturally emboldened.


    Phew!


    Xiao Yi let out a deep breath and, with a raised eyebrow, looked at Wang Zhiyuan who had appeared in front of him and smiled, "As the saying goes, heaven may allow one tomit certain faults, but one brings destruction upon oneself. I was willing to spare him for the sake of Vice Dean Wang''s face, but he bore down on me aggressively, intent onying hands on Qingzhu. Since he touched my reverse scale, nobody''s face can save him now!"


    His smile remained, but his expression became colder and colder.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In his eyes,


    Cold lights shed like knives, like swords, overwhelming.


    Jia Sichun sneered repeatedly, arrogantly saying, "Xiao Yi, you doglike creature really dare to put on airs! Nobody''s face can save me? Hmph, who do you think you are? Standing in front of you is the Vice Dean of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and you dare to threaten me in his presence? You''re simply courting death!"


    Xiao Yi just looked at Wang Zhiyuan.


    Waiting for his response.


    "s..."


    Wang Zhiyuan nced at Jia Sichun, who was still shouting, and a trace of helplessness swept across his face as he shook his head and said with a bitter smile, "Every dragon has a reverse scale, and touching it means death. For a man, his wife and children are his reverse scale... Jia Sichun, you''re determined to seek death, I truly cannot help you!"


    Boom!


    The radiant smile on Jia Sichun''s face instantly copsed.


    He looked at Wang Zhiyuan with disbelief, his head buzzing as if his breath had ceased, "Wang, Vice Dean Wang, what, what did you say?"


    Wang Zhiyuan sighed, "If you seek death on your own, you can''t me anyone else!"


    Thump!


    This sudden thunderbolt made Jia Sichun tremble as if struck by lightning, staring nkly at Wang Zhiyuan for a long while without saying a word. Suddenly, with a hoarse cry as if gasping for air after being suffocated, Jia Sichun began to breathe in great gulps, his face deathly pale, "Vice Dean Wang, I, I am a Profound Level student, my brother is an Earth Level student, my father is a second-ranked official of the current reign... How could you possibly not save me? You can''t not save me, hurry and kill this damn dog to save me, save me..."


    His voice grew louder, but it was also increasingly desperate.


    In the hysterical roar,


    Jia Sichun kept calling out his father''s and brother''s statuses, emphasizing the powerful background, that each alone belonged to the elite echelons of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    But today...


    The very things he once took pride in could not save him.


    "How, how could this be? This is just the remote Nanhuang, as long as I mention my name, who dares to disrespect me? As long as I mention my father and brother''s names, who dares not to treat me with the utmost respect? Why, why do you dare to kill me? Why..."


    Suddenly, Jia Sichun knelt on the ground with a plop, wailing pitifully, begging in a lowly manner, "Xiao, please spare my life, I beg you not to kill me, I know I was wrong, I will never dare again... "


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Jia Sichun kept kowtowing toward Xiao Yi, his head striking the ground heavily, creating a dull sound.


    Each impact made one''s heart skip a beat.


    All around the arena was silent.


    Not long ago...


    Jia Sichun was full of vigor, so dominant and aggressive.


    As if aside from Elder Tian, he was to be honored as the elder brother!


    And now?


    He was doing the very thing those lowly ants in his eyes used to do, kneeling humbly on the ground, kowtowing and begging for mercy, lowly like a dog!


    "If only you had known, why did you do it to begin with?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Jia Sichun who was begging fearfully like a dog that had lost its home. As he lightly shook his head, his sword swept across. The sword sealed the throat, blood gushed like a fountain, and with a thud, the head rolled onto the ground. As the blood sprayed till thest drop, that was also exactly when Xiao Yi''s treasured sword returned to its sheath.


    The silver light disappearing into the scabbard was an image forever unforgettable to those who witnessed this scene...

 Chapter 39 You Reap What You Sow

    Xiao Yi flipped his hand and put the longsword into the storage ring.


    The murderous intent on his face faded, reced by a touch of gentleness. He smiled and said, "Elder Wang, please wait a moment, let me handle the matters here first!"


    "Please do!"


    Wang Zhiyuan nodded, his gaze at Xiao Yi filled with increasing admiration.


    To treat enemies with the cold ruthlessness of a harsh winter, yet extend the warmth of spring to friends.


    This is how a true man ought to be!


    Xiao Yi looked towards Fang Qingzhu, gently holding her soft palm, and smiled, "Qingzhu, from now on you will be the head of the Fang Family!"


    Fang Qingzhu was stunned, her expressionplex.


    The head of the Fang Family, huh?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She had exerted all her effort to keep her position as the heir apparent, merely seeking the recognition of her parents. But now that she knew she was not really a member of the Fang Family, what inheritance could she speak of?


    Fang Qingzhu forced a smile and said, "From today on, I have nothing to do with the Fang Family anymore. Whoever wants this position of family head can have it!"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, thenughed, "Alright, then don''t take it!"


    Beneath the stage.


    Suddenly, Fang Hao''s voice rang out, "Sister, since you don''t want this position of family head, then give it to me!"


    Liu Yun''s eyes shone brightly, shamelessly saying, "That''s right Qingzhu, even though you''re not our own flesh and blood, we''ve raised you for more than a decade. Give the position of family head over to your brother! That way, it would be like repaying us for our kindness in raising you!"


    Fang Zheng''s face also showed interest.


    Before Fang Tianhao passed away, they had no chance at the position of family head.


    But now...


    With Fang Tianhao and Fang Jin gone, their branch would be the only one left in power in the Fang Family.


    Fang Qingzhu looked at the two with disdain in her eyes, took a deep breath, and slowly said, "Those who give birth without raising, a severed finger can repay. Those who raise without giving birth, eternal gratitude is owed. Although you raised me just to use me, I cannot repay this kindness. You can take the position of family head of the Fang Family if you want! Just from today onwards, I no longer have anything to do with you!"


    "Good, good, good, no more ties!"


    "Haha, Hao''er, you''ll be the family head from now on!"


    Fang Zheng and his family of three were overjoyed, hugging each other in celebration.


    Everyone around them couldn''t help but shake their heads in pity, "This family of three is incurably foolish!"


    "Given the current state of the Fang Family, even if they take control, how could they maintain such an inheritance?"


    "The entire Fang Family are fools... Had they sincerely apologized, Fang Qingzhu might have still been mindful of past kindness, and taken care of them in the future. Now... I reckon the Fang Family won''tst three months before theirplete downfall!"


    "Three months? If hests a month, I''ll take your surname..."


    The chatter of the people made Fang Zheng''s trioe to a sudden realization.


    Without absolute strength, how could they possibly hold onto the Fang Family?


    Even if they took the position of family head now, who could preserve them against the increasingly fiercepetition in the future?


    Upon this thought.


    The three hurriedly turned to Fang Qingzhu, "Qingzhu, we were wrong, we still treat you as our own daughter..."


    Fang Qingzhu''s face turned pale.


    She saw their true colors clearly and thoroughly.


    She took a deep breath, tears in her eyes, and said through gritted teeth, "I''ve already said, I have nothing more to do with the Fang Family, or with you!"


    "Fang Qingzhu you can''t do this, I raised you for eighteen years..."


    "You illegitimate child, it''s no surprise your own parents abandoned you..."


    "You ungrateful wretch..."


    As they watched Fang Qingzhu''s resolute face, Fang Zheng and his family were furious, roaring continuously.


    Fang Qingzhu had her eyes tightly closed, but Xiao Yi, standing by her side, could feel her body tremble slightly, a cold glint crossing his eyes as he nced over Zhao Yu and Elder Yan.


    Both of them nodded at the same time, their looks of pitynding together on the family of three of Fang Zheng.


    It indeed confirmed what Xiao Yi had said earlier, "Heavenly sins can be forgiven, but one brings about his own destruction¡ªcannot live!"


    Truly, this family of three, Fang Zheng, had dug their own grave!


    Watching as Zhao Yu and Elder Yan took Fang Zheng and his family away, Xiao Yi took Fang Qingzhu by the hand and approached Wang Zhiyuan, "Elder Wang, sorry to have kept you waiting!"


    "Not at all!"


    Wang Zhiyuan chuckled, then said, "Xiao Yi, are you wondering why I managed to find you?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Wang Zhiyuan smiled and called out to the crowd, "Xue''er, aren''t you going toe and greet Xiao Yi, young friend?"


    "Grandfather!"


    Xue''er walked out from the crowd, stood by Wang Zhiyuan''s side, and stuck out her tongue yfully towards Xiao Yi, "Brother Xiao Yi, do you remember me?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Wasn''t this the woman he had saved in the Southern Deste Mountain Range? He nodded his head, a look of realization dawning as he turned to Wang Zhiyuan, "I had no idea that Xue''er was actually the granddaughter of Elder Wang!"


    "Hahaha, such is the way of the world, everything is bound by destiny!" said Wang Zhiyuan with a smile, before continuing, "This girl Xue''er, being mischievous, ran out from home on her own. If she hadn''t encountered you, I''m afraid she might have already met with disaster!"


    While speaking, Wang Zhiyuan red fiercely at Xue''er.


    Xue''er looked a bit wronged and pouted.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "It was but a small effort, not worth mentioning!"


    "It may have been a small effort for you, but for me, it''s a favor as great as the heavens!"


    Xue''er was the Wang Family''s third generation''s only girl, greatly adored, and her mother''s background was extremely formidable. If anything had happened to Xue''er, let alone the five cities of Nanhuang being wiped off the map of the Tianqing Kingdom, even the Wang Family would suffer, he continued, "Xiao Yi, my reason foring today is to give thanks for saving Xue''er and to offer you some treasures as a token of gratitude!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head to refuse.


    "Do not be hasty to refuse, just hear me out... Before meeting you, I intended to grant you some Cultivation Techniques or treasures aspensation, but now, I have changed my mind!"


    Wang Zhiyuan''s gaze was intense as he stared at Xiao Yi and said in a solemn voice, "Nanhuang is but a small corner of the world. Here, some pseudo-Divine Skills wielders are already considered big shots, but in the Royal City, in the Great Qian Dynasty... even in the whole Heavenly Yuan Realm, such pseudo-Divine Skills wielders are not worth mentioning. I believe you would never want to be confined here, right?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Wang Zhiyuan, "Elder Wang, please speak frankly."


    Wang Zhiyuan took a deep breath and said solemnly, "The path of martial arts requires talent, for sure, but resources are equally indispensable. I want to invite you to the Royal City to join our Royal Martial Arts Academy. With your talent and strength, you will definitely shine. You will be able to obtain more resources from the Martial Arts Institute..."


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    Leaving Nanhuang was a certainty.


    But...


    He nced at Fang Qingzhu by his side.


    Fang Qingzhu, holding Xiao Yi''s hand, wore a tender smile on her face and softly said, "Brother Xiao Yi, do you remember what I once told you?"


    Xiao Yi''s body trembled.


    How could he forget those words?


    To follow whomsoever she would marry!


    Fang Qingzhu continued, "As long as you don''t dislike me for being an unwanted orphan, wherever you go, I will follow!"


    Whew!


    Xiao Yi gripped Fang Qingzhu''s soft hand tightly and said firmly, "Alright, no matter where I go in the future, I will take you with me!" He looked up at Wang Zhiyuan and said in a deep voice, "Elder Wang, when do we depart?"


    Wang Zhiyuan''s face showed delight, saying, "There''s only half a month left until the next selection. We set off tomorrow, how does that sound?"


    Xiao Yi looked at Fang Qingzhu, and as the two of them had no attachment to Nanhuang City anymore, he nodded and said, "Then we leave tomorrow!"


    His gaze turned towards the distant horizon, towards the direction of the Royal City of the Tianqing Kingdom, and also the closest direction to the Great Qian Dynasty, his palm quietly clenched, his eyes suddenly sharp, "Xiao Tianjiao, the distance between us is getting shorter."

 Chapter 40 Mingjian Manor

    Late at night, the Fang Family.


    Fang Zheng, Fang Hao, and Liu Yun were gathered together.


    Fang Haoined indignantly, "Dad, Mom, that Fang Qingzhu is really too ungrateful, isn''t she? We even allowed her to return to the Fang Family, yet not only did she refuse, but she also had Zhao Yu and Elder Yan drive us away. It''s truly hateful!"


    Liu Yun, too, had an aggrieved look and a venomous gleam in her eye, "That bastard is a white-eyed wolf, not valuing us at all!"


    "Shut up!"


    Fang Zheng snorted coldly, "Fang Qingzhu isn''t the little girl that we could manipte before; she now has the backing of Xiao Yi, and Xiao Yi has gained the favor of that Elder Wang, who has unlimited prospects for the future."


    That''s the vice-principal of the Royal Martial Arts Academy!


    A figure who could rank within the top ten throughout the entire Tianqing Kingdom.


    If the Fang Family could connect with Elder Wang, not to mention dominating Nanhuang, it would even be possible to enter the royal capital and be one of the noble families of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Liu Yun said hatefully, "They really have stumbled upon good luck."


    Fang Hao spoke with a worried face, "Dad, now that our family no longer has a warrior of the Divine Skills Realm to take charge, what shall we do in the future?"


    In this world where the weak are prey to the strong, without absolute martial dominance, even owning a mountain of gold would be emptied out.


    The Fang Family, being one of the four great families of Nanhuang City.


    Their main advantage had been having Fang Tianhao, a powerful warrior of the Divine Skills Realm.


    Now that Fang Tianhao had been killed, Fang Jin had perished, and Fang Qingzhu had been forced to leave the Fang Family.


    It was a precarious situation!


    Fang Zheng''s sinister smile emerged, "Don''t worry, I''ve already nned everything. Fang Qingzhu thinks she can cast us aside with just the position of family head? Simply a fool''s dream... Aren''t they going to the capital? Once they leave, we will sell off our assets, take the money, and go to the capital to seek them out."


    "Ah? Seek her out? She doesn''t acknowledge us anymore, what''s the point of going to her..." Liu Yun asked, puzzled.


    Fang Zhengughed loudly, "She''s nothing but a bastard. It''s only we who can abandon her, since when does she have the right to abandon us? Once we get to the capital, if she dares to ignore us, we will spread the news everywhere that Fang Qingzhu abandoned her parents and siblings to please Xiao Yi. ''A person''s face is like the bark of a tree''... As long as she wants to make it in the capital, she won''t dare dismiss us. With their support, we canpletely re-establish the Fang Family there in the capital..."


    "So, we''ll be nobility of the capital in the future?"


    "Hahaha, Dad''s n is indeed the best!"


    While the family of three was smugly pleased with their calctions, a frosty voice suddenly rang out, "You might not live to see that moment!"


    "Huh?"


    "Who?"


    All three trembled, only to see Zhao Yu and Elder Yan stepping out from the darkness.


    Hiss!


    Theirplexions suddenly changed.


    All traces of sinister expression vanished from Fang Zheng''s face, reced by a hint of ttery and sycophancy, "Zhao Family Head, Elder Yan, may I ask why you haveete at night?"


    "On the orders of Young Master Xiao, we''re here to send you off to theherworld!" Zhao Yu said calmly.


    The hint of pity in Elder Yan''s eyes had vanished upon hearing the conversation of the three, his expression turned ice cold as he said, "Such filthy creatures like you don''t deserve to live in this world."


    "No, you can''t kill us, I am Fang Qingzhu''s father..."


    "Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu, you ungrateful white-eyed wolves..."


    Elder Yan scoffed, "Kill them!"


    He acted simultaneously with Zhao Yu.


    Blood sttered, and three heads rolled in a pool of blood, their eyes wide with anger and filled with despair...


    ......


    Three dayster, Mingjian City.


    This city lies on the essential path from Nanhuang to the royal capital, and with the Tianqing Kingdom''s number one Sword Forging Family, Mingjian Manor, located within, hence its name.


    This Sword Mountain Manor has been a swordsmithing family for generations.


    Inside the manor, there''s even a Sword Tomb.


    Countless famous swords were nurtured within the Sword Tomb, especially half of the renowned top ten swords of the Tianqing Kingdom originated from there.


    Each year, Sword Mountain Manor would open the Sword Tomb to the public. Anyone who pays ten thousand taels of silver could enter the Sword Tomb. If fated, they could obtain the acknowledgment of a primeval sword and take it away. Whenever the Sword Tomb opened, Mingjian City would be packed with people, attracting countless strong individuals from all over the Tianqing Kingdom.


    On a wide imperial road.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu rode on tall horses, looking from afar at the majestic Mingjian City and the bustling crowd along the way. Fang Qingzhu sighed and said, "I''ve long heard that the liveliest time in Mingjian City is when the Sword Tomb opens each year. I never expected that we''d coincide with it!"


    "The Sword Forging Skill of Sword Mountain Manor is indeed unparalleled in the Tianqing Kingdom. With half of the top ten famous swordsing from Sword Mountain Manor, naturally, there are many people whoe for its fame," Xiao Yi nodded in agreement.


    The two of them were originally traveling with Wang Zhiyuan.


    But yesterday, Wang Zhiyuan received a secret missive from the Royal Martial Arts Academy and hurried away with Wang Xue''er, leaving only the two of them behind.


    "Xiao Yi, you have now reached the Spiritual Realm Cultivation. The Crimson me Chasing Wind Sword is no longer suitable for you as a weapon. Since it happens to be the time when the Sword Tomb is open, why don''t we go take a look together?" Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with a smile, her lips slightly curving up, revealing a sharp little canine tooth.


    Xiao Yi thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Alright, let''s go see what this Sword Tomb is all about!"


    After stepping into the Divine Skills Realm, a second-grade primeval weapon was indeed somewhat underpowered.


    Especially after he had mastered Sword Intent, his requirement for a primeval weapon had be much more stringent.


    If he could obtain a weapon that suited him, indeed, it could greatly increase hisbat power.


    The two made their way to the city and settled down at an inn before heading to Sword Mountain Manor.


    The Sword Tomb would open at sunset.


    After paying twenty thousand taels of silver and receiving the pass tokens at Sword Mountain Manor, they waited outside the Sword Tomb.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was currently midday.


    The scorching sun was high, baking the earth as Xiao Yi and hispanion found a quiet shady spot to sit under a tree.


    They had arrived early and it wasn''t long before the square gradually filled with people, bing a sea of heads.


    Xiao Yi murmured, "Sword Mountain Manor is making a good business. Ten thousand taels per person, and there are at least a thousand people here... Just the entry fee alones them over ten million..."


    A second-grade primeval weapon is worth over a hundred thousand taels of silver, while a third-grade one values at over a million taels.


    However, each time the Sword Tomb opens, most that could be taken away are first and second-grade primeval weapons.


    Third-grade primeval weapons are extremely rare, let alone those that rank among the top ten swords of the Tianqing Kingdom, which are fourth-grade primeval weapons. These appear only once in several decades; for Sword Mountain Manor, this is indeed a no-loss business.


    "Hey, you two, get lost! This spot is mine now!" A chubby-faced young man appeared in front of them, with sweat drenching his body and an impatient expression as he urged them on.


    Xiao Yi frowned and nced at a small patch of shade beside them, saying, "Isn''t there still space over there?"


    "Who the hell are you to sit next to this young master?" the young man, with his Qi-Blood flowing like a torrent, had cultivated to the Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, looked down at him with arrogance,"Make yourself scarce, or don''t me this young master for not being polite!"


    Fang Qingzhu slightly furrowed her brows, "We were here first, why should we give up our spot to you?"


    "What a beautiful chick!"


    The young man leered at Fang Qingzhu, his eyes lighting up, his face wearing ascivious grin, "Beauty, you can stay. Later, you can give this young master a shoulder massage or something. As for you, you''re like a dog and you think you deserve to sit next to such a beautiful girl? Get lost right now, or I''ll throw you out myself!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, "Get lost!"


    "Fuck, you''re asking for it!"


    Enraged, the young man''s palm surged with vital energy as he struck towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    Boom!


    Amidst a muffled collision, the young man was sent flying backward for a good ten meters, crashing to the ground with a thud. He knelt on the floor, covering his abdomen, howling in pain, continuously vomiting acid, his venomous gaze locked on Xiao Yi, "You... you''re dead meat. I won''t let this go..."


    "If you don''t leave now, I''ll ughter you!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    The young man''s face turned ghostly pale, feeling chilled to the bone, not daring to dy any longer, he scrambled away in pain and embarrassment...

 Chapter 41 The Sword Tomb

    "Brother, you better get out of here fast. That fat guy just now is no ordinary person!"


    "Indeed, he is from the capital, said to be a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Quite a few people havee from the academy this time; you really should leave quickly!"


    A few people whispered their warnings.


    Xiao Yi nodded his thanks to them but did not move an inch.


    Seeing this, the others said no more, only feeling that Xiao Yi was too confident, "Young people haven''t suffered enough; they don''t know how treacherous the world can be!"


    "We''ve warned him. If he doesn''t run, it''s not our fault!"


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi worriedly, "Brother Xiao Yi, we..."


    "Don''t worry!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively; he had ughtered students from the Martial Arts Institute before and said, "Qingzhu, remember to stay close to me once we enter the Sword Tomb!"


    "Okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded.


    Half a day passed by swiftly.


    The sun set in the west, and the silver moon began to rise.


    Dong!


    A dull bell toll suddenly sounded, and nearly two thousand formidable figures rose up in unison, their eyes zing as they looked toward the hundred-foot-high hill before them. The hilly within Mingjian Manor, and the Sword Tomb was built into the belly of this hill. As the rumble sounded, the stone door to the Tomb opened.


    Two Divine Skill practitioners from Sword Mountain Manor stood to the left and right, watching the crowd, "Gentlemen, the Sword Tomb will be open for an hour. Whether or not you obtain a Yuan weapon, you muste out within that time. Otherwise, you will be locked inside the Sword Tomb, and toe out, you will have to wait until next year''s opening!"


    "No worries, we understand the rules!"


    "If you haven''t gained recognition from a famed sword within an hour, then you''re just not destined for the swords inside. Staying longer would be a waste of time!"


    The crowd responded one after another.


    The two Divine Skill practitioners were not the least bit displeased by the interruption and said indifferently, "Inside the Sword Tomb, there are a total of 18,000 Grade One swords, 1,800 Grade Two swords, 180 Grade Three swords, and 18 Grade Four swords. Among them, six are regarded as the ten great famous swords of the Tianqing Kingdom, but five have already been taken, leaving only thest one still within the Sword Tomb!"


    The other continued, "Inside the Sword Tomb, you will see various sword steles, each representing a famous sword. As long as you gain the sword''s acknowledgment, you can take it with you. Gentlemen, please enter the Sword Tomb!"


    The crowd hurried toward the entrance of the Sword Tomb.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu walked shoulder to shoulder, but at the entrance, they encountered the fat man whom he had sted away earlier.


    The fat man red at Xiao Yi with venomous hatred; at his side were a young man and woman.


    Both were d in brocade robes, and their Qi-Blood surged like dragons and tigers, their cultivation clearly at least at the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm.


    The fat man pointed at Xiao Yi and said to the young man, "Brother Fan, this is the bastard who hit me!"


    The brocad-robed young man squinted at Xiao Yi and said coolly, "You''ve got guts to strike someone connected to Yun Fan. I''ll give you a chance to end yourself. If I make a move, you won''t even be able to die easily!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "A good dog doesn''t block the way!"


    "Hm?"


    Yun Fan''s face darkened, and he sneered, "Very well, very well. Since I became a Profound Level disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you''re the first to speak to me like that. You could have died quickly if you chose tomit suicide, but since you..."


    Yun Fan''s voice suddenly cut off.


    His body flew backward involuntarily, blood spewing from his mouth as he crashed with a thud ten meters away.


    Hiss!


    The surrounding crowd was dumbfounded, watching Xiao Yi in disbelief, "What, what just happened? What exactly went down just now?"


    ```


    "I, I didn''t even see how he made his move..."


    Yun Fan was spitting out blood, struggling several times to get up, only to heavily crash back onto the ground each time.


    The fatty and the brocade-robed woman wore expressions of astonishment, looking at each other, before turning their gaze to Xiao Yi in unison. The fatty said with a venomous look, "You dare injure Yun Fan? You''re dead meat. His brother is Yun Lei, the super genius on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. He will never let you go!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Enough noise!"


    With a casual p, Xiao Yi''s palmnded on the fatty''s face. Thetter''s head snapped around, his neck twisting grotesquely like a braided rope, and with a thud, he fell to the ground, dead.


    The fatty''s repeated provocations had thoroughly enraged him.


    He was a Heaven-Suppressing Godly General.


    Subduing the heavens, the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing.


    How could he endure repeated provocation?


    His eyes swept over the brocade-robed woman as he said coldly, "You should feel lucky that I don''t hit women; otherwise, you would be a corpse by now!"


    "You, you''re insane, you dare..." As the brocade-robed woman was speaking, her face too was met with a p.


    She covered her face in disbelief, turning to look at Fang Qingzhu who had appeared before her.


    Fang Qingzhu''s palm moved like a phantom, as p after pnded on the woman''s face incessantly, making her see stars and dizzying her. It was then that she stopped, dusting her hands off and saying, "Xiao Yi doesn''t deign to strike women, but I quite enjoy beating them. If you dare point fingers at Xiao Yi again, I''ll twist your neck off!"


    With tears welling up in her eyes and a face full of fear, the brocade-robed woman didn''t dare to say another word.


    Fang Qingzhu returned to her gentle demeanor, taking Xiao Yi''s arm, "Xiao Yi, let''s go."


    Xiao Yi sighed, following her into the Sword Tomb.


    Two powerhouses from Mingjian Manor exchanged nces. Such ughter wasmonce in Sword Mountain Manor; which year had the Sword Tomb opening not resulted in the death of hundreds? They had long grown ustomed to it, and with a call, they ordered someone to carry the fatty''s body away.


    Only then did they turn to Yun Fan and the other, "Do you still want to enter the Sword Tomb?"


    "Enter my ass!"


    Yun Fan cursed angrily, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes filled with a ferocious murderous intent, "Dare to hit me? If I don''t tear him to pieces, I might as well write my name, Yun Fan, backwards..."


    "Fan, you must avenge me!" the brocade-robed woman said with a swollen face, looking pitiful.


    The murderous intent in Yun Fan''s eyes grew more intense: "My brother has some connections with the Third Elder of Sword Mountain Manor. I''ll go to him right now... This dog dares to hit me? And to kill my dog? I''ll make sure he''s torn to pieces..."


    The brocade-robed woman''s eyes flickered with a biting chill, and she gritted her teeth, "And that disgusting woman, I''ll scratch her face, then find a bunch of beggars to publicly humiliate her..."


    ......


    Inside the Sword Tomb.


    This was within the belly of the mountain, yet it was a world unto itself.


    The tomb was circr, surrounded byyers of caves, each housing a sword stele. In the very center, there was a gigantic circr cavern stretching over a kilometer, as if it led straight to the heart of the earth.


    Below...


    Strands of moltenva rolled, their fiery red color illuminating the entire Sword Tomb; the lower one went, the higher the temperature.


    At the same time...


    The stronger the swords became!


    "Xiao Yi, there are so many sword steles here, how do we choose?" Fang Qingzhu was somewhat dazzled by the view; the Sword Tomb contained over a hundred thousand steles, creating a dizzying array.


    Xiao Yi was about to speak, but his expression shifted, looking towards the deepest part of the Sword Tomb, "Over there... It seems like something is calling out to me?"


    ```

 Chapter 42 Suicide?

    "It seems like something is drawing me in..."


    Xiao Yi looked at the scaldingva below and spoke in a deep voice.


    Fang Qingzhu was startled and peered at the churning crimsonva. The rolling heat waves were still heart-stopping even from a kilometer away, "Xiao Yi, maybe there''s an unrivaled legendary sword down there that''s destined for you!"


    Just like the zing Wind Pursuit Sword before.


    Although Fang Tianhao had specially prepared it for Fang Jin, Fang Jin could not gain its recognition. Instead, Xiao Yi was able to control it with ease.


    This is the destiny of a sword!


    There has always been the saying that legendary swords are matched with heroes!


    This is not without reason, as some legendary swords have their own spirit and can choose their owners.


    Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Then let''s go down and have a look!"


    "Yeah!"


    The two of them walked towards the deeper parts of the sword grave.


    Along the way, they constantly encountered powerful individuals seeking swords, each trying tomunicate with the sword stele.


    Some were joyful; some were sorrowful.


    Overall, the chances of being recognized by a legendary sword were incredibly low, about one in a hundred, and usually, it would be a first or second-tier elemental weapon.


    "I''ve heard that within the Mingjian Manor''s sword grave, there is actually a fifth-tier elemental legendary sword hidden. Once it appears, it could be ranked among the top three legendary swords. Who knows where it''s actually hidden?"


    "Even if you found that sword, you wouldn''t be able to take it away!"


    "It is said that the current Crown Prince once entered the sword grave and found that fifth-tier legendary sword, but still he could not take it with him..."


    "Hisss, the Crown Prince is the strongest Tianjiaao in the Tianqing Kingdom, and even he couldn''t get the sword''s recognition. Then who can take it away?"


    Hearing the conversations of many along the way, Fang Qingzhu squinted her eyes, longing for it, "A fifth-tier elemental weapon? How powerful must that weapon be?"


    In Nanhuang City.


    A second-tier elemental weapon alone can lead to a struggle among all parties.


    Let alone a fifth-tier one?


    Xiao Yiughed and said, "If I can find that fifth-tier elemental weapon, I will try to tame it. Then you will know how powerful it is!"


    "Dude, you really don''t know the height of the sky!" A rough voice rang out beside them like muffled thunder, rumbling, "You think you can tame a fifth-tier elemental weapon? Are you sure you''re not joking?"


    The speaker was a muscr young man with a bald head, towering at two meters tall, his muscles as distinct as lead blocks, bristling with explosive power.


    He carried a pitch-ck heavy sword on his back.


    And he was now looking at Xiao Yi with a mocking expression.


    Fang Qingzhu frowned slightly and said, "If my Xiao Yi can''t tame that fifth-tier elemental weapon, do you think you can?"


    "Of course, I, Niu Dali, am a born swordsman. If anyone here can get that fifth-tier elemental weapon, it must be me! As for him..." Niu Dali looked at Xiao Yi from the corner of his eye and sneered, "If he can get the recognition of that fifth-tier elemental weapon, I, Niu Dali, will call him my big brother!"


    At that moment...


    Whoosh!


    A strong individual attempted to forcefully break open a sword stele, only to be repelled by the stele, with endless Sword Qi soaring into the sky, sending him flying into the Lava Lake.


    Theva suddenly exploded, waves of heat shooting into the sky and swallowing the man whole.


    Not even his bones remained!


    Hisss!


    Everyone took a sharp breath, "Has this guy gone mad? How dare he attack a sword stele?"


    "I heard this person has already entered the Sword Tomb for the tenth time," someone said. "The previous nine times, he came away with nothing. It seems he''s gone mad..."


    "Attack the Sword Stele? He truly knows nothing of life and death!"


    Niu Dali sneered, and suddenly seeing Xiao Yi''s gaze firmly fixed on the scorching Lava Lake, he couldn''t help but tease, "What? You''re not seriously thinking about that fifth-grade Yuan weapon at the bottom of theva, are you? You''re not the first one with that idea. There have been others who tried jumping into the Lava Lake, and they all ended up on a one-way road to death. I''m telling you, don''t be stupid!"


    Without saying a word, Xiao Yi''s eyes grew increasingly bright as he stared at theva.


    That moment when the powerful figure was devoured by theva, the feeling of being deeply attracted and called to had suddenly intensified.


    He was almost certain...


    That which was calling out to him was indeed beneath the scorchingva.


    Seeing Xiao Yi''s contemtive face, Niu Dali was startled, "Hey, you''re not really thinking of jumping in, are you?"


    Fang Qingzhu was also taken aback, her worried eyes fixed on Xiao Yi as she gently tugged at his sleeve, "Xiao Yi, safety first!"


    "No matter!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, feeling an extremely strong premonition that a huge opportunity was waiting for him beneath theva. However, even for a cultivator in the Golden Core Realm, falling into that scorchingva would most likely result in certain death.


    He had to be cautious.


    Xiao Yi drew out the Dragon Scale Sword and stabbed it towards the ground below.


    Whoosh!


    The Dragon Scale Sword plunged into the Lava Lake, immediately stirring up a series of towering mes. The entire Lava Lake seemed toe to life, as waves of heat overturned, and columns ofva shot up to the sky, turning into ferocious fire dragons that wrapped around the Dragon Scale Sword and dragged it into theva.


    Xiao Yi''s actions caught everyone''s attention. They looked at him as if he were a lunatic, "Has this guy gone crazy? He just threw a second-grade Yuan weapon down there?"


    "You see him staring at the Lava Lake; he''s not thinking of jumping in, is he?"


    "Hahaha, I guess another failure who kept entering the Sword Tomb without sess has lost his mind..."


    However...


    Xiao Yi seemingly did not hear their ridicule, his eyes shining with brilliance as he stared at the Lava Lake, his face revealing a look of ecstasy, "Yes, it''s down there... It''s calling me, telling me to jump!"


    "Xiao Yi..." Fang Qingzhu said with a face full of worry.


    Xiao Yi patted her hand reassuringly, "Don''t worry, I know what I''m doing! Just wait here for me, I''ll be right back!"


    Niu Dali frowned, "Buddy, don''t be impulsive! If you jump, you''re finished for life¡ªcalm down!"


    "Fortune favors the bold, and this risk is worth taking!"


    Xiao Yi leaped into the air, somersaulting several times amidst the crowd''s exmations and with a whoosh, plunged towards the scorching Lava Lake below. The zing Wind Pursuit Sword appeared in his hand, and he unleashed a series of sharp moves, "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    "Chasing Stars, Pursuing the Moon!"


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser..."


    Under the bombardment of Xiao Yi''s sword moves, the Lava Lake exploded with noise, forcibly cleaved open a path.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However...


    The Lava Lake was bottomless, and countless streams ofva converged from all directions, quickly filling in the path he had created. The surface of theke went silent, showing no trace of Xiao Yi.


    "Hahaha, that idiot actually jumped in himself?"


    "This is killing me, I''ll beughing about this joke for a lifetime!"


    Niu Dali sighed, "The guy''s got courage, but he''s a bit off in the head!"


    Fang Qingzhu bit her lip tightly, her eyes filled with determination, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu will wait for your return. If the Sword Tomb closes and you haven''te back, Qingzhu will go down to apany you!"


    Just at that moment,


    a scar-faced man appeared before Fang Qingzhu, rubbing his hands in front of him, his eyes gleaming as he leered at her, "Prettydy, your lover has already jumped into the Lava Lake tomit suicide. From now on, you''ll follow me!"

 Chapter 43 Sword Intent Shakes the Heavens, Ten Thousand Swords Chime in Unison!

    "From now on, you just follow me, sister! I''ll take good care of you!"


    The scar-faced man with a chubby face leered at Fang Qingzhu, rubbing his hands back and forth, looking sleazy.


    The neer indeed possessed considerable strength.


    Having reached the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he exuded an aura filled with evil qi and was clearly of a malevolent nature.


    Fang Qingzhu frowned slightly, "Get out of my way!"


    "Oh? Fiery temper, I like a little chili pepper like you. Come, let brother touch you..." The scar-faced man licked his lips with his crimson tongue, hisrge palm reaching towards Fang Qingzhu''s body.


    "Back off!"


    Fang Qingzhu''s Purple Cloud Whipshed out fiercely, sending the scarred man''s hand iling back.


    A startling bloodstain appeared on the back of his hand.


    The scar-faced man''s expression darkened abruptly as he licked the blood on his hand with his blood-red tongue, his eyes filled with a touch of madness and ferocity.


    Smack!


    The scar-faced man struck suddenly, pping Fang Qingzhu to the ground, grinding his teeth, "You wretched woman, you dare to hit me? You ungrateful thing, I wanted to be gentle, but since you''re asking for it, I''ll force myself on you!"


    Niu Dali stepped forward to shield Fang Qingzhu, speaking sternly, "Mate, what kind of skill is it to bully a woman? If you have the guts,e at me!"


    "Who do you think you are? Dare to mess with my fun?"


    The scar-faced man red at Niu Dali with his bloodshot eyes, snorted coldly, and the evil qi surged towards him like a wind, "Step aside if you know what''s good for you, or I''ll throw you into the Lava Lake as well!"


    "Let''s see if you''ve got the ability!"


    "You''re seeking death!"


    With a low roar from the scar-faced man, a violent wind whipped up around him as he threw a heavy punch.


    Niu Dali snorted coldly, the longsword on his back shing horizontally.


    Boom!


    As the iron fist collided with the longsword, a gust of wind erupted, and Niu Dali stumbled back several meters, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.


    The scar-faced man looked at him with a cold smile, taunting, "That little skill and thinking of being a hero? Wait until I''ve thrown you into the Lava Lake, then I''ll have my fun with this beauty..."


    However...


    Just as the scar-faced man was about to make his move.


    Suddenly, the calm Lava Lake exploded with a boom, a giant pir of fire shooting up.


    Then a second, a third...


    Countless pirs of fire soared into the sky like dragons leaving their nest, causing the entire Lava Lake to boil over, with searing magma sshing everywhere, burning and melting the ground uponnding.


    An incredibly terrifying Sword Intent soared up from beneath the magma.


    Under the influence of this formidable Sword Intent, every sword monument within the Sword Tomb shone brightly, and from within them echoed the hum of swords.


    Hum!


    Humming...


    The sounds of swords ringing like a dragon''s roar reverberated throughout the vast Sword Tomb.


    All the swords were chiming in unison!


    Swish!


    A hundred-meter-tall column of magma burst forth, and as the fiery moltenva fell, a figure shrouded in a blood-colored glow appeared before everyone. He leaped gracefully down from the air andnded on the ground.


    The red glow was absorbed into the blood-red longsword in his hand, revealing his true face¡ªit was Xiao Yi, who had just jumped into the Lava Lake!


    "Xiao Yi? I knew you were alright!" Fang Qingzhu, disregarding the severe pain on her face, was ecstatic.


    Niu Dali was also dumbfounded, "Sheesh! He''s not dead?"


    "Damn, he survived jumping into the Lava Lake? Wait, look at the sword in his hands..."


    "Could that be a fifth-grade Yuan weapon?"


    Xiao Yi, however, paid no attention to the shouts of astonishment from everyone. His gaze locked first and foremost on the red p mark on Fang Qingzhu''s face, his eyes suddenly turning ice-cold. With a flicker, he helped Fang Qingzhu up, his eyes filled with repressed anger and undisguised concern, "Who did this?"


    Niu Dali wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, unable to hide the shock in his eyes, he pointed at Scarface and shouted, "This bastard is the one who hit me!"


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze turned toward Scarface.


    However, Scarface''s eyes were shining, seemingly indifferent to Xiao Yi''s frosty stare, fixated on the blood-red longsword in his hand, "Is this the sword you retrieved from under theva? Hahaha, I''ll take this sword!"


    Whoosh!


    Scarface''s palm shot forward, grasping for the longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand with the swiftness of a hawk snatching a rabbit.


    "Seeking death!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless as he swiftly drew his longsword, a fiery red sword light shed past, plunging into Scarface''s body. Scarface''s speed plummeted, and he thudded to his knees, eyes fixated on Xiao Yi, "Such, such a fast sword..."


    Spurt!


    A jet of blood sprayed out wildly.


    Scarface''s head soared high into the air, and a fountain-like gush of blood spurted from the severed neck.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Hiss!


    The onlookers all gasped in astonishment.


    This Scarface was in the Sixth Layer of Divine Skill Realm, yet he couldn''t even take a single sword strike from Xiao Yi?


    "That, that sword is a fifth-grade Yuan weapon!"


    "Right, it must be a fifth-grade Yuan weapon, otherwise how could he, with just the strength of the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, so easily kill a strong man from the Sixth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm?"


    "Quick, grab it!"


    The horde of strong men all stepped forward, their eyes zing with heat and greed as they looked at the longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand, "Boy, hand over that famous sword and spare yourself!"


    "If you remain stubborn, you and yourpanion will both die!"


    Surrounding Xiao Yi were no less than a hundred strong men, among whom the strongest was a Seventh Layer powerhouse from the Yan Family of the royal capital, Yan Ying. Yan Ying''s face was colored with greed, staring intently at the blood-red longsword in Xiao Yi''s hand, "I am Yan Ying from the royal capital''s Yan Family. Offer up the famous sword to me, and I''ll spare your life!"


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at the hundred or so men in front of him, with even more strong men watching silently around them.


    If hecked the strength to keep this sword.


    The onlooking strong men would certainly swarm like hungry wolves.


    Fang Qingzhu remained silent, holding the Purple Cloud Whip, standing by his side.


    Niu Dali hesitated for a moment, sighed lightly and also stood shoulder to shoulder with him, looking at Xiao Yi askance, "Don''t look at me like that. I''m just honoring a bet! Since you''ve earned this famous sword''s recognition, from now on, you''re my brother. How can a younger brother stand by and watch you get mobbed?"


    Even with Fang Qingzhu and Niu Dali''s help, they were still three against a hundred.


    Completely at a disadvantage!


    Yan Ying sneered ominously, "Are you still not ready to give me the famous sword?"


    "Enough with the nonsense. The sword is in my hand, if you have the guts,e and take it!" Xiao Yi said coldly.


    "Seeking death!"


    Yan Ying''s eyes turned fierce, and he suddenly vanished from the spot, appearing in front of Xiao Yi with a whoosh. Clutching a third-grade Yuan longsword with a silvery gleam and dragon patterns coiling around it, he proimed, "ording to the Pavilion, Listen to the Rain and Wind!"


    Rustle rustle!


    The sword chant sounded as if a sudden rainstorm was descending, straining straight for Xiao Yi''s heart.


    Faced with such a cunning thrust, Xiao Yi showed no expression as the power of Sword Intent enveloped him. The invisible and intangible force of Sword Intent was terrifying. As it surged, Yan Ying''s body shook, feeling as if the man before him had transformed into an invincible sword sovereign!


    Unmatched!


    "Not good..."


    It was this moment of distraction that allowed Yan Ying to regain his senses, his pupils constricting as he felt the aura of death envelop him.


    Thud!


    A sword stroke passed.


    Yan Ying screamed as Xiao Yi cleaved him in two!


    The astonishing Sword Intent soared into the heavens, causing all swords within the Sword Tomb to resonate in unison.


    Xiao Yi stood like a king among swords, stepping on Yan Ying''s corpse, and looked coldly at the crowd, "Who else?"

 Chapter 44 Pressing Hard

    "Who else?"


    Xiao Yi stood on Yan Ying''s corpse, holding the bloodstained longsword, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd.


    For a moment...


    The would-be challengers among the strong were all effectively intimidated into inaction.


    None dared to step forward!


    Even Yan Ying, a powerhouse of the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, was no match for a single stroke of his de; who among them would dare to advance?


    While everyone was still considering their options, an icy voice suddenly rang out, "Do you really think you can steal the treasured heirloom of Mingjian Manor,mit murder within our Sword Tomb, and not have to exin yourself to me?"


    The crowd looked toward the source of the voice.


    It was an old man with youthful features and white hair, whose powerful aura was unmatched, having reached the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    Following him were Yun Fan and the woman in brocade.


    The pair, with faces full of smug smiles, looked at Xiao Yi with a tilted gaze, Yun Fan said viciously, "I truly didn''t expect you to gain the approval of the heirloom sword of Mingjian Manor, but sadly for you, the sword will no longer be yours shortly!"


    The white-haired, youthful-faced elder looked at the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hands, his eyes also shining with a greedy fervor that he couldn''t hide, "This sword is the heirloom treasure of Mingjian Manor, hidden beneath this Lava Lake, yet you had the audacity to steal it, a crime unforgivable!"


    "Who are you?" Xiao Yi asked with narrowed eyes.


    The elder gave a cold smile, "I am Jian San, the third elder of Mingjian Manor!"


    "Does everyone from Mingjian Manor have no shame like you?"


    Xiao Yi''s expression was indifferent, "Your Mingjian Manor made it clear that whoever gains the approval of a famous sword within the Sword Tomb could take it. Now that I have the Fire Qilin Sword''s approval, you use me of stealing your treasure? Do you think I''m an easy target?"


    "Humph, shameless ingrate, I am bullying you, and what can you do about it? The rules of Mingjian Manor are for us to dictate. If I say it''s yours, then it''s yours; if I say it''s not, then it''s not. What can you possibly do to me?" Jian San spoke coldly, with an air of arrogance.


    Mingjian Manor is stronger than you, so yes, I''m bullying you. What are you going to do about it?


    Yun Fan burst intoughter, "Kid, if you kneel and beg for mercy, maybe I can plead with the third elder on your behalf and let you keep your whole corpse!"


    The brocade-d woman beside him ground her teeth, her eyes filled with hatred as she stared at Fang Qingzhu, "And this woman, I want her to crawl on her knees to me, begging for mercy, her face cut, thrown into a brothel..."


    Xiao Yi''s face turned cold, and the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand moved suddenly.


    A sh of fiery sword light passed.


    Thud!


    The brocade-d woman''s body shuddered, her head soared into the air, blood spraying over Yun Fan.


    Yun Fan, dumbfounded, "You, you dare to kill her?"


    Xiao Yi responded coldly, "Keep your idle chatter to yourself, or I''ll ughter you as well!"


    "You not only dare to steal the treasure of Mingjian Manor but also kill someone in my presence; don''t you think you are not giving Mingjian Manor the respect it deserves?" Jian San said darkly, with heavy emphasis on each word.


    Mingjian Manor presides over Mingjian City, and it is the oldest and most powerful sword-casting family in the Tianqing Kingdom.


    It has interactions with numerous aristocratic families.


    Even the royal family has close ties with them; isn''t their status exalted?


    Xiao Yi had dared tomit murder before him, and in Jian San''s eyes, this was a direct p in the face.


    "Old dog, shut your mouth!"


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at Jian San, "The rules of the Sword Tomb were set by your Mingjian Manor. You change them at your whim, treating us like monkeys? Today I took the Fire Qilin Sword, but what if someone else takes a higher-grade sword tomorrow? Will you use them of stealing the treasure, too?"


    Yun Fan said with a sneer, "If anything, it''s your fault for not having a powerful enough background. My brother Yun Lei is not only the eldest son of the Yun Family but also a genius on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List, and he took a fourth-grade famous sword from the Sword Tomb!"


    Xiao Yi mused, "So, to take a sword from here, one must have a profound background, is that it?"


    "Of course!"


    Yun Fan said, full of pride.


    However, Jian San''s face darkened, silently cursing, realizing something was amiss.


    Indeed...


    Upon hearing Yun Fan''s words, the faces of the other powerhouses in the Sword Tomb changed, "The ones who previously obtained several famed swords were all from noble families in the capital, and if not, they were masters from the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. That''s why Mingjian Manor didn''t target them, right?"


    "Who would dare toe to Mingjian Manor after this?"


    "So you''re saying wemon folk are just giving Mingjian Manor money for nothing? Even if we get hold of anything valuable, we won''t be able to take it with us, and might even lose our lives here..."


    Jian San''s face turned furious as he pped his palm toward Xiao Yi, "You mongrel, how dare you tarnish the reputation of my Sword Mountain Manor? Die!"


    Hum!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Shocking Sword Qi burst forth from the body.


    In Jian San''s hand appeared a cyan longsword with an Azure Dragon coiled around its edge, which emitted a dragon roar-like sword cry that was deafening as he swung the sword, "Human Sword Skill!"


    Whoosh!


    The Green Edge Sword drew a beautiful arc, and in an instant, it seemed as though dozens, if not hundreds, of sword shadows came shing through the air. These sword shadows exploded in the sky, covering the heavens and earth with their impressive might. Niu Dali''s expression changed continuously, "Be careful, this is the ''Human Sword Skill'' from Sword Mountain Manor''s ''Heaven Earth Human Sword'', you cannot withstand it with brute force!"


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless, with an icy look in his eyes to the extreme, "Soul Chasing, Life Snatching!"


    Hum!


    The Fire Qilin Sword glowed red rmingly, and under the envelopment of Sword Intent, the actual Fire Qilin Sword seemed to tremble faintly.


    Two beams of sword light collided like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Boom!


    The shing sword lights scattered terrifying Sword Qi in all directions.


    Thump thump thump!


    Xiao Yi took several steps back, nced at his palm, and saw that the tiger''s mouth had burst open, with blood rolling down, "A powerhouse of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, indeed not someone I can currently contend with!"


    He felt a sense of admiration for Jian San''s strength in his heart.


    Jian San was equally shocked, "First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, yet he has mastered the power of Sword Intent? Since when did the Tianqing Kingdom have such a genius?"


    Sword Intent.


    This usually indicates a high likelihood of achieving the Golden Core in the future!


    In Tianqing Kingdom, being in the Golden Core Realm would be a rightful giant, and the lord of Sword Mountain Manor was at the Golden Core Realm.


    A chill shed in Jian San''s eyes, "This young man must not be spared. If allowed to grow, he will surely be a major threat to my Sword Mountain Manor in the future."


    Whoosh!


    As the thought shed through Jian San''s mind, his longsword soared through the air, and he said coldly, "Earth Sword Skill!"


    "Heaven Earth Human Sword" is divided into three skills.


    Human Sword injures people.


    Earth Sword kills people.


    Heaven Sword vanquishes the soul!


    The Earth Sword Skill gushed close to the ground, sending Sword Qi soaring into the sky, and wherever it passed, several powerhouses were cut in two before they could dodge. Amidst the churning dust and smoke, the sword light headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi raised his sword to meet the attack, his sword light shining like cold stars in the sky, constantly repelling Jian San''s assaults, but he himself was also forced back to the edge of the Lava Lake.


    Jian San, with a hideous smile, said, "To think you have grasped Sword Intent at the Divine Passage Realm, your talent is truly terrifying, but as long as I kill you, even the strongest talent will be in vain!"


    Hu!


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi exhaled a turbid breath, squinted at Jian San, and revealed a cruel smile, "I had no intention of bing an enemy of Sword Mountain Manor, but you force my hand, don''t me me!"


    "Force your hand? I am indeed forcing you, what can you do to me?" Jian San snickered.


    However, the next moment...


    The smile on his face vanishedpletely, he stared at Xiao Yi in stunned outrage, "You, you madman, stop at once..."

 Chapter 45 From Now On, No More Sword Tomb

    A boundless Sword Intent suddenly released from Xiao Yi''s body.


    The Sword Intent lotus within him bloomedpletely, and a streak of blood-red light burst forth from within that lotus.


    It prated his body and enveloped his entire figure.


    In his hands, the Fire Qilin Sword trembled and buzzed, formidable sword light soaring into the sky while the de itself vibrated intensely. A Fifth Grade Yuan Bing is not so easily forged; aside from needing precious materials, it also requires awakening.


    With the same materials, without awakening, it would at most be considered a peak Fourth Grade Yuan Bing.


    And uponpletion of the awakening...


    It could then be called Fifth Grade!


    The Sword Spirit felt the boundless Sword Intent within Xiao Yi and seemed to send an excited cheer.


    The entire de shook continuously, and all the swords in the hands of the strong ones within the Sword Tomb also began to buzz and tremble, as if they were about to unsheathe themselves: "What, what''s happening? Why doesn''t my sword obey me..."


    "This, this is Sword Intent, he''s using Sword Intent to summon the allegiance of a myriad of swords!"


    "Oh my gosh, something big is going to happen!"


    Everyone had a look of horror on their faces.


    Why is it that only Fifth Grade and above Yuan Bing require awakening and the gathering of an Artifact Spirit? It''s because Fifth Grade Yuan Bing are mostly in the hands of Golden Core Realm experts, and these experts allprehend the martial dao''s essences.


    Only with the power of the martial dao''s essence can the Artifact Spirit truly be stimted.


    Xiao Yi activated the Fire Qilin Sword''s Artifact Spirit with Sword Intent, thoroughly awakening it as if a slumbering sovereign had been roused.


    When the sovereign awakes, all nations submit.


    When the Sword Spirit revives, a myriad of swordse to pay homage!


    "Madman, you madman... you''re going to destroy the Sword Tomb, you''re trying to offend Mingjian Manor to death..." Jian San''s eyes werepletely filled with bloodshot, and the cold light within them was as sharp as a de''s edge.


    Jian San''s figure shed, furiously rushing towards Xiao Yi.


    "Don''t you dare harm my Xiao Yi!"


    Fang Qingzhu stood in his way with a sidestep, her Purple Cloud Whip whirling through the air, coiled around Jian San''s ankle and yanked fiercely.


    Swish!


    Jian San was tripped unexpectedly and fell to the ground.


    The Purple Cloud Whip merged with Fang Qingzhu as one, as easy tomand as her own limb, and as it waved, it coiled Jian San up high, then wrapped around himyer byyer. Jian San was unable to break free for a moment, his eyes shing coldly: "You are courting death!"


    Swish!


    A light shed on the storage ring, and the Green Edge Sword kept cutting the Purple Cloud Whip. Enjoy new adventures from empire


    Sparks flew everywhere.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Purple Cloud Whip was merely a First Grade Yuan Bing, while the Green Edge Sword was a Third Grade Yuan Bing. In their sh, the whip was severed by just three strokes. Jian San, once free, charged toward Fang Qingzhu: "You little wench, dare to block me, die!"


    Swish!


    Jian San shed out with a palm, and Fang Qingzhu spat blood as she was sent flying backward, while a cold light flowed in his eyes: "Die!"


    The Green Edge Sword thrust forward, aiming straight for Fang Qingzhu''s heart.


    But at that moment...


    Niu Dali suddenly made a move, grasping a ck great sword in both hands and with a thunk struck down on the Green Edge Sword, blocking Jian San''s attack. His ck great sword was also covered in cracks, his eyes full of distress: "Dammit, what skill is there in hitting a woman? Have the guts to fight your grandpa Niu!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    Jian San was furious, sword in hand.


    But just at that time...


    Atop the Sword Tomb, a sword stele suddenly burst apart with a bang.


    Swish!


    A sword light soared into the sky.


    Then the second stele.


    The third stele.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With every stele''s explosion, a sword rose to the heavens, converging toward Xiao Yi''s location.


    "No. No..."


    Jian San''s eyes were nearly splitting, each explosion of a stele signifying a famous sword breaking free from its seal. Without the protection of the steles, these masterless swords, though they could not be recognized by an owner, could still be taken away directly.


    The entire Sword Tomb kept rumbling, one sword after another appearing before everyone.


    All were stunned.


    Inside the Sword Tomb, more than a hundred thousand swords¡ªthis was the wealth umted by Mingjian Manor over hundreds of years¡ªwere now all exposed before everyone.


    Seeing the scattered Yuan Bing longswords all around, everyone felt as if an invisible hand was choking their throats, unable to breathe.


    Xiao Yi was covered in red Sword Intent, he roared, "What are you all waiting for? These swords now belong to no one, why aren''t you taking them?"


    "Right, grab them quickly!"


    "Grab and run..."


    The crowd was momentarily stunned, and then their eyes turned bloodshot with excitement as they yelled out.


    Faced with a substantial reward, there will always be brave takers!


    Even the lowest grade of Yuan Bing was worth tens of thousands of silver, so grabbing any sword and you''d make a killing!


    One after another, strong figures began to crazily loot the longswords that were scattered everywhere.


    The scene descended into chaos.


    "Let''s go!"


    Seizing the chaos, Xiao Yi grabbed Fang Qingzhu and made a break for it, snatching up famous swords along the way and shoving them into his storage ring.


    "Stop..."


    Jian San''s eyes were filled with rage as he saw Xiao Yi taking away two fourth-grade famous swords, at least six third-grade famous swords, and not to mention the fifth-grade famous sword, the Fire Qilin Sword. Xiao Yi had practically looted half of the sword tomb!


    Jian San wanted to chase after Xiao Yi but was blocked by the other strong figures who were crazily looting the famous swords, "Get out of the way!"


    "Fuck off, can''t you see I''m busy grabbing swords?" several of them cursed back without even lifting their heads.


    "Stop right there! These treasures belong to Mingjian Manor. Whoever dares to take them, I''ll kill..." Jian San shouted hysterically, but his voice was gradually drowned out by the mor of others fighting over the longswords.


    In the midst of the crowd.


    Niu Dali swallowed hard, hurriedly snatched up a few longswords and threw them into his storage ring, then dashed off in Xiao Yi''s direction, "Bro, wait for me..."


    "Xiao Yi, Yun Fan is over there..." Qingzhu spotted Yun Fan in the crowd, who was also grabbing swords.


    A cold light shed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "Die!"


    The longsword pierced through the air, and with a ''thud'', Yun Fan''s head, who wasughing heartily while holding a third-grade Yuan Bing famous sword, was lopped off. Even in death, his face retained an excited grin.


    Without stopping, Xiao Yi quickly dashed out of the tomb of swords.


    Outside the tomb of swords.


    Several figures from Sword Mountain Manor looked at the appearances of Xiao Yi and hispanions in front of them, all taken aback and thenughed, "There''s still a while before the tomb closes, and you''re leaving already? Seems like you''ve found something good!"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, "Lucky, got some loot!"


    "Haha, then congrattions!"


    "You''re too kind!"


    Xiao Yi gave a slight smile, then quickly left with Fang Qingzhu towards the outside of Mingjian Manor.


    The two figures from Sword Mountain Manor exchanged nces andughed, "Looks like they got a nice sword and are worried others might covet it, that''s why they are running!"


    "At best, it''s a second-grade famous sword. You think it''s easy to get a third-grade or higher?" another sneered.


    "Yeah, without enough backing, even if you get the sword, you can''t keep it!"


    "All just fools giving away their money, thinking they''ve taken advantage, but in reality, aren''t they just being yed like monkeys by our Mingjian Manor?"


    The two were still talking.


    Suddenly, several figures rushed out of the sword tomb without uttering a word and left directly.


    Soon after...


    The third, the fourth...


    About seven or eight hundred strong figures escaped from the sword tomb. All of them left without any dy, quickly disappearing.


    This left the two guardspletely dumbfounded, "What''s happening?"


    "Stop them..."


    A furious roar rang out. Jian San, his body drenched in blood, appeared before the two men. His eyes were bloodshot with anger as he bellowed, "Where are the man and woman who were the first to leave? Where are they?"


    "Huh?"


    "They already left..." The two guards said, still confused.


    "Useless fools!"


    Jian San roared in fury and with a thunderous p, inflicted severe injuries on the two. Blood swirled in his eyes as tears streamed down his face. He watched as more than a hundred thousand sword steles in the sword tomb were all destroyed. Even though he killed hundreds of strong men, tens of thousands of famous swords were still taken.


    What was worse...


    Xiao Yi had taken the one and only fifth-grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword, as well as fourth and third-grade famous swords...


    They were practically wiped clean!


    The long-renowned Sword Mountain Manor''s tomb of swords was thoroughly ruined.


    "It''s all over,pletely over... The tomb of swords that has been passed down for hundreds of years in my Mingjian Manor ispletely ruined..."


    Jian San''s eyes were filled with the fissures of rage. Beyond regret, there was a hysterical madness, "Someone, send out the Sword God Guard Brigade immediately. I want them to chase after that criminal. I will have him torn to pieces..."

 Chapter 46 A Formidable Enemy Arrives!

    Xiao Yi and hispanions fled Mingjian City, running wildly without any pause.


    They ran for a whole day and night before finally stopping.


    Huff huff huff!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Xiao Yi, Fang Qingzhu, and Niu Dali copsed on the ground, leaning against the cold rock wall, gasping for air. The continuous running for a day and night had taken a tremendous toll on them.


    They rested for a while.


    Xiao Yi frowned at Niu Dali, "Why are you following us?"


    Gulping for air, Niu Dali said, "Didn''t we make a bet? I lost, you''re my brother, so of course, I have to follow you!"


    Xiao Yi nced at Niu Dali''s bearded face and the profound worry lines on his forehead: "..."


    Fang Qingzhu stuck out her tongue, "You''re old enough to be our uncle..."


    Niu Dali red, eximing, "Who says? I''m only eighteen this year!"


    Hiss!


    The two eyed him, "You''re just eighteen?"


    "Doesn''t it seem so?"


    Seeing their skeptical faces, Niu Dali grew annoyed, "I really am eighteen, I had my birthdayst month. I just look a bit older... If I''m lying, may lightning strike me!"


    Xiao Yi looked deeply at Niu Dali, sighing, "You do look quite older for your age!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded seriously.


    Niu Dali: "..."


    Nima!


    I''m still right here, alive and kicking! Can you consider my feelings?


    Xiao Yi said, "My name is Xiao Yi, and this is my wife, Fang Qingzhu."


    "Hello elder brother and sister-inw!"


    Niu Dali stood up, straightened his clothes, and cupped his fist in greeting, "I''m Niu Dali, you can call me Dali, or Little Niu Niu!"


    "Little Niu Niu?!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth twitched, "I''ll just call you Dali. We''ve already left the sphere of influence of Mingjian City. The people from Mingjian City probably won''t catch up to us now, so let''s part ways here!"


    "Don''t leave, big brother!"


    Niu Dali hurriedly said, "It''s not good for brothers to part so soon after recognizing each other. Wherever you go, I''ll follow!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    God damn recognition!


    Xiao Yi said with a dark face, "We''re going to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you want to follow there too?"


    Thumping his thigh, Niu Dali chuckled, "See, that''s fate! Elder brother, I am also nning to apply to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, it''s the same path! Elder brother and sister-inw, please take me with you!"


    Fang Qingzhu said, "Xiao Yi brother, back in the Sword Tomb, if it weren''t for Dali''s help, I would''ve died at the hands of Jian San!"


    After pondering for a moment, Xiao Yi nodded, "Alright, then we''ll go to the capital together."


    "Thank you, big brother, thank you, sister-inw!"


    Niu Dali grinned, then his face showed a worried expression, "Big brother, we''ve raided the Sword Tomb, and the people from Mingjian Manor won''t let it go easily, right? I heard their manor master is a Golden Core Realm expert, if we fall into his hands, it will be a disaster for us!"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t worry, that manor master from the Mingjian Manor surely wasn''t in Mingjian City, otherwise, we wouldn''t have been able to escape. As long as we can reach the capital and enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy, even Mingjian Manor can''t do anything to us!"


    "Big brother is so wise!"


    "Cut the ttery. If you''re going to be my little brother, you need to be prepared to act like one. We haven''t eaten anything all day, go find us some food!" Xiao Yimanded.


    "Right away, on it!"


    Niu Dali scampered off.


    Xiao Yi took out the swords, nging them onto the ground, and began to count them one by one, "Two fourth-grade, seven third-grade, one hundred sixty-three second-grade swords, worth no less than eighty million silver. This trip to the Sword Tomb really paid off."


    "Eighty million plus?"


    Fang Qingzhu gasped in astonishment, such wealth could bepared to the total assets of the four great families of the past.


    Xiao Yi nodded, "Once we reach the Royal Capital, we will sell these Elemental Weapons, then I''ll find one that suits you!"


    It didn''t take long for Niu Dali to return.


    He was carrying a Firstyer Demon Beast Iron Leg Pig, his face beaming with a bright smile: "Big brother, sister-inw, you two just sit back and rest for a while, and let me show off my skills with the legendary roasted whole pig!"


    While saying this, Niu Dali busied himself with starting a fire and roasting the meat.


    Xiao Yi couldn''t bother about him and took out the Fifth Grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword.


    Hum!


    Upon grasping the Fire Qilin Sword, a burst of fierce mes spat out instantly, scorching the ground into a charred patch where the sword''s edge passed.


    Hiss!


    Fang Qingzhu''s phoenix eyes widened in amazement, "Is this a Fifth Grade Yuan Bing? Just with its power erupting casually, it''s already this terrifying. If it were fully refined, how powerful would it be!"


    "Do you want to see? I''ll refine it right now, andter let you see how powerful it is," Xiao Yi fondled Fang Qingzhu''s head, his eyes filled with doting affection, smiling as he spoke.


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    Xiao Yi then sat down cross-legged to begin refining the Fire Qilin Sword.


    Fifth Grade Yuan Bing.


    Even within the Royal Capital, it was considered a first-ss existence.


    If Xiao Yi could refine it andpletely master the Fire Qilin Sword, hisbat strength would undoubtedly climb to another level.


    Stay tuned to empire


    Under the shade of a nearby tree, Xiao Yi sat with legs crossed, refining the Fire Qilin Sword with a posture of ''five hearts facing the sky''.


    Before long, an hour had passed.


    The body of the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hands buzzed, radiating streaks of crimson light. Then the red light retracted inwards, disappearingpletely, and Xiao Yi opened his eyes. Holding the Fire Qilin Sword, he leaped up high and shed diagonally, sending out a red sword light that howled forth with a whoosh.


    Five meters away, a thousand-pound boulder was split cleanly into eight pieces.


    Hiss!


    Niu Dali stood agape, bewildered: "Holy shit, is this sword really this powerful?"


    Fang Qingzhu also followed, her face filled with admiration, "Xiao Yi, have you finished refining the Fire Qilin Sword?"


    Xiao Yi nodded with a smile, "I can wield it proficiently now, it''s indeed a fine sword!"


    "Big brother, did you really fully refine this Fifth Grade Yuan Bing?"


    Niu Dali looked at Xiao Yi in shock, shaking his head with a wry smile, "You really are a freak! As far as I know, it usually takes ten days to half a month for one to refine a Fifth Grade Yuan Bing, but you did it in an hour, how do you cultivate?"


    Looking at Niu Dali''s intive gaze, Xiao Yi smiled, about to speak, but his expression suddenly changed.


    His eyes narrowed sharply.


    The Fire Qilin Sword in his hand trembled, emitting a hot red glow.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Xiao Yi..."


    "Shush!"


    Xiao Yi made a silencing gesture, holding Fang Qingzhu protectively behind him, his eyes squinting into slits as he looked ahead.


    Thump, thump, thump...


    The urgent sound of galloping hooves grew louder as they approached.


    The ground trembled slightly, and pebbles on the ground kept bouncing.


    Suddenly...


    The sound of the hooves came to a fierce halt and then exploded into a sound several times louder, a cavalry troop of a hundred men riding through the forest swiftly, appearing before Xiao Yi and the others.


    The man at the forefront had an indifferent face, with a ck greatsword on his back, his eyes emitting an icy chill, fixating on the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand. The corner of his mouth twisted into a sinister cold smile, "The Fire Qilin Sword? It seems you are the ones who caused a great uproar at Mingjian Manor, audacious viins. The Sword God Guard Brigade is here, will you not surrender willingly?"

 Chapter 47 Sword God Guard Brigade

    The Sword God Guard Brigade, numbering a hundred men, each rode a white steed, the Python Blood Horses with python blood lineage.


    Each one was priceless.


    To build the Sword God Guard, Mingjian Manor had spared no expense.


    Their equipment alone wasparable to the royal guards.


    The person leading them was none other than Jian San, the third elder of the Mingjian Manor.


    Jian San''s gaze was icy as he looked at the Fire Qilin Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand, a fiery greed flickered deep in his eyes. The Fire Qilin Sword, housed in the Sword Tomb, was the treasured heirloom of the n, but even Mingjian Manor had never been able to bond with it despite years of effort. Yet now, Xiao Yi, a youth from the First Layer of the Shentong Realm, had imed the Fire Qilin Sword.


    As the saying goes, "The innocent man who carries a jade will be med for it."


    The corners of Jian San''s mouth curled upwards as he coldly said, "Boy, I personally led the Sword God Guard to chase you here, aren''t you going to surrender without a fight?"


    Niu Dali''s forehead was covered in cold sweat, which rolled off likerge beans and had already soaked his back. He said in a deep voice, "Big, big brother, why don''t we surrender? This is the Sword God Guard we''re dealing with, the three of us are no match for them..."


    Fang Qingzhu remained silent, simply standing by Xiao Yi''s side.


    Xiao Yi gently patted Fang Qingzhu''s hand, squinted at Jian San, and said, "So, you''re the third elder? May I ask what crime have Imitted?"


    Jian San replied coldly, "Stealing the treasured Fire Qilin Sword of our Mingjian Manor, isn''t that a crime?"


    "The Fire Qilin Sword was obtained from within the Sword Tomb, and your Mingjian Manor has explicitly stated that whoever can make a sword from the Sword Tomb recognize them as master can be its owner. Mingjian Manor won''t obstruct this, will it?" Xiao Yi said solemnly, his hand gripping the Fire Qilin Sword tightly, ready to execute his sword moves.


    The shamelessness of Mingjian Manor was clearly disyed by Jian San.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They would never talk rules with you.


    As Jian San said, expecting to take a high-grade famous sword from the Sword Tomb without any backing was nothing less than a fool''s dream!


    Xiao Yi believed that Jian San was no different.


    His previous words were merely a dying tactic.


    Indeed...


    After hearing Xiao Yi''s words, Jian San burst intoughter, his face filled with mockery. He leaned on his horse''s back and said with a sneer, "Kid, you''re truly na?ve. Haven''t I told you before that not just anyone can take a famous sword from our Mingjian Manor? If that were so, our Mingjian Manor, no matter how powerful our sword forging capability, would still be overwhelmed and ruined!"


    "Enough of your thering, hand over the Fire Qilin Sword, and I might leave you a whole corpse..." Jian San said coldly.


    Xiao Yi sighed and said, "Well, it seems like the Fire Qilin Sword is not fated to be mine. Then I''ll give it back to you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Jian San was startled, then heughed out loud, saying, "Not bad, not bad, you are quite sensible." He turned to the two Sword God Guard powerhouses beside him, "You, go get the Fire Qilin Sword, and tie them up while you''re at it!"


    "Yes!"


    The two powerhouses of the Sword God Guard rode forward, looking down on Xiao Yi from their high horses, and with a swish, threw down a rope, "Hand over the Fire Qilin Sword and tie yourselves up!"


    However...


    The-face-that-had-been-creased-in-woe Xiao Yi now showed a trace of icy coldness. With a flourish of his arm, a sh of sword light cut down the two Sword God Guard powerhouses from their horses. Grabbing Fang Qingzhu, he mounted a horse and shouted to the stunned Niu Dali, "What are you waiting for? Mount up, and run!"


    "Ah? Oh..."


    Niu Dali quickly mounted as well.


    Whipping their horses...


    The trio fled on two horses.


    Jian San: "..."


    The entire Sword God Guard: "..."


    Looking at the two cold corpses on the ground, Jian San''s face twisted with ferocious rage as he roared, "Damn it, chase after them! That brat dares to y me for a fool, I''ll have him torn to pieces!"


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Xiao Yi and his twopanions were fleeing madly ahead, with the Sword God Guard Brigade hot on their heels.


    During their frantic escape,


    a merchant caravan appeared up ahead, with several horse-drawn wagons and about several dozen guards apanying them. Sensing the sound of approaching hoofbeats from behind, the head guard, Chen Jie, changed expression, drew his longsword, and roared, "Ambush! Defend!"


    ng, ng!


    The guards unsheathed their weapons in unison, watching Xiao Yi and his party warily.


    "Make way, people ahead!" Xiao Yi shouted loudly.


    From behind, Jian San, seeing Xiao Yi getting further away, shouted, "Listen, people up front, we are from the Sword God Guard Brigade of Mingjian Manor, in pursuit of criminals. Please help us stop them, and Mingjian Manor will repay you handsomely!"


    Chen Jie''s face underwent a slight change as he nced at the middle wagon.


    His mission was simply to escort the person and goods within the wagon and he didn''t wish to court trouble.


    However...


    Just as Chen Jie was about to step aside, a sprightly voice came from inside the wagon, "Mingjian Manor? This youngdy has had the pleasure of meeting young master Huang Zijian from Mingjian Manor. Chen Jie, take your men and stop those three! If we can owe Mingjian Manor a favor, it will be more convenient to cooperate with them in the future!"


    "Chen Di, it''s better we don''t get involved in this mess..." another voice from the wagon cautioned.


    "Shut up!"


    The owner of the previous voice, Chen Di, spoke impatiently, "You spineless coward, always afraid of this and that, how can you ever achieve anything great? Chen Jie, what are you waiting for? Don''t just stand there, attack!"


    "Yes!"


    Chen Jie let out a helpless sigh and bellowed, "Stop them!"


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!


    The group of guards acted in unison, forming a line across the official road, blocking Xiao Yi''s path.


    Whoa!


    Xiao Yi pulled hard on the reins. The Sword God Guard Brigade was gaining from behind, while Chen Jie and his men blocked the road ahead. Xiao Yi spoke in a deep voice, "Brother, I bear you no grudge, and this is a personal grievance between myself and Mingjian Manor. Please step aside and let us pass!"


    Read new adventures at empire


    Chen Jie did not speak.


    Chen Di''s coldugh emerged from within the wagon, "This youngdy has had the pleasure of encountering young master Huang Zijian from Mingjian Manor, and I know well that Mingjian Manor has always cherished its reputation, acting with justice and integrity. If the Sword God Guard Brigade is pursuing you, you must be extremely vile criminals. As martial artists, we have the duty to act chivalrously and uphold justice on behalf of the heavens!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Fang Qingzhu: "..."


    Niu Dali, fuming with nostrils ring, bellowed, "To hell with upholding justice on behalf of the heavens, you prattle without knowing the actual truth. If you have the guts,e out here, and I, old Niu, will punch your head into pieces!"


    Whoosh!


    Chen Di emerged from the wagon with a sullen face, her venomous gaze fixed on Xiao Yi and hispany, "Hmph, this youngdy is standing right here. Let''s see you try to smash my head!"


    "You..."


    Niu Dali''s face turned shades of red and white.


    Thud, thud, thud!


    The sound of approaching hoofbeats grew louder, apanied by Jian San''s triumphant voice, "Hahaha, friends up ahead, thanks for your assistance. Three little runts, your end is sealed..."


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened as if it could drip water, and he said in a grave tone, "I''m asking onest time, step aside!"


    "Hmph, what if I don''t?" Chen Di retorted confidently.


    Xiao Yi exhaled a long breath of turbid air, and said coldly, "Since you won''t move, then prepare to die!"

 Chapter 48 First Visit to the Royal Capital

    "If you won''t yield, then go to die!"


    Xiao Yi''s voice was filled with a chilling intent to kill.


    He had already spoken in good faith, but the other party wouldn''t give an inch.


    The Sword God Guard Brigade was getting closer and closer behind them.


    If they got caught between the two forces, the three of them were certainly heading down a path of no return.


    Facing Xiao Yi''s threat, Chen Jie''s expression turned grave, while Chen Di was fearless and mocking, "Die? Hahaha, you''re delusional. Just with you three? Among my guards, there are six at the Divine Passage Realm, and Chen Jie who leads them is a powerhouse at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Who do you think you are? Hoping to kill all of us? Dream on..."


    While speaking,


    Chen Di nced at Chen Jie with an air of indifference and said, "Chen Jie, cripple this brat for me, cut off his tongue, and gouge out his eyes. I want to see what he''s capable of that he dares to threaten me like this!"


    "Yes!"


    Chen Jie took a deep breath and looked at Xiao Yi, "An order from the master cannot be disobeyed, I apologize! But rest assured, I''ll make it quick for you!"


    Whoosh!


    The moment Chen Jie finished speaking, he swiftly thrust with his sword.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Being at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm and particrly confident in his exquisite sword technique, he hadplete confidence in himself.


    However...


    Against Chen Jie''s rapid and relentless assault, Xiao Yi just let out a cold snort, and his Fire Qilin Sword cleaved through the air with a sh.


    ng!


    A crisp sound echoed.


    Chen Jie''s figure suddenly halted.


    His longsword dropped to the ground with a ng, and his mighty steed continued forward two steps before copsing, with both horse and rider being split in half.


    They had been cleaved in two by a single stroke of Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Hiss!


    The group of guards looked at each other in shock.


    Chen Di fell off the carriage with a thud, his face a picture of befuddled horror as he looked at Chen Jie, split into two halves, "This, this, how is this possible? Chen Jie was at the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, and this kid is merely at the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, how can he be so strong..."


    Xiao Yi looked coldly at the remaining guards, "Scram, or die!"


    Whoosh!


    The guards dared not to obstruct any further.


    They stepped back one after another.


    Xiao Yi and his twopanions spurred their horses and galloped away, raising a cloud of dust behind them.


    A momentter...


    Jian San and his men finally caught up, only to see Xiao Yi and his friends disappearing into the distance. He was unable to contain his fury, ring at Chen Di, "What happened here? Weren''t you supposed to stop them? Why did you let them go?"


    Chen Di stuttered, "This, this lord, just now that young man was surprisingly strong, even the captain of my guards was in by his sword, so... so..."


    p!


    Jian San pped him across the face, sending Chen Di tumbling to the ground, and bellowed with a dark face, "Useless, all of you are useless... Your guards are nothing but cannon fodder, even if all had died, what would it matter? But now, you''ve let them get away for nothing... Men, kill all these wretches, leave none alive!"


    "No. Don''t..."


    Chen Di''s face immediately turned pale, devoid of any color, as he knelt on the ground and yelled.


    Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!


    The Sword God Guard Brigade, in their rage, frantically began ying Chen Di''s guards.


    Chen Di, hisplexion drained of color, reeked of fear and had evidentlypletely lost control of his dder.


    "Elder, what should we do with this woman?" a guard asked.


    Jian San responded coldly, "Kill her!"


    ng!


    The guard raised his longsword.


    Just then...


    Huo Zhen suddenly burst out from the carriage, shielding Chen Di and shouting, "Lord, my young miss is acquainted with Mr. Huang Zijian, please consider Mr. Huang''s face and spare us!"


    "Hmm?"


    The guard hesitated, looking towards Jian San.


    Jian San squinted his eyes and asked, "You know Mr. Huang?"


    "Yes, yes..."


    Huo Zhen hastily nodded.


    Jian San stroked his chin and said, "Well then, since you know Mr. Huang, I''ll spare you this time. However, our Sword God Guard Brigade has been inconvenienced by you all, and these goods shall serve aspensation; we''re taking them!"


    "This is uneptable..." Chen Di''splexion changed.


    "What did you say?" Jian San narrowed his eyes, staring at him.


    Huo Zhen quickly covered Chen Di''s mouth and said with a forced smile, "It''s okay, it''s okay, you take it, please!"


    "Hmph!"


    Jian San snorted coldly, eyes still narrowed as he looked in the direction Xiao Yi and the others had left. "After half a day''s journey, we''ll arrive at the royal city, but at their current speed, we won''t catch up. No matter, we''ll head back to Mingjian Manor first and inform the master to see what to do next!"


    Then,


    The Sword God Guard Brigade, along with the Chen Family''s goods, made their departure.


    For a time,


    all that remained on the imperial road were Chen Di and Huo Zhen.


    Chen Di slumped to the ground, while Huo Zhen said with a look of pity, "Cousin, don''t be sad..."


    p!


    With a backhand p, Chen Di struck Huo Zhen fiercely across the face, ring at him with disgust and contempt in her eyes, "You''re useless, hiding in the carriage just now, and nowing out tofort me? You and those three bastards all deserve to die..."


    "Cousin, it''s, it''s not their fault. If you hadn''t insisted on stopping them, none of this would have happened..." Huo Zhen said with a mournful expression.


    p!


    Experience tales at empire


    "Whose fault is it then if not theirs? They offended Sword Mountain Manor and got chased; they should simply have stopped and let Sword Mountain Manor capture them. Not only would we not have been implicated, but we could have also gained Sword Mountain Manor''s favor. But they resisted, causing us to suffer Sword Mountain Manor''s wrath..."


    Chen Di pped him again, her eyes full of hatred and ferocity. As far as she was concerned, once Chen Jie made his move to stop them, Xiao Yi and his group should have surrendered. But Xiao Yi resisted, filling Chen Di with resentment. She gritted her teeth and said, "I''ve memorized that kid''s face. Even if he turns to ashes, I won''t forget him... He''d better pray he never meets me again, or I will tear him limb from limb... I will make him wish for death that he will not find!"


    ...


    Huo Zhen opened his mouth, but the burning pain on his face stopped him from saying anything further.


    Chen Di shakily got up, ring at Huo Zhen, "What are you standing there for? Aren''t you going to drive the carriage and take me home?"


    "Yes, yes..."


    With a face full of resignation, Huo Zhen obediently took control of the carriage and headed towards the royal city.


    Meanwhile,


    Xiao Yi and his group were racing on their python-blood steeds, and after half a day''s travel, they finally saw the majestic royal city.


    "We''ve finally arrived!"


    "Once we''re in the royal city, Sword Mountain Manor will surely hesitate to take action..."


    Xiao Yi and the others heaved a sigh of relief.


    Momentster,


    They arrived at the city gate; facing the vast city, especially a gate five to six timesrger than Nanhuang City, Fang Qingzhu couldn''t help but express in awe, "This is truly the royal city; it''s so grand, so prosperous..."


    "Cut it out, what country bumpkin is this,ing to the city for the first time?" an inopportune voice remarked from the side, belonging to a young man in brocade, with a look of scorn.


    Fang Qingzhu''s expression dimmed, feeling as if she had embarrassed Xiao Yi, and she lowered her head.


    Xiao Yi held Fang Qingzhu''s gentle hand and said with a lightugh, "Don''t mind what others say; just being ourselves is enough."


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    As the young man opened his mouth, Niu Dali red back at him with a fierce look.


    The young man''s breath caught.


    Anger shed across his face. Just as he was about to speak, a luxurious carriage slowly approached. The young man''s face was filled with envy, "Damn, that''s the highest-ss carriage from Treasure Pavilion, worth over a million silver each. I wonder who owns it... If I could just touch this kind of carriage once in my life, dying would be worth it!"


    As soon as he finished speaking,


    The carriage stopped right beside Xiao Yi and the others, and the elder driving it approached respectfully, "May I ask if you are Xiao Yi, sir?"


    "I am!" Xiao Yi nodded and asked, "And you are?"


    The elder''s face shone with a bright smile, "This humble servantes at themand of Miss Xue''er, waiting especially for you, sir. The young mistress awaits you at her residence; would you please board the carriage?"


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi, leading Fang Qingzhu, boarded the carriage.


    Before boarding, Niu Dali nced at the dumbfounded young man and teased, "Want toe over for a touch?"


    Thud!


    The young man copsed to the ground, his face burning with pain, "..."


    He''d never expected that the so-called country bumpkins were actually the owners of the sumptuous carriage he''d dreamed of touching...


    What a disgraceful turn of events!

 Chapter 49 Lingering Spirit

    Treasure Pavilion in Wangdu.


    This was not something that could bepared to any branch in Nanhuang, the facade alone was much taller than the city gates of Nanhuang City, and the interior decorations were even more luxurious.


    The area in front served as the business district, while the back was a luxury residential area.


    The high-ranking members of the Treasure Pavilion lived in this particr area.


    Xue''er''s home was among them.


    The carriage slowly came to a stop in front of Xue''er''s house, and the old man said with a smile, "Xiao, the young miss instructed that upon your arrival, you may directly enter."


    "Thank you!"


    Xiao Yi took out one hundred silver taels and handed them to the old man, smiling as he spoke.


    The old man hastily waved his hands, "This really isn''t necessary..."


    "It''s fine! You just take it," Xiao Yi said with a smile.


    The old man wore a grateful expression, "Thank you, young master!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, the guards at the door recognized the old man, and as they saw Xiao Yi and the two others get off the carriage, they came forward to greet them, "Xiao, please follow me!"


    They walked through abyrinth-like corridor and arrived at the back courtyard.


    Xue''er, donning a white long dress, was sitting in the garden, supporting her cheek with her delicate hand, her eyes fixed on the glimmering ripples on the water''s surface. The guard''s voice reached from outside, "Miss, Xiao has arrived!"


    "Ah?"


    Xue''er was startled, then came back to her senses and saw Xiao Yi and the three people arriving. A bright smile appeared on her face, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu, you''ve finallye, Xue''er has been waiting for you for quite some days!"


    She walked forward and took Fang Qingzhu''s hand, her face full of happiness.


    "Xue''er, what were you just looking at?" Fang Qingzhu asked curiously.


    Xue''er stuck out her tongue, "Nothing! It''s just that you weren''t here, and I was so bored... Qingzhu, your timing is just perfect... Tomorrow night, there will be a grand auction at the Wangdu Auction House, and I''ll take you both there to look around!"


    "The Wangdu Auction House?"


    "An auction? Xue''er, does that auction ept elemental weapons?" Xiao Yi asked.


    He now had a bunch of elemental weapons in his possession, including two fourth-grade ones. Although they were worth over eighty million, they were just a pile of scrap metal if he couldn''t sell them!


    Xue''er was surprised and curiously asked, "Xiao Yi, do you have elemental weapons to sell?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I''ve got some elemental weapons and was worrying about how to sell them."


    Xue''er said, "Xiao Yi, I''ve arranged a reception banquet for you tonight. You give me the elemental weapons, and I''ll have someone take them to the Wangdu Auction House for an appraisal. If the price is right, we''ll let them auction it off, how about that?"


    "No problem!"


    Xiao Yi smiled and handed over a pile of elemental weapons to Xue''er. He found searching for buyers too troublesome and was d to have Xue''er handle it for him.


    Xue''er immediately called a guard and instructed him to take the elemental weapons to the Wangdu Auction House. She then led Xiao Yi and the others to the dining hall. She had been preparing for this reception banquet since she returned to Wangdu and didn''t call many people, just a young man dressed in fine clothes, with a handsome and distinguished appearance.


    Xue''er introduced them with a smile, "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu, Uncle Dali..." She directly ignored Niu Dali''s sorrowful gaze and continued, "This is Qi..."


    Before Xue''er could finish the introduction.


    The young man stepped forward with a smile and greeted the three with a bow, "My name is Jiang Tai, but everyone is ustomed to calling me Qi Shao!"


    "Nice to meet you, Jiang!"


    "Greetings, Qi Shao!"


    After exchanging greetings, they took their seats.


    The wine flowed and the courses continued, one after another.


    Jiang Tai raised his ss in a toast to Xiao Yi, smiling as he asked, "Xiao Brother, I often hear Xue''er talk about your heroic deeds. If it weren''t for your timely intervention at the Southern Deste Mountain Range, that girl would have suffered a terrible fate!"


    "Brother Jiang Tai, you..." Xue''er looked at him with an aggrieved face.


    "Hahaha..."


    Jiang Taiughed nonchntly and then turned to Xiao Yi, asking meaningfully, "Xiao Brother, Xue''er mentioned that you are interested in applying to the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "I do have that intention!"


    Jiang Tai eximed with a hint of regret, "What a pity, I don''t really have any acquaintances at the Royal Martial Arts Academy... However, if you are interested, I could certainly rmend you to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    "The Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Hasn''t it been in decline for many years? What''s the use of going there..." Niu Dali said, puzzled.


    Xiao Yi nced at him and said with a smile, "Let''s try the Royal Martial Arts Academy first. If it really doesn''t work out, I''ll definitely have to bother Brother Jiang then!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Don''t mention it!"


    The meal passed in a harmonious atmosphere, and everyone dispersed afterwards.


    The night passed without event.


    Next morning.


    Read exclusive content at empire


    With an invitation card and a golden card in hand, Xue''er found Xiao Yi, who was practicing in the courtyard at dawn, "Brother Xiao Yi, there''s news from the Royal Martial Arts Academy... Those valuable soldiers they are providing two options, one is consignment, your share will be based on the auction price. The other is to buy them outright for one billion silver. They''ve already brought the money over, which option do you choose?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "Buy them outright for one billion silver?"


    By his estimation, those valuable soldiers were worth only about eighty million, and the other party was offering a direct price of one billion?


    Xiao Yi looked at Xue''er and thought to himself, "Probably because they want to favor Xue''er."


    Reluctant to bother with it, he said, "Just sell them outright!"


    "Alrighty!"


    Xue''er handed the golden card to Xiao Yi, and then the invitation, "This is for the auction tonight, but I have something to do and can''t make it, so you''ll have to take Sister Qingzhu and the others!"


    "No problem!"


    Xiao Yi said with a smile, "You go ahead with your business!"


    "Mhm!"


    With a sweet smile, Xue''er bounced out of the courtyard and waved her hand at Xiao Yi without turning back, "Brother Xiao Yi, you should rest! I''m going to take Sister Qingzhu out for a stroll in the city. You haven''t even bought her a few pieces of jewelry; I''m really going to look down on you..."


    Watching the sprite-like Xue''er hop away, Xiao Yi touched his nose and said half-jokingly, "This girl¡­ she insisted on staying in the same room with Qingzhust night, and I haven''t even seen Qingzhu this morning, and you''re already taking her out shopping?"


    He shook his head lightly.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged in the small courtyard and continued to immerse himself in his cultivation.


    By the time Fang Qingzhu returned, it was nearly evening, and Xiao Yi and hispanions took a carriage straight to the Royal Martial Arts Institute''s auction house.


    As he presented the invitation, the guard at the door became noticeably more respectful: "So it''s Xiao, Xu has already instructed us that, should Xiao arrive, please have him take a seat directly in the VIP area!"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow.


    VIP area?


    Although he was not very familiar with the Royal Auction House, he knew just how coveted the seats in the VIP area were.


    Could it just be because of the valuable soldiers he sold?


    However, considering the disposition of the Royal Auction House, those soldiers shouldn''t be enough for them to pay such special attention to him, should they?


    While Xiao Yi was musing, a hauntingly familiar voice suddenly came from behind, "Why are you guys here too?"

 Chapter 50 Auction House

    "Eh? You''re here too?"


    A surprised voice interrupted the trio''s conversation.


    Xiao Yi looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhang Kang watching them with a look of disdain on his face.


    Chen Di and Huo Zhen followed behind Zhang Kang.


    Huo Zhen nodded towards the three as a greeting.


    Chen Di, with a look of contempt, sneered, "Uncle Zhang, it seems that the Imperial City Auction House is really going downhill under the pressure of your Treasure Pavilion, allowing just anyone to join the auction, eh?"


    "Xu Lai is truly getting worse at handling things, cing such people next to me. The Imperial City Auction House will really fall into decline under his management."


    Zhang Kang also showed a face of disgust, waving over to two guards not far away. Once they approached, he said, "Tell your manager Xu to throw these three out, or at least move them to a corner. They''re a blight on my sight!"


    Chen Di arrogantly said, "They''re just country bumpkins from some backwater vige, what money would they have to attend your auction?"


    "This..."


    The two guards looked at each other and said, "Manager Zhang, we''re terribly sorry, we''ll go and call Manager Xu right away!"


    A few momentster.


    Xu Lai arrived in front of them, greeting Zhang Kang with a friendly smile: "Manager Zhang, you honor us with your presence; apologies for not weing you from farther away!"


    Although the two parties werepetitors, they maintained a cordial facade on the surface.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zhang Kang spoke indifferently, "Manager Xu, you''re not being very fair in the way you handle things! I could overlook not being assigned a private box, but to have these three country bumpkins seated next to me is an insult to me, Zhang Kang, isn''t it?"


    Chen Di chimed in from the side, "Yeah, Manager Xu, just look at the three of them, their clothes and taste don''t resemble that of high society. Look at that woman; she doesn''t even have a single decent piece of jewelry on her. These lowly people should be..."


    p!


    Before he could finish.


    Chen Di''s face was struck by a p, the bright red mark bringing a burning pain.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his gaze as if choosing his prey, and spoke deliberately, "Say another word, and I''ll kill you!"


    "You, you dare to hit me? You..." Chen Di''s eyes were filled with rage and despair as he roared.


    Zhang Kang was furious, "Boy, you are too presumptuous!" He turned to Xu Lai, "Manager Xu, this incident happened in your Imperial City Auction House, aren''t you going to intervene?"


    Xu Lai looked at Zhang Kang coldly and said indifferently, "Indeed, this matter requires attention!"


    Chen Di looked at Xiao Yi triumphantly, "Kid, did you hear Manager Xu''s words? Aren''t you going to kneel down and apologize to your grandma..."


    p!


    Another p resounded.


    However, this time it was not Xiao Yi who struck, but Xu Lai.


    He stared at the trio with a cold face and said, each word enunciated clearly, "Any guest who enters the Imperial City Auction House is a distinguished guest, and we treat all guests without discrimination. If you feel humiliated sitting here, feel free to leave on your own. Whoever dares to point fingers at our guests will have to deal with me. What''s more, in my eyes, Lin Lai, you don''t even qualify to carry Xiao''s shoes!"


    "You, I..."


    Chen Di''s face alternated between green and white.


    She never imagined that Xu Lai would side with Xiao Yi and hispanions. Her eyes were bloodshot, filled with grievance and confusion.


    In her view, having the support of a seat like Zhang Kang''s should have made her status much higher than Xiao Yi''s.


    Lin Lai should have been on her side.


    But instead, Lin Laipletely disregarded her and showed Xiao Yi utmost respect.


    Zhang Kang''s gaze shifted repeatedly, knowing this was Lin Lai''s territory; he saw no need to antagonize Lin Lai over Chen Di and snorted coldly, "Fine, since Manager Xu said so, I naturally can''t disregard his face." He promptly sat down to the side, and seeing Zhang Kang keep silent, Chen Di naturally did not dare to speak another word.


    Only Huo Zhen was left on the side, quietly sighing and nodding at Xiao Yi, mouthing an apology.


    Xiao Yi nodded slightly in response.


    Xu Lai asked, "Xiao, would you like me to change their seats?"


    Hiss!


    Zhang Kang and hispanions'' faces turned pale at once.


    If Xu Lai had pped her because Xiao Yi was also there to participate in the auction, it was to show a gesture to the other guests.


    But now...


    Xu Lai actually showed such sincere respect towards Xiao Yi, which undoubtedly indicated there were other, deeper reasons.


    This young man must be extraordinary!


    Realizing this, Zhang Kang red fiercely at Chen Di, "Didn''t you say they were just country bumpkins who had never seen the world?"


    Chen Di looked wronged, "I, I didn''t know either..."


    Zhang Kang was speechless.


    A momentter.


    The auction officially began.


    As each item was presented on stage, Xiao Yi showed no interest in any of them, and thus never made a move.


    In contrast, Chen Di had already helped Huo Zhen bid for a third-grade Element Weapon, costing over two million Silver, her face was full of smugness as she provocatively looked at Xiao Yi and his group, "Who else in the first row hasn''t bid for anything? Just you three country bumpkins, are you purely here to watch the show?"


    Xiao Yi nced at her, "Talk nonsense again, and I''ll tear your mouth apart!"


    "I..."


    Chen Di opened her mouth but then, remembering the p Xiao Yi had delivered without mercy earlier, she swallowed her words back down.


    Xiao Yi paid no attention to Chen Di and instead focused on the auction stage.


    "The next Element Weapon is a whip, named Purple Dragon. It is said to be crafted from the tendons of a demonic beast with the bloodline of a Purple Dragon, known as Purple Blood Jiao, and is a fourth-grade Element Weapon. The starting bid is five million Silver, is anyone interested?" the auctioneer said.


    "Five million!"


    "Five million five hundred thousand..."


    One after another, powerful individuals ced their bids.


    Quietly holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, Xiao Yi chuckled, "Do you like it?"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded.


    Xiao Yi then dered, "Ten million!"


    Hisss!


    The crowd sucked in a breath of cold air.


    Ten million Silver?


    This was already close to the limit value of the Purple Dragon Whip. The auctioneer, excited, eximed, "Ten million Silver for the first time, ten million Silver for the second time... any higher bids? Ten million Silver for the third time, sold!"


    The moment the auction hammer fell, Chen Di shouted, "Wait a moment!" Continue your saga on empire


    All eyes turned toward Chen Di.


    Pointing at Xiao Yi, Chen Di angrily dered, "They definitely can''t produce ten million Silver; he''s deliberately driving up the price!"


    "What?"


    "Someone is deliberately raising the price? Daring to cause trouble in the Capital''s auction house, does this kid no longer wish to live?"


    Faced with everyone''s questioning,


    Xiao Yi delivered a p, "smack," flipping Chen Di onto the ground. In a sh, he was by her side, his foot grinding her face into the ground for a few seconds as he spoke coldly, "Do you really think I wouldn''t dare to kill you?"


    "Xiao, please wait!"


    Xu rushed over, wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, "Xiao, may I ask for a favor for my sake?"


    Though the Royal Capital''s auction house had the royal family as its backing, Chen Di''s status was not simple either; if she died here, it would ultimately bring trouble to him.


    Xiao Yi frowned.


    Huo Zhen stepped forward and said, "Xiao, please let Chen Di off this time. I promise she won''t provoke you again!"


    "Huo Zhen, why are you pleading with him? My father is a third-grade officer in the current administration. I don''t believe he''d really dare to kill me..."


    Chen Di was gnashing her teeth, venomously shouting, "Bastard, you''d better let me go now, and then kneel down and apologize to me. Otherwise, when my father takes action, I''m going to have you chopped into a thousand pieces. And that cheap woman with you, I''ll sell her to a brothel..."


    Before she could finish speaking,


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi stomped down, crushing Chen Di''s head...

 Chapter 51 Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array

    ```


    Hiss!


    Panic spread throughout the auction house.


    Xiao Yi actually killed Chen Di?


    This was a murder in the capital city''s auction house!


    Since the creation of the capital''s auction house, no one had ever dared tomit murder here.


    "Has this kid gone mad?"


    "He actually killed someone in front of Xu, the manager. Is he tired of living?"


    The crowd murmured among themselves.


    Huo Zhen and Zhang Kang were utterly dumbfounded. They had never anticipated that Xiao Yi would really kill Chen Di right in front of them. Huo Zhen felt dizzy and the world seemed to spin around him. Chen Di was his cousin, and now she had been in by Xiao Yi right before his eyes.


    He could not shirk his responsibility!


    Zhang Kang''s face was also gloomy. He was friends with Chen Di''s father, but now...


    Zhang Kang, with a sullen expression, turned to Xu Lai: "Manager Xu, this incident happened in your auction house. You must give me a satisfactory answer!"


    Despite being shocked, Xu Lai also regained hisposure. Under normal circumstances, he would have handed over Xiao Yi immediately, but the Seventh Prince had already instructed him to be on good terms with Xiao Yi. Keeping this in mind, he spoke in a deep voice: "I don''t think there is anything wrong with what Master Xiao did. The whole incident was a baseless usation concocted by Miss Chen to nder Master Xiao!"


    "What do you mean?" Zhang Kang frowned.


    Xu Lai said indifferently: "With a personal wealth of over a hundred million silver, why would Master Xiao stoop to deceit over a mere ten million? Miss Chen tantly framed and insulted Master Xiao; she brought this upon herself. You can''t me others!"


    "What? A worth of over a hundred million?"


    "So young and already possessing over a hundred million in wealth, who is this nobleman?"


    The crowd inhaled sharply. Suddenly, no one spoke up for Chen Di anymore.


    His worth was over a hundred million.


    Yet you publicly called him a country bumpkin, randomly driving up prices!


    Isn''t that asking for death?


    Zhang Kang''s face turned even uglier. He suddenly remembered when Xiao Yi attempted to sell him some elemental weapons previously. If Xiao Yi was indeed so wealthy, would those weapons be of low quality? Zhang Kang could only feel resentful towards Chen Di: "That foolish woman has caused my downfall..."


    Huo Zhen was the only one looking utterly dejected.


    He hade to the capital to depend on the Chen Family, but now Chen Di was dead before him, and not being killed by the Chen Family in a fit of rage was already the best possible oue.


    Xiao Yi, however, did not pay any attention to all of this. He calmly sat back down, collected the ten million silver, and handed over the Purple Dragon Whip to Fang Qingzhu: "Qingzhu, this is a gift for you!"


    "Thank you, Xiao Yi!" Fang Qingzhu said with a smile as she epted the Purple Dragon Whip.


    The auction thereafter became somewhat uninteresting.


    Just as Xiao Yi was preparing to leave,


    Another item that piqued his interest appeared on the auction stage¡ªit was an Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. The auctioneer excitedly announced, "This Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, crafted by the great array master Ouyang Shang with a clump of earth fire at its core, can increase the speed of refining medicinal pills by a hundredfold with an effectsting for 24 hours. The starting bid is ten million silver!"


    Interest fading, Xiao Yi''s expression suddenly became intense.


    A hundredfold refining effect?


    He currently held a Golden Core from the Iron de King, which he had been refining for several days, but the progress was slow.


    But if he had the hundredfold effect of this Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, even if it onlysted for 24 hours, it would be equivalent to a hundred days of refinement for him. A hundred days would allow him to refine one third of the Golden Core''s energy.


    It would be enough to help him step into the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm, or even the fourth.


    The price at the auction had already reached thirty-five million, and the person bidding was Zhang Kang. He raised his hands to greet the crowd, "Ladies and gentlemen, I must have this Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. I hope you will do me the courtesy of letting me have it!"


    "With Manager Zhang speaking, we naturally yield to you!"


    "We won''tpete!"


    Just as Zhang Kang was basking in his anticipated victory, Xiao Yi opened his mouth and said: "Forty million."


    Hiss!


    The crowd sucked in their breaths again.


    ```


    Zhang Kang is the chief steward of Treasure Pavilion, whom among the crowd wouldn''t give him some face?


    Xiao Yi actually dared to bid against him?


    Zhang Kang''s face darkened as he stared at Xiao Yi, "Kid, are you deliberately opposing me?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xiao Yi replied with an innocent face, "In an auction, isn''t the item awarded to the highest bidder? Since when did it be whoever shouts the loudest gets the item?"


    "You..."


    Zhang Kang felt his face turn hot with anger, never expecting to be looked down upon by Xiao Yi, and said with a somber face, "Competing in wealth? Do you think I, Zhang Kang, would be afraid of you? Fifty million!"


    "Fifty-five million!"


    "Sixty million..."


    The bidding went on.


    Finally, when it reached seventy million, Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I will only go as high as seventy million, if you bid higher, it''s yours!"


    "Seventy million... I..." Zhang Kang gnashed his teeth in frustration.


    His money wasn''t his own, but belonged to Treasure Pavilion.


    Your next read awaits at empire


    The real value of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array was only around fifty million, seventy million had already far exceeded the value he could justify; with a cold snort, his eyes revealing a venomous look, he gritted his teeth and said, "Kid, you''re ruthless. We''ll see about this!"


    "Take your time, I won''t see you out!" Niu Dali burst into loudughter.


    Zhang Kang nearly stumbled in anger.


    After paying seventy million Silver, he bought the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array.


    As Xiao Yi and the two others were about to leave, Xu Lai took the initiative to approach them, "Sir Xiao, a distinguished guest wishes to meet with you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, then said, "Lead the way!"


    "Please!"


    Xu Lai led the trio to one of the VIP rooms, where only a young man with a handsome and noble aura was present. Upon seeing Xiao Yi arrive, he stood up with a smile, "I am Jiang Tai, pleased to meet you, Sir Xiao!"


    "Jiang Tai? Are you His Highness, the Seventh Prince?" Niu Dali eximed in surprise.


    Jiang Tai smiled, "Indeed, that''s me!"


    Xiao Yi nodded, "May I know what brings His Highness to seek me out?"


    Jiang Tai said solemnly, "Sir Xiao..."


    Xiao Yi said, "Just call me Xiao Yi, Your Highness!"


    "This... very well, Xiao Yi!" Jiang Tai nodded, and said earnestly, "Xiao Yi, I would like to invite you to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy."


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?" Xiao Yi was taken aback.


    Niu Dali interjected, "Big brother, I have heard of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy... Before the Royal Martial Arts Academy rose to prominence, it was the strongest Martial Arts Institute in Tianqing Kingdom. However, it has been suppressed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy in recent years..."


    Jiang Tai gave a bitter smile and said, "Brother Dali is right, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has indeed been suppressed by the Royal Martial Arts Academy over the years. However, if you Xiao Yi are willing to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I assure you the highest standard of treatment!"


    Xiao Yi bowed and replied, "I apologize, but I have already promised Elder Wang that I will go to the Royal Martial Arts Academy."


    "Elder Wang?"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback, as the name Wang Zhiyuan was renowned, and then he gave a wry smile, "I didn''t expect that Brother Xiao Yi had already caught the favor of Elder Wang, it seems that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has no fate with you!"


    Xiao Yi nced at him apologetically.


    Jiang Tai shook his head indicating it was okay, then said, "Brother Xiao Yi, I heard from Steward Xu that you bought that Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array? It''s not easy to use such an array in ordinary ces, so if you wouldn''t mind, you can cultivate inside the training room of the auction house!"


    "Training room?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised and thought that since both he and Fang Qingzhu were at the Shentong Realm, refining the Golden Core would cause quite a disturbance. It would be inconvenient in an inn, so he said, "Then I''ll have to trouble the Seventh Prince!"


    "No trouble at all!"


    Xiao Yi then gave Niu Dali ten million Silver, saying, "Qingzhu and I need to go into closed-door training. This money is for you for now; I''ll repay what I oweter. Find us again in two days when it''s time for the trial at the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"

 Chapter 52 The Legacy of Dao Yan

    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu were escorted to the training room.


    Jiang Tai and Xu Lai stood outside the training room. Unable to contain himself, Xu Lai said, "Your Highness, previously you showed no intention of recruiting Xiao Yi, but after he killed Chen Di, you actively sought him. Why is that?"


    The Chen Family that Chen Di belonged to was only a second-rate family in the Royal City, but Chen Di''s father was in the prime of his life and had great potential for further advancement.


    As for Xiao Yi, he was only at the firstyer of the Shentong Realm.


    In Xu Lai''s view, offending the Chen Family for Xiao Yi''s sake was clearly not worth it.


    Jiang Tai said indifferently, "Elder Xu, do you know Xiao Yi''s identity?"


    "This..."


    Xu Lai shook his head.


    Narrowing his eyes, Jiang Tai said, "He is from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty. Although this news was suppressed by the Xiao Family and only a small number of people in Nanhuang City know about it, someone passed a message from Nanhuang City a few days ago. This Xiao Yi is not simple at all! When he first arrived in Nanhuang, he was only at the Physical Body Realm. But in just a few months, he stepped into the Shentong Realm. Even Jia Sichun of the Jia Family died at his hands..."


    "What? He reached the Shentong Realm in just a few months and killed Jia Sichun? How is that possible?" Xu Lai''s eyes widened in shock.


    Only then did he understand why Jiang Tai suddenly sought to recruit Xiao Yi.


    A genius who could step into the Shentong Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just a few short months would undoubtedly achieve limitless heights in the future.


    "For ordinary people, it certainly isn''t possible, but don''t forget that he has the same blood as that person..."


    Taking a deep breath and unable to hide the shock in his heart, Jiang Tai ended with a sigh, "It''s just a pity that he has already agreed to help Elder Wang. Since he is someone valued by Elder Wang, I cannot take him no matter what!"


    Wang Zhiyuan held very high prestige and status within the Tianqing Kingdom.


    Nowadays, the position of the Crown Prince of Tianqing Kingdom is still up for grabs, and any prince who could gain Wang Zhiyuan''s support would significantly increase his chances of obtaining the title of Crown Prince.


    He didn''t want to offend Wang Zhiyuan for Xiao Yi''s sake.


    Jiang Tai continued, "Since we cannot recruit him, then we should forge good karma with him. Letting him use this training room, if he remembers this kindness, maybe he can also be a great asset to me in the future!"


    Xu Lai nodded, then, recalling that Xiao Yi had not only killed Chen Di but also offended Zhang Kang, hesitated and said, "Your Highness, ording to what you said, hasn''t Xiao Yi already offended the Chen Family, Jia Family, and Zhang Kang? Any one of these parties is difficult to deal with, should we help him in secret?"


    "No need!"


    Jiang Tai waved his hand, his gaze calm and detached as he said, "The path to bing a strong warrior is never smooth sailing. If he can''t ovee these difficulties, it just proves that he does not have the qualifications to be my Jiang Tai''s chess piece!"


    ...


    Inside the training room.


    Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhu sat facing each other, their palms aligned with the Golden Core of the Iron de King between them.


    Previously, in order to break through to the Shentong Realm, the two had already refined one-fifth of the Golden Core''s energy and had both stepped into the Shentong Realm. Now, resuming cultivation, they were further elerating the process a hundredfold with the help of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array.


    It was likely that, by the end of this refining session, more than half of the energy of the Golden Core would be depleted.


    "Qingzhu, I''m about to activate the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array. If you can''t handle it, exit immediately. Understand?" Xiao Yi warned Fang Qingzhu earnestly as he stared at her.


    His physical body was strengthened by the power of the God Sealing Seed, much stronger than that of a warrior of the same level.


    Naturally, he could endure the onught of power.


    But Fang Qingzhu''s physical body was iparable to his, and her limit for enduring energy was naturally much lower.


    Fang Qingzhu nodded to show she understood.


    Xiao Yi flicked his finger, tossing an array g between them.


    A thread of Yuan energy surged into it.


    Hum!


    The array was immediately activated, and red beams of light appeared beneath them, with red lines forming a circr array te. Within the array te, the red light wove into gray array patterns.


    The light shone brilliantly, like celestial light, like divine brilliance, bathing their bodies.


    Both channeled their profound energies at the same time.


    They could feel a surge of immense power rush into their bodies from the Golden Core.


    With a hundredfold increase in refining speed.


    This allowed them to constantly and distinctly feel their strength skyrocketing.


    After one hour.


    Two hours.


    Three hours...


    Both of their cultivation levels continued to rise. In just eight hours, Xiao Yi''s cultivation had reached the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm, and Fang Qingzhu had also kept pace, reaching the same realm as him.


    However, Fang Qingzhu apparently was struggling to withstand the surge of energy, as the ice-blue phantom phoenix behind her manifested once again.


    Though it was but a fleeting appearance,


    it still managed to coat the training room with ayer of frost.


    Whoosh!


    Fang Qingzhu immediately exited the array, as the sudden two minor realm increases in cultivation overwhelmed her, and she sat cross-legged to the side to begin refining and stabilizing her own realm.


    Xiao Yi, however, was still absorbing the energy transferred from the Golden Core. Your next read awaits at empire


    When 24 hours had ended,


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation had reached the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, and his Golden Core had shrunk down by half from its original walnut size. Xiao Yi took a deep breath and ced the Golden Core into his storage ring, then he began guiding the primal energy into the God Sealing Seed.


    The God Sealing Seed burst forth with dazzling light as Xiao Yi was bathed in divine radiance.


    Four hundred and one.


    Four hundred and two...N?v(el)B\\jnn


    At the First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, his God Sealing Seed was activated with four hundred seeds, and now that he had reached the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he had added as many as six hundred more. He had a total of one thousand God Sealing Seeds in his body!


    Boom!


    When the primal energy, refined by the essence of the one thousand God Sealing Seeds, transformed into the power of the gods and fed back into his dantian,


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation became firmly established.


    Simultaneously...


    His consciousness suddenly entered the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, where one thousand God Sealing Seeds could now allow him to suppress another being; his gaze swept across until Xiao Yi found a short grave that was a zhang high. However, this grave did not bear a wooden tombstone, but a stone one.


    From his several previous visits to the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, Xiao Yi had discerned some patterns: the taller the grave and the better the material of the tombstone, the stronger the entity within the grave.


    For instance, the grave of that Death-Dealing Schr was but three feet tall!


    Yet the one in front of him stood at an entire zhang!


    "Divine General of Suppression, Crush the heavens, the God-Sealing Demon-Suppressing!"


    With a smash of his palm, Xiao Yi shattered the grave before him, and with a thunderous roar, a stream of light soared into the sky ¡ª it was a refined schr. d in a blue Daoist robe, with a face like carved jade, friendly and amiable, Xiao Yi hardly needed to act, as it voluntarily burrowed into the God Sealing Seed.


    Turning into a statue, residing only within the God Sealing Seed.


    Simultaneously,


    Xiao Yi received information from the shadow in the robe: "Dao Yan, Heavenly Yuan Realm, a grandmaster in martial arts theory, the creator of the ''Martial Canon,'' ''Sword Canon,'' ''Saber Canon,''... among one hundred and eight sacred martial arts scriptures, directly or indirectly instructing nearly a million disciples. His number one disciple is a legend of the Heavenly Yuan Realm ¡ª Martial God Zhao Wuji!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi took a sharp breath.


    This was Dao Yan? The master of Martial God Zhao Wuji?


    Dao Yan''s name was thunderously renowned!


    He was a prodigy who couldn''t cultivate himself yet possessed an incredibly high aptitude, a talent who spanned the heavens and earth. It could be said that the flourishing state of the martial way in the Heavenly Yuan Realm today owed much to Dao Yan''s contributions. Some had even hailed him as the mentor to the Martial God!


    After suppressing Dao Yan, Xiao Yi immediately gained his understanding and theoretical knowledge of the martial way.


    Many previous uncertainties also became clear to him.


    It''s no exaggeration to say,


    That in terms of martial arts theory, in the great Heavenly Yuan Realm, those who could surpass him could be counted on one hand!


    More importantly, he had also acquired a secret technique from Dao Yan''s heritage, the "Blood Explosion Skill."


    This secret technique could be ssified as a fifth-grade technique, which by burning one''s own blood, offered a surge in strength for a short period, potentially reaching an increase of up to a hundredfold. However, the price was thepletebustion of one''s blood, and it was not to be used lightly.


    Although suppressing Dao Yan this time did not yield powerful martial techniques or cultivation methods, it did perfectlyplement Xiao Yi in theoretical aspects, sparing him many detours on his future path in martial arts.


    Especially the "Blood Explosion Skill," it provided him with an additional lifeline; the intangible gains were immensely great.


    Indeed, from another perspective, this gain was even richer than if he had obtained a Martial God''s inheritance directly.


    After all...


    This was Dao Yan, who had taught a person like Martial God Zhao Wuji.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, time''s up; we should head to the Royal Martial Arts Academy now!"


    Suddenly, the voice of Fang Qingzhu came from outside, as Xiao Yi''s consciousness exited the Ancient Heavenly Tomb, the corners of his mouth curling up slightly, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy? Here Ie, Xiao Yi!"

 Chapter 53 Royal Martial Arts Academy

    ```


    Outside the Royal Auction House.


    Xue''er''s carriage had been waiting for quite some time.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As soon as she saw Xiao Yi and Fang Qingzhue out, Xue''er immediately approached them: "Xiao Yi, Qingzhu... We went to the Qingyan Pavilion yesterday to find you. Luckily, we ran into Dali, or else we wouldn''t have known you were here!"


    "I''m sorry, Xue''er, we came in a haste and forgot to leave you a message!" Fang Qingzhu said apologetically.


    Xue''er shook her head and said, "The assessment is about to start, let''s set off!"


    "Alright!"


    The group rode the carriage and headed straight for the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Inside the carriage.


    Xiao Yi asked, "Xue''er, Elder Wang hasn''t returned yet?"


    Xue''er shook her head and said with a bitter smile, "This time, my grandfather went out with the headmaster. It seems there has been the emergence of a secret realm belonging to someone from the Tao Tribtion Realm. They went together, and we don''t know when they''ll be back."


    "A secret realm of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert?"


    Xiao Yi and hispanion exchanged a look.


    Above the Golden Core is the Tao Tribtion, signifying the tribtions of martial arts, it is also a transformative realm for leaping through the dragon gate to be a true dragon.


    It is said that in the vast Tianqing Kingdom, only the ancient forebear of the royal family is at the Tao Tribtion Realm, but that venerable ancestor has not shown himself for over a hundred years.


    "No wonder Elder Wang was in such a hurry to get back..." Xiao Yi murmured to himself.


    Xue''er said with a smile, "Xiao Yi, don''t worry! Before my grandfather left, he made all the arrangements, and with your strengths, getting into the Royal Martial Arts Academy will be a piece of cake!"


    ......


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy was established five hundred and thirty-one years ago.


    It is said that at that time, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was dominant and tried to influence the session of the Crown Prince, which angered the King.


    To counterbnce the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, the King founded the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    After more than five hundred years of development, the Royal Martial Arts Academy haspletely surpassed the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy in all aspects.


    The entire academy is situated in the East City District, facing the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy of the West City District. Stay connected via empire


    Almost a quarter of the East City District belongs to the Royal Martial Arts Academy; the academy is home to sixty thousand Yellow Level students, twelve thousand Profound Level students, thirteen hundred Earth Level students, and thirteen Heaven Level students.


    Even the weakest Yellow Level students are above the Qi Gathering Realm.


    By the time Xiao Yi and the others arrived at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the entrance was already a sea of people.


    Xue''er said, "Xiao Yi, you''re going to take part in the assessment soon. I''ve already prepared a banquet at the Qingyan Pavilion, waiting for your triumphant return!"


    "Don''t worry, we won''t disappoint you!" Fang Qingzhu said with a smile.


    Xiao Yi nodded in agreement.


    Niu Dali grunted: "It''s just the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment. It''s a trifle for me, nothing but light rain!"


    "I bet you won''t pass the assessment!"


    A boastful voice came through, the speaker was a youth not even one and a half meters tall, "Don''t you know that the elimination rate of the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s assessment is as high as ny percent? And you say it''s light rain? That''s sheer arrogance!"


    The youth had a small mustache under his nose and was pinching it with his chubby little hands, looking disdainfully at Xiao Yi and the others.


    Niu Dali snorted darkly, grabbing the youth by the cor: "Shorty, you''re itching for a beating, aren''t you?"


    "You big oaf, let me down right now, or I''ll start shouting for help!" the diminutive youth iled his arms and legs, but being so short, he couldn''t reach Niu Dali and could only speak fiercely.


    Niu Daliughed heartily: "Go ahead and shout, nobody wille to help you even if your throat breaks!"


    "Big brother, second brother, three of them, someone is bullying me!" the small fellow suddenly shouted.


    "Who dares to bully our brother?"


    "Looking for trouble, are they?"


    ```


    In the crowd.


    A little dwarf who was stealing someone''s purse dropped the purse and rushed out; another small dwarf who was negotiating with a few extravagantly dressed people walked out; and another was squeezing through the crowd, stealing touches, hustling over with a red bellyband in hand.


    Three dwarfs, none taller than four and a half feet, stood in front of Niu Dali, hands on hips, fiercely red at him, and shouted in unison, "Put down our fourth brother!"


    "Damn, did I hit a dwarf nest?" Niu Dali''s eyes widened as he looked at the four little dwarfs in front of him.


    Xiao Yi said, "Dali, let him go."


    "Oh!"


    Niu Dali released his grip, and the little dwarf jumped down. After straightening his cor, he said with self-satisfaction, "I bet you wouldn''t kill me!"


    Niu Dali: "..."


    The short one bowed to Xiao Yi and said, "Dude, thank you for your righteous help. My name is Shi Yaodu; this is my eldest brother Shi Yaoqian, my second brother Shi Yaoquan, and my third brother Shi Yaose. From now on, you''re a friend of us four Shi brothers. If anyone dares to bully you, we brothers will tear him to shreds together!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    The crowd: "..."


    Money, Lust, Power, Gambling?


    What kind of names are these?


    And to top it all off, your surname is Shi, which, no offense, sounds like ''Shit'' Family''s four brothers!


    Shi Yaose walked up to Fang Qingzhu with his hands rubbing together and chuckled, "Everyone has a love for beauty... Beauty, our bed is big and soft..."


    Shi Yaodu whispered, "I bet third brother is about to get beaten up!"


    Bang!


    Xiao Yi kicked him out with a foot and said with a dark face, "Stay away from Qingzhu!"


    At that moment...


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Three dull bell tolls rang out, startling everyone and brightening their expressions.


    From within the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, three figures emerged.


    The leader was a middle-aged man dressed in profound garments, with heroic eyebrows like unsheathed swords, breathing in one continuous flow, and eyes like stars, with a glint of cold light. nking him was a man and a woman, each exuding the aura of the Divine Skills Realm.


    Especially the middle-aged man in profound garments, he was a powerhouse of the High-order Divine Power Realm.


    "Wee, everyone, to the quarterly assessment of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. I am the chief examiner, Ge Qingyun, and these two are earth-level students, Zhang Yi and Sun Ying. You will face three rounds of tests, and only by passing all three will you pass the assessment and be students of the Martial Arts Institute! The first round of assessment will be conducted by Sun Ying!" Ge Qingyun said indifferently.


    Sun Ying stepped forward, pointed at the stone lion on the left side of the gate, and said, "This stone lion can test your level of cultivation. Anyone over eighteen years old and below the Fifth Layer of the Gathering Qi Realm is unqualified. Please go ahead!"


    The crowd advanced one after another.


    This round easily eliminated forty percent.


    Xiao Yi and the others, of course, passed easily and then entered the second round of the assessment. Ge Qingyun said, "This second round will be conducted by Zhang Yi!"


    Zhang Yi stepped forward, his icy gaze sweeping over the crowd, pausing slightly on Xiao Yi and two others as he said indifferently, "The second round of the assessment tests your innate talent. All you have to do is touch the talent stone in my hand, and it will emit either white or ck light, white light for elimination, ck light for qualification!"


    The crowd stepped forward to test.


    Soon it was Xiao Yi''s turn. Zhang Yi''s lips curled up slightly, his eyes gleaming with amusement, "Go ahead!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and ced his hand on the talent stone.


    Whoosh!


    Bright ck light burst forth, the deep ck light especially eye-catching against the blue sky and white sun.


    However...


    Zhang Yi''s face showed a trivial expression, his lips curling up in a thick sneer, and he said lightly, "Disqualified..."

 Chapter 54 Reversing Black and White

    "Disqualified!"


    Zhang Yi''s face wasden with thick mockery, but the three words that left his mouth left everyone agape.


    The sneer on his face grew even more brilliant, his gleeful gaze sweeping over Xiao Yi,den with intense mockery and provocation.


    The surrounding crowd was also stunned.


    "What''s going on here?"


    "I clearly saw ck light just now, how could it be disqualified?"


    "Could I be seeing things?"


    "Keep your voices down... Can''t you see? He must have offended someone from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, so they''re intentionally targeting him!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, staring at Zhang Yi; "You''re saying I''m disqualified?"


    Zhang Yi indifferently replied: "That''s right, you are disqualified!"


    Fang Qingzhu immediately stepped forward, anxiously retorting: "We clearly saw white light, how can it be disqualified?"


    Niu Dali also shouted with a grim face: "Which eye of yours saw white light? Are you blind? When my big brother touched the talent stone, the ck light was so evident, how could you not see it?"


    "How dare you! Are you questioning the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Academy? I am the examiner this time, and if I say he''s disqualified, then he is disqualified!"


    Zhang Yi was fearless, lowering his voice somewhat, "Kid, some people you can''t afford to offend, and this is your fate!"


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and then turned to Ge Qingyun: "Instructor, you must have seen the results of the test just now, right? Do you also think I''m disqualified?"


    Ge Qingyun''s face was indifferent: "All I see is that you failed the assessment, yet you''re trying to force Zhang Yi to change the results! With such a poor character, even if your talent were outstanding, our Royal Martial Arts Academy would not ept you!"


    He was the chief examiner of this assessment.


    Since even he said that Xiao Yi didn''t pass, it was as good as set in stone.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face paled, and she quickly said: "Mr. Ge, we were referred here by Elder Wang, we hope you will treat us fairly..."


    "Elder Wang?"


    "Vice-Chancellor Wang? How could you know him?" Ge Qingyun''s expression changed dramatically. If Xiao Yi really knew Elder Wang, then he was in big trouble.


    Moreover...


    A person who had caught Elder Wang''s eye must definitely be a prodigy.


    Even if Elder Wang didn''t pursue the matter, the higher-ups of the Martial Arts Institute would consider it a serious crime if they found out that he hadmitted such injustice and turned away a prodigy for his own personal reasons!


    Standing by his side, Zhang Yi had already been aware of Xiao Yi''s identity, and whispered: "Mr. Ge need not worry, Brother Jia is the crown prince''s man, they have already handled everything... But just to be safe, we should eliminate him. Would Vice-Chancellor Wang really offend the crown prince over a dead man?"


    "Well said!"


    Ge Qingyun''s eyes lit up and he said, "Elder Wang is eminent and highly regarded, and he would definitely not want to see us engaged in any corruption. Not only have you disrupted the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s examination, but you have also ndered Vice-Chancellor Wang, the crime is heinous, and you must be executed! Zhang Yi, kill him for me, to serve as an example to others!"


    "At yourmand!" Enjoy more content from empire


    Zhang Yi appeared in front of Xiao Yi with a fiendish smile, going for a ck Tiger Heart Dig straight toward Xiao Yi''s chest.


    Facing such a ferocious attack from Zhang Yi, Xiao Yi merely raised one hand and firmly caught the palm.


    He then viciously pped it away.


    Zhang Yi screamed miserably as he was sent flying by Xiao Yi''s p, tumbling through the air like a kite with its string cut, as Xiao Yi pursued and kicked him in the face in midair.


    Bang!


    Zhang Yi harshly crashed to the ground, spewing out blood along with a mouthful of teeth.


    His face smeared with blood, he looked up at Xiao Yi, who was slowly withdrawing his foot.


    Zhang Yi''s cultivation was at the Fifth Layer of the Shentong Realm, and he was a master who had awakened his Innate Divine Ability; he didn''t expect to be sent flying by a kick from Xiao Yi? Zhang Yi red furiously, grinding his teeth: "You... you dare hit me?"


    "I''ve already hit you and you''re still asking if I dare, it seems youck not only a pair of eyes but also a brain..." Xiao Yi replied coldly.


    Zhang Yi''s face was red with rage as he bellowed, "You dare to insult me? You''re as good as dead, I..."


    "Save that nonsense for King Yama!"


    Xiao Yi''s fist suddenly smashed down.


    Boom!


    Zhang Yi''s head burst open instantly, turning into a mess of flesh scattered on the ground.


    A Profound Level disciple from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he didn''t even have the chance to use his Innate Divine Ability before his head was blown apart by Xiao Yi''s punch.


    "Rascal!"


    Ge Qingyun, with a gloomy face, roared in fury, his eyes emitting a cold light as he locked his gaze onto Xiao Yi, "How dare you, a scoundrel, ughter a student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy! It''s utterly unforgivable, a crime deserving of death a thousand times over!"


    "Deserving of death a thousand times over? Whether I passed the examination is clear to all, yet you insist on distorting the truth and framing me ¨C who truly deserves to die a thousand times over?"


    Xiao Yiughed coldly, "You blind old dog, go keep himpany!"


    Ge Qingyun, filled with murderous intent and a dark expression on his face, said, "In all my years at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I have never seen someone as arrogant as you. It''s clear that you forced Zhang Yi to alter the test results, and when that failed, you resorted to murder. If someone as violent and ruthless as you were allowed to grow unchecked, you would surely be a scourge on thisnd. Today, I, Ge Qingyun, shall act in heaven''s stead and rid the world of you, a murderous devil!"


    Xiao Yi let out a loudugh to the heavens, "Hahahaha, this is the Royal Martial Arts Academy? With such tant disregard for right and wrong, truth and falsehood, I suggest you might as well close your doors now!"


    "Scoundrel, you''re courting death!"


    Ge Qingyun''s face turned alternatively green and white, his rage uncontroble.


    The furious anger turned into a cold, tangible intent to kill, firmly targeting Xiao Yi.


    Ge Qingyun''s face bore a cold smile to the extreme, his voice sinister, "Daring to challenge the authority of the Royal Martial Arts Academy and openly threatening the chief examiner, you deserve to be torn to pieces!"


    As soon as his words ended¡­


    Ge Qingyun''s vital energy surged violently around him, and with a leap, hended in front of Xiao Yi.


    He pped down with one hand.


    "Void Shock Palm!"


    A high-tier, third-grade martial technique, the palm attack came rushing forward with the momentum of Move Mountains and Overturn Seas, containingyers uponyers within the palm, its power seemingly endless.


    With just one palm, it could ignore physical defense and directly shatter the internal organs.


    Such a formidable move, coupled with Ge Qingyun being at the Eighth Layer of the Divine Power Realm, had enough destructive power to crush even amon practitioner at the Eightfold Divine Power Realm.


    Xiao Yi''s cold gaze was fixed on the iing attack that seemed unstoppable, as his understanding of Dao Yan''s punch shed through his mind. His thoughts shifted in an instant, finding a w in what seemed to be an imprable assault.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, focusing on the center of the palm fueled by vital energy.


    Having received Dao Yan''s legacy and the martial wisdom and heritage of the Martial God, he could see through the fatal w in Ge Qingyun''s move at a nce.


    In his eyes, across the vital energy-enveloped palm, faint blue liquid streams coursed like ghosts, and Xiao Yi instantly pinpointed the core where these blue streams converged, his lips curving up into a slight, cold arc, "Break for me!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Swish!


    At the strike of his finger, Ge Qingyun''s gathered assault crumbled to pieces.


    The sharp finger strike hit dead center on the palm.


    This was the weak point of his attack!


    Crack!


    Amidst the sound of bones shattering, Ge Qingyun let out a hysterical scream as his entire right arm was obliterated.


    Bone fragments protruded from his shoulder, and amidst the bloodied spectacle, there was also a chilling sense of desperation as Ge Qingyun crashed to the ground with a thud.


    Ge Qingyun, clutching his broken arm, looked at Xiao Yi with deep fear and regret in his eyes.


    With such strength, once he entered the Martial Arts Institute, he would at least be a Profound Level or even Earth Level student, and one day he might even be strong enough for the Heavenly Rank Academy. But s, there''s no medicine for regret in this world. Having offended him now, he might as well offend him thoroughly!


    Ge Qingyun took out a summoning arrow and swiftly released it into the sky, his face simultaneously revealing a ferocious expression, "Impudent Xiao Yi, to brazenly assault and injure a Martial Arts Institute examiner without cause, showingplete disregard for thew. I''m going to immediately call for the Law Enforcement Team. You''re done for..."

 Chapter 55 Law Enforcement Team

    Whoosh!


    Amand arrow pierced the sky, exploding above with a loud bang.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    In the blink of an eye,


    dozens of powerful auras surged out from the Martial Arts Institute.


    Equally matched in the Shentong Realm.


    This was the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s Law Enforcement Team, feared by all who heard their name.


    The person leading them radiated elemental energy, surrounded by a protective golden light; he was a superpower within the Golden Core Realm. His brows were sharp as des, his eyes flickered with lightning, sweeping a cold gaze over the crowd.


    His eyes flickered with a cold light, "What is going on here?"


    Ge Qingyun wept bitterly, "Elder Zhou Xin, save me! This guy named Xiao Yi, unable to pass the talent test, was enraged and wanted Zhang Yi to change the results. Zhang Yi refused and has been killed by him. My teacher tried to intervene and has been seriously injured by him..."


    This Zhou Xin was the master of the Law Enforcement Hall.


    His cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm, one of the apex existences within Tianqing Kingdom''s martial ranks.


    Zhou Xin''s body was enveloped by golden elemental energy, resembling a radiant halo, majestic and solemn. His sharp eyes seemed capable of piercing into one''s soul, his cold gaze fixated on Xiao Yi, expressing a hint of doubt, "How could someone of such an age manage to y Zhang Yi and defeat Ge Qingyun? He must be a genius, why would he fail the assessment?"


    Ge Qingyun''s face slightly changed.


    He was about to speak.


    But Zhou Xin waved his hand dismissively, "Nevertheless, it doesn''t matter. What our Royal Martial Arts Academy nevercks are geniuses. You dared to openly kill a student of my Royal Martial Arts Academy and severely injure an instructor, this cannot be easily resolved. Only your blood can wash away the disgrace you''ve brought upon our Institute. You, take your own life!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Zhou Xin indifferently, "Is this the justice of the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s Law Enforcement Hall? To depart from justice is unrighteousness, to be unable to discern right from wrong is folly, and to disregard the rules of the Martial Arts Institute is disloyalty. You, a person whocks loyalty, intelligence, and righteousness, dare to sit in the position of the Law Enforcement Elder?"


    Zhou Xin was strong.


    With the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm, unless he employed the highest-level Blood Explosion Skill, burning all his blood, he was not someone Xiao Yi could currently contend with.


    But...


    As a War God, tasked with suppressing all the heavens and sealing all things,


    how could he fear anyone?


    Zhou Xin narrowed his eyes, his gaze cold and sharp. Having held the position of Law Enforcement Elder for many years, even students at the heaven-level revered him. When had anyone ever dared to rebuke him to his face? His expression turned as cold as ice, "You say this Elder is unfair? I want to see, aside from you, who else believes this Elder is unjust!"


    His gaze swept over everyone present.


    One by one, the strong ones stepped back, bowing their heads.


    Just as Zhou Xin was reveling in his triumph, a cold voice rang out. Fang Qingzhu stood by Xiao Yi''s side, "Xiao Yi is right. You are not only unjust but also disloyal, unwise, and unrighteous."


    "You..."


    Zhou Xin''s face stiffened; he thought nobody would dare confront him, yet immediately someone stood up and fiercely pped him in the face.


    Following that, Niu Dali stepped forward, wielding his heavy sword, "Fairness and justice, do they have anything to do with you?"


    "Despicable..."


    Zhou Xin''s face grew even darker.


    "Peace leads to prosperity! Although I love money, I must say you really have nothing to do with fairness!" Shi Yaoqian yed with two Silver Ingots in his hand, wearing a scornful smile on his face.


    Shi Yaose sniffed harshly at the red bellyband in his hands, squinting his eyes in enjoyment, "Everyone desires beauty... count me in!"


    Shi Yaoquan shrugged, "Logically, I should cling to you, but how could I when even my two brothers can''t stand it?"


    Thest one to step forward was Shi Yaodu.


    He twirled a pair of dice in his hands, smiling at Zhou Xin, "I bet you can''t kill us today!"


    Including Xiao Yi, there were a total of seven of them.


    Zhou Xin''s face shifted between shades of green and white. He had never imagined that these seven people would dare to publicly defy him.


    "Good, good, good, you..." Just as Zhou Xin began to speak, another person stepped out from the crowd.


    It was Huo Zhen.


    He looked solemnly at Zhou Xin and said in a deep voice, "Elder Zhou, I have always admired the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but what you''ve done today is just too much."


    "Where did this mongrele from, daring to criticize this Elder?" Zhou Xin, furious, struck out with his palm.


    As his icy palm drew near Huo Zhen, itnded with a smack, sending him flying.


    Huo Zhen spit out blood and stumbled to the ground.


    With a cold snort, Zhou Xin said, "You rabble who only wish for chaos, you all deserve to die! All Law Enforcement Team members listen to mymand, capture these eight people. If they resist, show no mercy!"


    "Yes!"


    A group of strong individuals from the Law Enforcement Hall charged at them simultaneously.


    Twenty-something people faced off against eight!


    Xiao Yi took the lead, "To enforcew unjustly, what dignity do you have wearing those tunics? Brothers, strip them of their fa?ade!"


    "Strip them clean!" Niu Dali said viciously.


    "Fortune favors the bold. Take my fist!" Shi Yaoqian struck with intricate skill, his Third Layer of the Divine Passage Realm prowess enabling him to fight two other practitioners of the same level without falling behind.


    The attacks of Shi Yaoquan, Shi Yaose, and Shi Yaodu were no less formidable.


    Wielding her Purple Dragon Whip, Fang Qingzhushed out with whip strikes like phantoms ¨C graceful and seemingly sentient, handling her opponents with ease.


    Xiao Yi was like a War God himself, holding a third-grade elemental weapon in his hand. The Fire Qilin Sword was too dazzling, and he was not yet able to reveal its power casually. With the sword in hand, he executed the "Soul-chasing Life-taking Sword" to great effect.


    "Sweeping through a thousand troops!"


    Your journey continues with empire


    "Chasing stars and moons!"


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser..."


    Every strike of his sword injured someone, every move was lethal!


    With his current prowess at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, even if he faced a practitioner of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he could emerge victorious. The rest of the opponents were simply swept aside.


    For a moment...


    Eight against twenty-seven, Xiao Yi''s side imed aplete victory!


    Xiao Yi and his sevenpanions stood in line, staring coldly at Zhou Xin, whose face was turning shades of green and white, and said, "You im I''m not qualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy? I''d like to ask, these people lying here, what status do they hold within the Academy?"


    Zhou Xin''s face turned the color of liver, as if he had swallowed a kilogram of flies; the difort was palpable.


    The Law Enforcement Teamprised the elite students of various levels.


    If even they were easily defeated by Xiao Yi and his group, to say that Xiao Yi was not qualified and failed the examination would imply that more than ny percent of the Academy''s students were also not qualified, wouldn''t it?


    He felt his face burning with an intense, unbearable pain.


    Seeing the peculiar looks of the other strong participants in the examination directed at him, Zhou Xin red viciously at Ge Qingyun, cursing inwardly: You idiot, if you want to deal with him, at least use smarter methods!


    Now, he was in a difficult position!


    But he couldn''t tarnish the reputation of a Law Enforcement Elder. With a cold huff, he said, "Our Royal Martial Arts Academy not only values talent but also character. Just on that alone, none of you qualify, I..."


    Before he could finish, a longugh interrupted him.


    A Cangyun Eagle soared into view, its wings spanning twenty meters, casting a shadow as if to cover the sky, descending from above.


    A cold voice came from on the back of the Cangyun Eagle, "Zhou Xin, your Royal Martial Arts Academy is as shameless as ever, isn''t it? Your Academy looks down on their character? From what I see, they are loyal, brave, and resourceful, which makes them far stronger disciples than those so-called geniuses you speak of. Gentlemen, are any of you interested in joining my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"

 Chapter 56 Lets go together!

    "Would you be willing toe to our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    A genialugh echoed from the back of the Cangyun Eagle.


    Dressed in a refined, schrly green shirt, the middle-aged man floated down, moving with the wind as if a celestial being had descended to the world. The gentle breeze swirling around him carried no trace of coercion but exuded a sense of majesty that was as awe-inspiring as a towering mountain.


    All eyes were drawn to him.


    "Gu Junhe, what are you doing here at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?" Zhou Xin''s eyes narrowed, filled with a serious countenance as he sized up the neer.


    Gu Junhe.


    Head of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Your journey continues with empire


    A peak existence of the Golden Elixir Realm, and the youngest record holder in the entire Tianqing Kingdom to reach that level.


    There were rumors...


    That the next person to step into the Tao Tribtion Realm in the Tianqing Kingdom would likely be this Gu Junhe.


    Gu Junhe''s face was adorned with a radiant smile, as he lightly said, "I was passing by when I suddenly saw your Royal Martial Arts Academy''s distress signal. I thought the Demon Sect''s followers were besieging your academy, so I hurried over to help. Little did I expect that instead of the Demon Sect, I would find your Royal Martial Arts Academy failing to discern right from wrong, reversing ck and white, and bullying the younger generation!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Zhou Xin flew into a rage, blurting out without thinking.


    But no sooner had he uttered these words than his face abruptly changed, as a loud whoosh resonated from the void.


    An invisible pnded heavily on his face.


    Wow!


    Zhou Xin was directly smacked to the ground, his head mming into the earth with such force that stars sparkled before his eyes, his head spinning.


    Gu Junhe looked at Zhou Xin with a cold expression, his demeanor indifferent, "Even if Elder Wang and Shu Linghua were here, they wouldn''t dare talk to me like that. What are you that you dare say I''m spouting nonsense? If I farted, could you even handle it?"


    Zhou Xin twitched the corner of his eyes, hastily saying, "Head Gu, I misspoke earlier, please forgive me!"


    "Hmph!"


    Gu Junhe sneered, but as he turned around, his face was already filled with a brilliant smile, focusing on Xiao Yi and the others, "You youngsters have integrity and don''t bow to power, which suits my taste very well. Any interest in joining my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Harmony brings wealth!"


    Shi Yaoqian muttered his mantra before adding, "Does your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy have a lot of money?"


    Gu Junhe paused, then nodded, "Yes, our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has more money than we can spend!"


    Hiss!


    Shi Yaoqian''s eyes lit up, and he quickly nodded, "I''ll go, I''m going!"


    Shi Yaoquan squinted his eyes, "Ever since I saw you p Zhou Xin away with just a palm strike, I knew I''d follow you for life!"


    The corner of Gu Junhe''s eye twitched.


    Shi Yaose licked his lips, rubbing his hands together, "Are there many beauties at Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "Uh..."


    Gu Junhe gave a serious reply, "As long as there are women, they are all peerless beauties!"


    "Hmm, I''m not lecherous. It''s just that training with both genders is less tiring. I''m willing to go!" Shi Yaose stated seriously.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gu Junhe unconsciously nced at Shi Yaodu, who hesitated before saying, "I bet you will definitely take me in!"


    Gu Junhe then looked towards Niu Dali and Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu smiled, "Wherever Xiao Yi goes, I go there!"


    Niu Dali dered, "I''ll follow the big brother!"


    Gu Junhe''s gaze settled on Xiao Yi, a sh of excitement skimming the depths of his eyes. He had witnessed everything Xiao Yi had done previously, and he immediately said, "Xiao Yi, would you be willing toe to my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi nced at Gu Junhe.


    He didn''t believe Gu Junhe had really just happened to pass by, but seeing no malice from the man, Xiao Yi smiled and said, "Head Gu, I didn''t even pass the second round of assessment at the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Are you sure taking me in won''t be a loss for Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    "They at the Royal Martial Arts Academy are blind!"


    Gu Junhe looked deeply at Xiao Yi, and although it was their first meeting, there was an unspoken understanding between them, "As long as you agree toe to my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I guarantee that within five years, you will be able to sweep through the entire Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No, five years is too long!"


    "Hmm?"


    Gu Junhe was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi continued, "Elder Gu, since you want me to join the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, as the headmaster, you will protect me, right?"


    Gu Junhe nodded subconsciously, but as he saw the triumphant smile at the corner of Xiao Yi''s mouth, his heart skipped a beat. He was about to speak when he saw Xiao Yi had already approached Zhou Xin, slowly raised his thumb, then turned it down, and roared word by word, "Today, I, Xiao Yi of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, on behalf of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, challenge all students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy below the Profound Level!"


    What?


    Gu Junhe was stunned.


    Zhou Xin''s face flushed red with anger, "Xiao Yi, do you really think my Royal Martial Arts Academy has no one left?"


    Xiao Yi said coldly, "Didn''t you say I''m not qualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy? Then let me see the so-called geniuses of your academy, if every single one of them is stronger and more outstanding than me, Xiao Yi! Anyone below the Profound Level,e one by one or two by two. If I lose, I, Xiao Yi, will kneel to death at the gates of your Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    Zhou Xin roared, "Xiao Yi, you''re looking for death!"


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe, "Headmaster!"


    Gu Junhe''s face darkened, "Zhou Xin, didn''t you hear Xiao Yi''s words? Call out all disciples below the Profound Level of your Royal Martial Arts Academy. Otherwise, don''t me me for losing my temper!"


    Zhou Xin, "..."


    In the capital of Tianqing, Gu Junhe had a famous nickname, known as the Unbeatable Naughty Boy.


    Once provoked, he didn''t care about consequences.


    Act now, talkter!


    If Zhou Xin didn''t follow his instructions, Gu Junhe might really cause a ruckus at the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    With this thought,


    A cold light shed in Zhou Xin''s half-closed eyes, and with a venomous stare fixed on Xiao Yi, he said coldly, "Fine, since you''re courting death, I won''t be to me!"


    Whoosh!


    Zhou Xin took out amand arrow.


    Themand arrow shot into the sky, bursting into a brilliant golden lightning.


    Boom boom boom!


    The sound of war drums resonated continuously, echoing between heaven and earth.


    "When the war drums sound, disciples gather!"


    "Three sounds, calling together the Earth, Yellow, and Profound levels? Quick, there must be some big trouble!"


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy was in an uproar.


    Disciples of Earth, Yellow, and Profound levels rushed towards the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Excluding those who were not within the academy, the gathered crowd exceeded twenty thousand. Nearly twenty thousand Yellow Level disciples, over three thousand Profound Level disciples, and nearly a hundred Earth Level disciples¡ªall of them ring fiercely at Xiao Yi and the others.


    The atmosphere was extremely tense.


    "Elder Zhou, what happened? Why gather us in such haste?" A young man dressed in Earth Level disciple uniform stepped forward and asked. He was the strongest among many Earth Level disciples currently at the academy, ranked tenth among Earth Level disciples, Zhuge Shuangdao.


    Zhou Xin pointed at Xiao Yi and said icily, "This person named Xiao Yi, wishes to challenge all students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy below the Profound Level. This matter concerns the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy for hundreds of years. Who dares to fight?"


    "What? Challenge all students below the Profound Level?"


    "That''s too arrogant! He''s simply asking for death!"


    "Kill him!"


    A Profound Level disciple leapt forward, looking at Xiao Yi coldly, "Royal Martial Arts Academy, Profound Level disciple Wang Ye, let me..."


    "Too much nonsense!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, his figure suddenly vanished from its original spot, and when he reappeared, he had already used the move "Dragon Tail Whip" to fiercely send Wang Ye flying.


    With a heavy thud, Wang Ye from the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm fell hard, foaming at the mouth, unable to move.


    Everyone was dumbfounded.


    A powerhouse of the Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, defeated by a single kick?


    Xiao Yi, however, disregarded the shocked expressions of the crowd and said indifferently, "One by one is too troublesome; you alle at me together..."

 Chapter 57 Zhuge Shuangdao

    "All of you,e at me together!"


    Xiao Yi hooked his finger at the crowd, his eyes zing with an intense desire for battle and excitement.


    The war-hungry gene inside him was now fully activated.


    Suppressor of the Heavens, War God,


    Subduing the myriad heavens, sealing deities in their ce.


    He was the existence that fought against gods, immortals, the heavens, the earth, endless battling without loss.


    The repeated oppression from the Royal Martial Arts Academy had wholly sparked the war-like instinct within him, causing the God Sealing Seed inside to buzz and hum, and a faint glow ebbed and flowed around his body as if a celestial being had descended to the world. With a wave of his hand, a Tier-3 Yuan weaponnded within his palm.


    Whoosh!


    The sword''s edge sliced through the air, emitting a series of tearing sounds.


    The array of formidable experts standing before Xiao Yi exchanged nces¡ªtwenty thousand in number, and he was asking them all to attack at once?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    To face an army of thousands alone?


    That was, of course, impossible!


    Even if Xiao Yi dared to take them all on, they wouldn''t dare to rush him en masse; after all, if they did, the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy would be utterly ruined.


    "Hmph, it was only because he was caught off guard for a moment that you managed to trick him. Let this old man teach you a lesson, you oblivious fool¡ª"


    A Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm expert soared high, his body sturdy and powerful, possessing Innate Divine Strength. His fists, hard as iron maces, brutally smashed down. With unparalleled strength, single-handedly capable of tearing apart tigers, panthers, wolves, those ruthless fists descended upon Xiao Yi, aiming to crush his skull and surely kill him if they connected.


    Facing this thunderous attack.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze lifted slightly, and the sword in his grip swung upward in a swift arc.


    Whoosh!


    The silvery sword light, like a crescent moon, sliced into the attacker''s body with a swish.


    St!


    The body of the strong opponent was cut clean in two; blood rained down like a downpour, and the two halves of the corpse fell to the ground.


    Hiss!


    The death of two Fifth Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm experts at Xiao Yi''s hand, and undeniably instantaneous kills at that, shocked all the rapidly arriving Royal Martial Arts Academy students, horror-stricken they eximed, "This guy''s strength is so formidable, who exactly is he? Why is he challenging us?"


    "I heard he was also participating in our Royal Martial Arts Academy''s disciple assessment, but he was eliminated during the second round!"


    "You must be joking, right? With his strength, he couldn''t pass because of poor talent? Then what are we?"


    "Which idiot was in charge of the assessment? Aren''t they just pushing a genius out the door?"


    "Keep your voice down. I heard it was by Brother Jia Sidao''s suggestion..."


    Listening to the discussions among the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s students, Zhou Xin''s face turned as livid as a pig''s liver, wishing he could flog the corpses of Ge Qingyun and Zhang Yi. But right now, he absolutely could not afford to lose hisposure. Zhou Xin let out a cold snort, "Xiao Yi, aren''t you being a bit too ruthless?"


    Xiao Yi nced at him and turned to address Gu Junhe, "Director!"


    Gu Junhe appeared in a sh before Zhou Xin, pressing a palm against his face and pushing him to the ground, rubbing it back and forth, as he coldly questioned, "What''s the matter? I''m still standing right here. Are you already nning to threaten my disciple?"


    Zhou Xin felt like crying, "When the hell did I threaten him?"


    "Still trying to talk tough?"


    Gu Junhe, gripping his face, smashed it against the ground over and over.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The ground was smashed into a deep pit.


    Zhou Xin''s nose was blue, and his face was swollen; if not for his Golden Core Realm body being as durable as a first-grade Yuan weapon, the impacts could have made his head burst open and bleed. Even so, Zhou Xin''s head had swollen like a pig''s, barely recognizable as human anymore.


    Smack smack smack!


    Gu Junhe dusted off his hands and looked at Xiao Yi, "You continue!"


    Xiao Yi''s mouth curled up as he looked towards Zhuge Shuangdao and the others, "Those of you in the Yellow or Profound Levels, don''t bothering over to seek death. Do none of you Earth Level students have the guts to fight me? I get it now. They say I''m unqualified to enter the Royal Martial Arts Academy because my guts aren''t small enough, nor is my skin thick enough, is that it? If that''s the case, then I admit defeat; indeed, I''m not suitable for the Royal Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Xiao Yi, don''t think that just because you''ve killed two Profound Level students, you''re really invincible. My Royal Martial Arts Academy has countless people who could kill you like stars in the sky!"


    A voice like rolling thunder spoke, and a bald young man stepped forward.


    The young man was bald with brows sharp as swords, high cheekbones, and eyes cold like an eagle''s gaze; his cultivation had reached the Seventh Layer of the Spiritual Power Realm, marking him as an Earth Level student.


    "Is this the Bald Butcher ranked 278th among the Earth Level students, Ding Qiang?"


    "I didn''t expect him to not be out on a training expedition. With him here, Xiao Yi won''t be able to act arrogantly for long!"


    The disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy were excitedly discussing.


    The Bald Butcher Ding Qiang licked his lips and revealed a ferocious grin, speaking ominously, "Xiao Yi, I respect you as a real man, so I will use the manliest way to give you a quick death."


    ng ng!


    In the cold sh of metal, he held a huge cleaver resembling an ox head in each hand.


    The pair of cleavers were pitch-ck with silver edges shimmering.


    "Third-grade Yuan weapon, Heaven ughter de, I''ming for your dog head!" Ding Qiang bellowed, charging at Xiao Yi with his dual des.


    His bulky figure was surprisingly fast, and amidst his wild charge, his de light spilled everywhere like quicksilver. Faced with such a reckless assault, Xiao Yi shook his head and chuckled, "Soul Snatcher, Life Stealer!"


    Whoosh!


    Sword drawn, sword fallen.


    Xiao Yi brushed past Ding Qiang, walking straight towards Zhuge Shuangdao and others, while behind him, Ding Qiang copsed with a thud, his throat spraying blood. Xiao Yi lifted his longsword, with droplets of blood rolling down its edge, and coldly said, "Come at me all at once. Killing you one by one just isn''t satisfying enough!"


    Hisss!


    These words struck like thunder out of the blue, drawing a wave of gasps.


    Killing wasn''t satisfying enough?


    Every sword strike could im the life of a talent painstakingly nurtured by the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and yet you call that not satisfying enough?


    Zhuge Shuangdao was furious, his eyes cold as frost, and he gritted his teeth, "Xiao Yi, I admit that what Zhang Yi and Mr. Ge did was despicable by fabricating the reasons for your disqualification from the assessment. But you''ve caused enough trouble, and you''ve killed enough. This should be the end of it, and I will personally draw a satisfactory end to this issue!" Stay tuned with empire


    "A satisfactory end?" Xiao Yi looked at him with an amused gaze.


    "Killing you, to settle this matter, that would be the most satisfactory conclusion!" Zhuge Shuangdao said coldly, "Rest assured, I will give you enough respect, and I will use my strongest strike to kill you!"


    No sooner had his voice faded.


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s body erupted with a boom.


    White light swirled around him; behind his back, two white streams rose, and two arms tore through them appearing at his rear. Each of his four arms grasped a pitch-ck war de that shone with a dark gleam of sharpness, sending chills down the spine.


    "Zhuge Shuangdao, ranked 10th among the Earth Level students of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, 25th on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List''s Tiger List, his Innate Divine Ability, four arms!"


    "Four arms perfectly fused with his body, extremely fearsome!"


    With a face full of excitement, Zhou Xin, despite his bruised and swollen face, showed an eerie smile, "This time, Xiao Yi is undoubtedly going to die!"

 Chapter 58 An Earth-Shattering Sword

    Zhou Xin wore a smug expression on his face, provocatively looking over at Gu Junhe.


    Gu Junhe gave him a nce.


    Not a word was uttered.


    Yet, his palm once again came down on Zhou Xin''s face, pressing it against the ground and rubbing it back and forth.


    Zhou Xin''s mouth was full of mud and sand, despairing in anguish, "Gu Junhe, you are going too far!"


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "Your eyes are asking for a beating!"


    Zhou Xin: "I..."


    Meanwhile¡­


    Zhuge Shuangdao had alreadyunched a thunderous offensive, his four arms spinning simultaneously, with ck sabers cutting through the air¡ªthe dazzling ck saber light was blinding and impressive, arriving in a sh, appearing right in front of Xiao Yi,unching attacks from both sides. The saber des, merged with the arms, offered even more flexibility than using weapons alone.


    The power had also increased significantly.


    Xiao Yi was entirely focused. The opponent before him was of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, far beyond any opponents he had previously encountered.


    With a single hand, he grasped the Dragon Scale Sword to block the attacks in front of him.


    ng!


    Amid a dull sound, the first ck saber strikended on the edge of the sword, actually causing the de to curl back and sparks to scatter. The brute force was just transmitted to both hands when Xiao Yi felt a numb soreness, and then the second saber strikended on the edge of the sword.


    ng!


    This strike was even more powerful than thest.


    Followed immediately by the third, fourth, fifth saber strikes...


    "Whirlwind sh!"


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s figure spun like a top, his four arms wielding thebat sabers repeatedly striking the Dragon Scale Sword.


    The dragon scales on the sword broke apart and shattered, shooting off in all directions.


    Xiao Yi was forced to retreat again and again.


    "Hahaha, Xiao Yi, weren''t you quite arrogant? It seems you can only bully those weaker than you..."


    "What our Royal Martial Arts Academy doesn''tck the most are geniuses. What are you? The fact that our Royal Martial Arts Academy doesn''t want you is only your loss, it has absolutely no impact on us!"


    "Brother Zhuge, go for it, chop him down!"


    The strong ones from the Royal Martial Arts Academy shouted one after another, their expressions filled with excitement.


    The eighteenth saber strike came down!


    ng!


    With a crisp sound, the Dragon Scale Sword in Xiao Yi''s hand broke into two pieces, the violent shockwave sent Xiao Yi flying away. He was flung over ten meters, dragging two ferocious traces behind him, the centers of his palms split open, blood spurting wildly, the broken sword dim and shattered.


    Zhuge Shuangdao stood proudly in front of Xiao Yi, with heavy mockery in his lips, "Is that all you''re capable of? Still dreaming about challenging all the students below the heaven level at the Royal Martial Arts Academy?"


    Xiao Yi shook off the fresh blood on his hands, tore off a piece of cloth to wrap around his palms, and looked up at Zhuge Shuangdao: "As expected of the number twenty-five on the Flying Tiger List, you do have some skills. There can''t be many geniuses like you at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, right? If I killed you, the Royal Martial Arts Academy would surelyment your loss!"


    Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is divided into the Teng Long List and the Flying Tiger List.


    The Teng Long List has twenty spots, with each person being a Golden Core Realm powerhouse under the age of forty.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Flying Tiger List has one hundred slots, each a powerhouse under the age of forty and below the Golden Core Realm.


    Zhuge Shuangdao, being ranked twenty-fifth on the Flying Tiger List, meant that he was ranked forty-fifth among the younger generation across the entire Tianqing Kingdom.


    Such a prodigy was indeed a rare talent, even for the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Zhuge Shuangdao looked disdainful: "You think you can kill me?"


    Xiao Yi stretched and cracked his joints, raising the bandaged hand, and said lightly, "I, Xiao Yi, always act on the principle of not offending others unless I am offended first. Today''s affair was provoked by you. And Zhuge Shuangdao, since your earlier attacks on me were all deadly, if I don''t kill you, wouldn''t I be letting down my own bloodshed?"


    "That also depends on whether you have the capability!" Zhuge Shuangdao scoffed.


    ng!


    The long sabers held in the four arms crisscrossed, slowly dragging the des with ear-piercing ngs, sparks flying and killing intent surging to the heavens.


    Xiao Yi''s body shook.


    With a flick of his palm, a third-grade elemental longsword appeared in his hand, this de was obtained from the Sword Mountain Manor; it was named Tiger yer. The sword''s hilt portrayed a fierce tiger''s head, its maw wide open with the sword de emerging from within, a cold light circling the entire de. Xiao Yi gripped the hilt tightly, his body trembling: "It''s not only you who has an Innate Divine Ability!"


    Hum!


    A stream of ck liquid flowed out from Xiao Yi''s body, adhering to his right arm, wrapping around the Tiger yer Sword in his hand.


    The Tiger yer Sword turned a shiny ck color.


    It hadpletely fused with his arm! Find more to read at empire


    On this side was Xiao Yi''s ''Weapon Fusion'' innate divine ability, manifested after his breakthrough to the Shentong Realm, using a weapon as a support to transform his body into a weapon,bining himself with it. Holding a war sword, his arm fused with it; the entire arm was the war sword. d in battle armor, his torso could merge with it, and his whole body became the armor!


    Weapon Fusion, one of the top ten divine skills!


    "His innate divine ability is actually Weapon Fusion?"


    "Just how strong is Xiao Yi''s talent?"


    All were astonished.


    Even Zhou Xin was sweating profusely at this moment, filled with immense regret. He had turned away a peerless genius who possessed the Weapon Fusion innate divine ability?


    "That, that''s the power of Sword Intent¡­"


    "To master one of the top ten divine skills, Weapon Fusion, at merely the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm, and to grasp Sword Intent already? This, this¡­"


    If Zhou Xin only felt regret upon discovering Xiao Yi''s mastery of the Weapon Fusion divine skill, at this moment he was regretting it so much his guts turned green. Mastering Sword Intent in the Shentong Realm meant a hundred percent certainty of advancing into the Golden Core Realm!


    Added to that was his innate divine ability, Weapon Fusion.


    Xiao Yi''s future achievements would at least be in the top three of the Teng Long List!


    "Jia Sidao, Ge Qingyun, Zhang Yi... you''ve wronged me..." Zhou Xin was so angry that he spouted a mouthful of old blood, his eyes filled with hysterical madness as he stared fixedly at Zhuge Shuangdao, "Shuangdao, kill him, kill him for me!"


    Meanwhile.


    Xiao Yi and Zhuge Shuangdao had already engaged again inbat, with Zhuge wielding knives in all four arms, attacking with an unparalleled ferocity.


    Between their exchanges, the two appeared evenly matched.


    After all, Xiao Yi was still at the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm, facing off against Zhuge Shuangdao of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer who had awakened his innate divine ability, there was still a certain gap.


    "I admit you''re strong, but you''re still far from killing me!" Zhuge Shuangdao''s four arms waved wildly, momentarily baffling Xiao Yi with his madness-like knife techniques.


    "It seems I can only use this move¡­"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes suddenly surged with a crimson hue as he roared, "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Whoosh!


    A red glow emerged around his body, enveloping him entirely.


    It was indeed the Blood Explosion Skill inherited from Dao Yan!


    The Blood Explosion Skill instantly burned one-tenth of Xiao Yi''s blood, offering a burst of tenfold strength. The secondyer burned a fifth of the blood for twentyfold power, and so on, till the tenthyer burned all the blood to unleash a hundredfold strength.


    But to cast the tenthyer meant burning all the blood, leading to death!


    Fortunately, Zhuge Shuangdao was only at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer; Xiao Yi needed to activate only the firstyer of the Blood Explosion Skill.


    Boom!


    After the tenfold increase in strength.


    Xiao Yi''s right arm, merged with the Tiger yer Sword, was covered in ayer of crimson glow: "Sweeping a Thousand Troops!"


    A sword swept across the sky.


    Both speed and power were ten times greater than before!


    ng!


    This sword blow forcibly knocked the des out of Zhuge Shuangdao''s hands.


    "Not good¡­" Zhuge Shuangdao''splexion underwent a drastic change.


    The moment Xiao Yi passed by him, he promptly reversed direction and struck again with his sword: "Chasing Stars and Moon!"


    Whoosh!


    The de sliced through the void, severing Zhuge Shuangdao''s four arms on the spot.


    Howl!


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s spirit almost left his body as he wailed in pain, turning to run towards Zhou Xin, "Elder Zhou, save me..."


    "No one can save you!"


    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, the scarlet sword glow piercing the heavens, a thirty-foot sword light shrouding the sun.


    This earth-shattering sword descended from the sky!


    Spurt!


    Zhuge Shuangdao''s body shuddered, and he spewed out a mouthful of fresh blood, his entire body cleaved into two halves by Xiao Yi''s relentless strike¡­

 Chapter 59 Within a year, I will take your life!

    Silence.


    Explore stories at empire


    Deathly silence.


    In front of the gates of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, despite the presence of over ten thousand people, there was now absolute quiet.


    Gulp!


    Someone swallowed instinctively, which set off a wave of gulping as one formidable figure after another swallowed repeatedly. This sound seemed to break the spell that had frozen time, gradually restoring the ability to move among the crowds.


    Every single person looked at Xiao Yi with a mix of shock, awe, and a hint of disbelief, "Dead, dead? The tenth ranked Earth-Level student, ranked twenty-fifth on the Flying Tiger List, the genius Zhuge Shuangdao is actually dead?"


    "I, I must be dreaming¡­"


    Even Gu Junhe was momentarily stunned before bursting into heartyughter, proiming loudly, "Interesting, interesting! Someone who didn''t even pass the second round of assessments at the Royal Martial Arts Academy and was turned away at the door as ''trash'' has actually killed one of your so-called geniuses, hahaha, what a Royal Martial Arts Academy indeed¡­"


    At this moment.


    The entire Royal Martial Arts Academy erupted into chaos.


    Especially Gu Junhe''s term ''trash''. It was like an invisible p fiercely striking the face of every powerful figure of the Royal Martial Arts Academy.


    Pain.


    A pain that drills into the heart!


    If even Xiao Yi, who killed Zhuge Shuangdao, could only be considered trash and not worthy of entering the Royal Martial Arts Academy, what did that make them?


    Are they even less than trash?


    "Ge Qingyun, Zhang Yi, and Jia Sidao, you all deserve to die¡­"


    "Because of your selfish desires, you not only caused the death of Zhuge Shuangdao but also caused our Royal Martial Arts Academy to lose an unparalleled genius!"


    "You are the sinners of the Royal Martial Arts Academy¡­"


    Many of the powerful figures from the Royal Martial Arts Academy cursed without stop.


    Zhou Xin''splexion turned from pale to flushed, feeling chilling drafts on his back.


    If Elder Wang and the headmaster were to return and learn about this, he feared that losing his position as the Law Enforcement Elder would be the least of his worries!


    "Xiao Yi¡­ it''s all because of you, you damned mongrel¡­" Zhou Xin red venomously at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s body ceased its glow of blood, revealing the Blood Explosion Skill.


    The Blood Explosion Skill constantly burnt his blood, and thatst strike had burned away a tenth of his blood volume, leaving his face extremely pale.


    His arm too returned to normal.


    The vital energy expended to maintain his Innate Divine Ability was also tremendously great.


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved slightly upward, his pale face bearing a strange smile as he bowed to the people of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy is indeed worthy of its reputation, the talents are as plentiful as the stars in the sky, no wonder you looked down on Xiao Yi. This Zhuge Shuangdao is supposedly ranked beyond the twentieth at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, but it took me the strength of nine bulls and two tigers just to kill him. It seems that my previous deration of challenging all students below the Sky Level was truly overconfident and arrogant!"


    Zhou Xin''s face twitched: "..."


    The disciples of the Royal Martial Arts Academy gnashed their teeth in anger: "..."


    Your words are anything but modest, they''re a p in our faces!


    Xiao Yi then turned to face Gu Junhe, bowing, "Headmaster, the Royal Martial Arts Academy is indeed terrifying with its abundance of powerful figures. We should return to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy."


    "Yes, let''s go!"


    Gu Junheughed heartily, he hadn''t felt this joyful in many years.


    Gu Junhe gave a bow to Zhou Xin, "Elder Zhou, my Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is no match for the Royal Martial Arts Academy, we can only take in the disciples you look down upon. When your headmaster returns, remember to thank him for me, will you!"


    Zhou Xin: "You, you¡­ argh..."


    He was so angry that he spewed out a mouthful of old blood.


    "Hahaha..."


    Gu Junhe waved his hand grandly, "Children, follow me back home; tonight, I will treat you to great amounts of meat and wine!"


    Whoosh!


    A fierce wind swept through, and the Cangyun Eagle swooped down from the skies,nding in front of the crowd.


    Xiao Yi and the others climbed onto the back of the Cangyun Eagle, and with a wingspan of twenty meters, it pped its wings and soared into the sky, vanishing among the clouds.


    Soon after¡­


    Zhou Xin slowly regained consciousness only to discover Elder Wang and Zhou Yuan, the headmaster of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, staring at him with extremely ugly expressions. It was clear they already knew the full story of what had happened.


    Zhou Xin''s pale face was filled with bitterness and resentment, "Dean, Elder Wang, that Gu Junhe has gone too far!"


    p!


    Elder Wang''s hand struck Zhou Xin''s face, shocking him into confusion. Holding his cheek, he stared at Elder Wang in a daze, "Elder, Elder Wang, what are you doing?"


    Elder Wang''s face was grim as he said, "Xiao Yi was my personal rmendation, intended to be cultivated as the core talent of the future for the Royal Martial Arts Academy. Yet you all pressured him to leave? Now you want to turn the situation around and me him? What did Gu Junhe do wrong? Am I supposed to watch idly as you ruin a talent?"


    "I, I..."


    Zhou Xin opened his mouth but was unable to utter a word under Elder Wang''s furious re.


    "Enough!"


    Zhou Yuan spoke faintly, his gaze towards Elder Wang filled with displeasure, "Zhiyuan, this matter can''t be med all on Zhou Xin. If Xiao Yi truly intended to join the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he would have stayed even if he felt wronged, or at least until you and I returned. But he not only killed our disciple, he also tarnished the academy''s reputation. It proves that he is not fated to be with our academy!"


    Elder Wang''s expression remained dark, "Dean, this whole affair was caused by Jia Sidao for his own personal hate. How can you me Xiao Yi?"


    "If Xiao Yi had not killed Jia Sichun, would Jia Sidao have targeted him? Ultimately, Xiao Yi has no respect for our academy. Such a person, we are better off without!" Zhou Yuan paused and then continued, "Zhou Xin, go tend to your injuries. I will make a trip to Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    "Dean, what are you going to do?" Elder Wang asked, frowning.


    Zhou Yuan snorted coldly, "Do I need to report to you what I do?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Whoosh!


    Zhou Yuan soared into the sky.


    ...


    On the back of the Cangyun Eagle.


    Xiao Yi sat cross-legged, hisplexion regaining some color. Opening his eyes, he saw Fang Qingzhu looking at him with concern and managed a smile, "Don''t worry, I''m fine!"


    Fang Qingzhu spoke softly, "Can you not take such risks in the future? I, I only have you as my family now..."


    Family?


    Xiao Yi felt a slight jolt, wasn''t he the same?


    Gripping Fang Qingzhu''s soft hand tightly, Xiao Yi nodded firmly, "Okay..."


    However...


    Before the word "okay" could leave his lips, it seemed to get stuck.


    Whoosh!


    A light flickered in the void, and a finger carved out of crystal shot towards Xiao Yi''s back.


    Fang Qingzhu''s pupils contracted sharply, and she forcefully pulled Xiao Yi, swapping ces with him.


    Under Xiao Yi''s shocked gaze, the crystal fingernded on Fang Qingzhu''s back with a booming sound.


    Wow!


    Fang Qingzhu''s body trembled, blood spurting out and covering Xiao Yi''s face.


    Everything in front of him was blood-red!


    Xiao Yi held Fang Qingzhu tightly; she continually spat out blood, and he desperately tried to stop it, but blood still flowed through the gaps in his fingers. Xiao Yi looked around, trying to call for Gu Junhe, but realized he couldn''t make any sound, only gasping for breath.


    Niu Dali and the four brothers from the Shi Family were on high alert, encircling the two of them.


    Suddenly, a furious roar erupted from the void, "Zhou Yuan, you old bastard, how dare you strike a junior with such a venomous blow? Have you no shame?"


    Zhou Yuan''s indifferent voice came through, "This brat tarnished the reputation of the Royal Martial Arts Academy and killed my disciple. Why shouldn''t I take his life? Besides, you, Gu Junhe, as the dean of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, have been reduced to picking up the trash discarded by our academy. You''ve truly lost all face for your academy!"


    "To hell with losing face, die!"


    "You think I''m afraid of you?"


    Boom!


    A terrifying energy burst forth in the sky, hanging like a radiant sun, illuminating the expanse of the capital.


    "Gu Junhe, you are still no match for me, go back and practice more! Hahaha..."


    "Damn you, old dog Zhou..."


    Gu Junhe, with a face filled with rage, returned to the Cangyun Eagle. After checking Fang Qingzhu''s injuries, he took out a golden pill and ced it into her mouth, exhaling in relief, "Don''t worry, I''ve weakened that strike by ny percent, and with this Three-turns Golden Healing Elixir, after we return and properly rest, Qingzhu''s injuries should heal within three months."


    Xiao Yi nodded heavily, looking down at Fang Qingzhu, who had fallen into a deep sleep in his arms.


    His eyes were a blood-red color, his gaze filled with violence and madness. He pronounced each word with determination, "Old dog Zhou Yuan, I, Xiao Yi, swear to the heavens¡ªI will take your life within a year!"

 Chapter 60 Tianqi Martial Arts Academy

    Above the Cangyun Eagle, there was silence.


    Gu Junhe, looking apologetic, gave Xiao Yi a wry smile and said, "I''m sorry, I didn''t expect Zhou Yuan, that old dog, to be so despicable as to strike a junior at the zenith of the Golden Elixir Realm."


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "Director, this isn''t your fault!"


    He knew very well that if it weren''t for Gu Junhe''s timely intervention, blocking ny-nine percent of the power of that finger, he and Fang Qingzhu would have be a pair of doomed lovers.


    After this battle,


    Xiao Yi had gained a deeper understanding of the strength of the Golden Elixir Realm, especially the might of someone at the Golden Elixir Peak, whose single finger, even with less than ten percent of its power, almost imed Fang Qingzhu''s life.


    Gu Junhe hesitated for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "The words you uttered earlier were too impulsive!"


    He was referring to Xiao Yi''s vow to kill Zhou Yuan within a year.


    That was an existence at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak.


    Furthermore...


    Zhou Yuan was the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and with his status and position, even if he didn''t possess the strength himself, Xiao Yi couldn''t just kill him at will. After all, he represented the face of the royal family, and should his illustrious reputation be threatened, the royal family might very welle out in full force to protect him.


    Even that ancestral figure from the Tao Tribtion Realm who had not shown himself for a long time might appear because of this.


    Moreover...


    Gu Junhe didn''t believe that Xiao Yi could possess the strength to kill Zhou Yuan within a year.


    After all.


    The gap between the Fourth Layer of the Shentong Realm and the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm was like heaven and earth, a true dragon against a stubborn snake.


    Even if Xiao Yi''s talent were exceptional, he would still need time and opportunity.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, and his bloodshot eyes softened as theynded on Fang Qingzhu, "I once swore I would never let Qingzhu suffer the slightest harm, yet she nearly lost her life to save me. If I don''t avenge this, I swear I am not a human being!"


    "This..."


    Seeing the determination in Xiao Yi''s eyes, Gu knew it was pointless to say more and could only say, "Don''t worry, I will do my utmost to help you."


    "Thank you, Director!" Xiao Yi said.


    Niu Dali patted his shoulder, "Brother, count me in for taking revenge for sister-inw. When you go to storm the Royal Martial Arts Academy, I will go with you!"


    "And us too!" The Shi Family brothers also said one after another.


    Shi Yaodu, with a mournful face, twirled two dice in his hand, "I bet we can''t withstand a single finger from Zhou Yuan... but even if it means death, we must go at it!"


    Xiao Yi looked deeply at hispanions.


    Apart from Niu Dali, they were all strangers he''d met by chance.


    Yet whether it was at the Royal Martial Arts Academy or now, they still stood by his side.


    Xiao Yi etched this camaraderie in his heart and, with eyes narrowed, looked in the direction of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, silently vowing, "In one year''s time, I will tten your Royal Martial Arts Academy and take your head, Zhou Yuan!"


    Cheep cheep...


    The Cangyun Eagle, as if influenced by him, soared high, letting out a series of sonorous cries.


    Swish!


    The Cangyun Eagle swiftly vanished into the clouds.


    They had already flown out of the capital,nding within a mountain range thirty miles outside the capital, where Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was situated atop the most majestic peak of this mountain range. This peak rose abruptly like a spring bamboo shoot joining the clouds, thousands of feet tall if not more.


    Amidst the mist and clouds,


    sprawling buildings neatly arranged could faintly be seen on the mountainside.


    At the entrance was an archway carved out of white marble, nked by six stone columns entwined by sculpted dragons, which seemed to spring to life. At the gate stood two ck stone lions, one with a ball of fire in its mouth and the other stepping on auspicious clouds, both exuding a powerful presence.


    Above the archway hung a que with gold letters on a ck background that read: Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!


    The gates were indeed magnificent!


    "This is our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy? The gates are quite spectacr!"


    "They say that over five hundred years ago, this was the premier academy of the Tianqing Kingdom. They say a camel dying of starvation is bigger than a horse, so even though it''s declined, it should still be not too shabby!"


    Niu Dali looked towards Gu, who was dispatching the Cangyun Eagle to hunt deeper in the mountains, and asked, "Director, how many disciples do we have in Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Shi Yaose spit into his hands, rubbed them together, and then smeared it casually through his hair, squinting he asked, "Director, didn''t you say that the female disciples in our academy are all peerless beauties? Where are they?"


    Shi Yaoqian also asked, "Headmaster, you said our Martial Arts Institute is so poor all we have left is money, so our monthly stipend should be quite substantial, right? I''ve heard that the lowest-ranked Yellow-tier students at the Royal Martial Arts Academy get a monthly stipend of 500 silver. We shouldn''t be worse off than them, should we?"


    "Don''t worry, I am the honorable Headmaster after all, how could I possibly deceive you!"


    Gu Junhe kept a straight face as he took out eight contracts, saying solemnly, "These are the enrollment contracts. You must sign your names and press your fingerprints for it to be official and for you to be formally admitted into the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    Everyone signed the contract one after another.


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe with a strange expression. Thetter chuckled mischievously and collected all the contracts before pping his hands and shouting towards the gate, "Come out and greet the guests... ahem,e out and wee your new junior brothers and sisters!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Shi Yaose quickly straightened out his clothes.


    Niu Dali looked forward hopefully, waiting for the legendary beautiful senior sisters.


    A few momentster.


    A youth with a handsome and stately appearance came out, greeting everyone with a calm smile, "Wee, my fellow junior brothers and sisters!"


    "Senior brother, why is it just you? Where are the beautiful senior sisters?" Niu Dali asked curiously.


    The youth smiled wryly, "In Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, aside from the Headmaster, it''s only me!"


    What?


    Niu Dali and the others were dumbfounded.


    What the heck?


    There''s only one disciple?


    Shi Yaose stared nkly at Gu Junhe, "What happened to the beautiful women you promised?"


    Gu Junhe said earnestly, "I said that if there were any female disciples, they would be considered peerlessly beautiful. Isn''t Qingzhu beautiful?"


    Shi Yaose''s eye twitched, "I&...*£¨£©"


    Shi Yaoqian clutched his chest, "Headmaster, you''re not also lying about being so poor all we have is money, are you?"


    "That part is true!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, adding, "We are indeed so poor that we can only save money."


    Shi Yaoqian, "&*£¨£©..."


    Shi Yaoquan asked, "What about the promise that all resources would be open to us?"


    Gu Junhe patted his shoulder, speaking earnestly, "In the entire Martial Arts Institute, it''s just you few. You can live wherever you like, cultivate wherever you wish. Both Dean Jiang Tai and I, serving as tutors, are responsible only for you eight. Doesn''t that count as having all resources open to you?"


    Everyone: "..."


    So Tianqi Martial Arts Academy has neither money nor resources, plus just the ten of them in total?


    Everyone knew Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was in decline, but who could have imagined it was this bad!


    Shi Yaoqian said with a dark face, "Is this a ce for people to stay? Let''s go, let''s go..."


    Gu Junhe''s expression darkened, and he revealed the signed and thumb-printed enrollment contracts, "You''ve all signed the enrollment contracts. Without the Headmaster''s permission, anyone who dares to leave the Academy will bemitting a crime of defection. I will announce it to the world, and you will be loathed by everyone as backstabbers and betrayers to your master. Try leaving, just one of you?"


    Everyone felt stars in their eyes, and a mouthful of fresh blood almost spurted out.


    "Think about it from another perspective. Because of the small number of people in the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, you can getprehensive guidance! If you don''t believe it, ask Jiang Tai. He owes his current achievements to my personal guidance; he is third on the Teng Long List and a super strong man at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!"


    Gu Junhe, seeing that he had stunned them into silence, continued, "As long as you obediently stay in Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, I guarantee that within three years you will all be on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List, and within ten years, on the Teng Long List..."


    Within three years, the Dragon and Tiger List? Within ten years, the Teng Long List?


    Listening to Gu Junhe speaking confidently, Niu Dali and the Shi Family brothers all shone with hope and longing.


    However, Xiao Yi was looking at Jiang Tai, who had approached, and said with a wry smile, "It was the seventh prince who had Dean Gu visit the Royal Martial Arts Academy, right?"


    "After hearing Jia Sidao was targeting you, I was worried you might be in danger, so I had the Headmaster make a trip. But I didn''t expect him to bring back so many people..."


    Jiang Tai gave the Shi Family brothers and Niu Dali a strange look, then frowned at Fang Qingzhu in Xiao Yi''s arms, "What''s going on there?"


    Xiao Yi simply said two words, "Zhou Yuan."


    Jiang Tai sneered, disying no surprise, "That indeed sounds like him." After a pause, Jiang said, "The Headmaster will still be busy brainwashing for a while, let me get you settled first!"


    "Thanks for the trouble!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and followed Jiang Tai into the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy...

 Chapter 61 Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List

    Time flies, three days slip by quietly.


    Over the past three days, the news of Xiao Yi causing a ruckus at the Royal Martial Arts Academy has spread far and wide.


    There''s nobody in the capital of Tianqing Kingdom who doesn''t know the name Xiao Yi.


    Especially after Xiao Yi slew Zhuge Shuangdao and took his ce, bing the twenty-fifth on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List''s Flying Tiger Board.


    In an instant.


    The name Xiao Yi became an idol to countless people.


    However¡­


    Xiao Yi himself had no opinion on the matter; to him, whether it was the Flying Tiger Board or the Teng Long List, everything still depended on one''s own strength being sufficiently strong. Over thest three days, aside from taking meticulous care of Fang Qingzhu, he devoted himself entirely to cultivation.


    Besides Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai, there were only eight of them in the entire Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, so there was no talk of sses. Apart from not being able to leave the academy at will, it was extremely free.


    On the back mountain.


    Xiao Yi stood bare-chested under the waterfall, holding the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand, swinging the longsword again and again.


    He didn''t use a trace of Yuan energy, but just mechanically waved the longsword.


    The power of Sword Intent allowed him to merge as one with the Fire Qilin Sword.


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!


    Whoosh!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    With each thrust of the sword, the swiftly falling water in front of him was forcefully torn apart, and suddenly Xiao Yi thrust out mightily with his sword.


    Whirl!


    This sword, akin to a carp leaping through the Dragon Gate.


    Moving against the stream.


    Wherever the sword edge passed, the waterfall''s waters were torn asunder, extending for over thirty meters before stopping.


    Only then did the curtain of water from the waterfall slowly heal.


    Simultaneously, Xiao Yi leaped up andnded by thekeside, thrusting the Fire Qilin Sword into the ground, then sat cross-legged, carefully contemting the sensation of that sword stroke: "Dao Yan divided Sword Intent into five stages, the first stage being rity of Sword Heart, the second stage, the Sword Follows the Heart, the third stage, Unity of Man and Sword, the fourth stage, the Sword Moves at Will, and the fifth stage, All Swords as One. I have now truly mastered the first stage, rity of Sword Heart. If I were to face Zhuge Shuangdao again now, I could defeat him without the need for the Blood Explosion Skill!"


    The understanding of martial arts is a profound realm.


    Ordinary martial artists may not reach the first stage in their lifetimes.


    Xiao Yi, being able to grasp the first stage, rity of Sword Heart, within the Spiritual Realm Cultivation, certainly rtes to the inheritance from the Life-Taking Schr, but it''s also inseparable from his own talent.


    "Xiao Brother!"


    Jiang Tai''s figure approached from a distance, carrying two jars of strong liquor, tossing one to Xiao Yi and sitting down next to him.


    Xiao Yi pped open the y seal, took a few big gulps, exhaling a long breath of turbid air: "Who would have thought that His Highness the Seventh Prince would not fancy exquisite spirits but rather this throat-shing strong liquor?"


    "Exquisite spirits are too mild, just like a man without any vigor, not suited for me!" Jiang Tai tilted his head back and took a few gulps, casually wiped his mouth, and nced at Xiao Yi, "How is Fang doing in her recovery?"


    A rxed smile appeared on Xiao Yi''s face: "She woke up yesterday, but she will need another month or so of recovery. I must also thank you, Jiang Brother, for bringing those healing pills. Otherwise, she wouldn''t have recovered so quickly!"


    "Why the formality between brothers?"


    Jiang Tai smiled and after a moment of hesitation, he said, "Xiao, have you heard that today within the Tianqing Kingdom, a secret realm of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert has been discovered?"


    Xiao Yi nodded his head.


    He had heard Xue''er mention this.


    Zhou Yuan and Elder Wang had gone before to explore that secret realm.


    Otherwise...


    If Elder Wang had personally been stationed at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, none of the subsequent events would have happened.


    Jiang Tai''s voice became grave, "The Dean has already decided topete for it, and my father has also sent people there. The information I got shows that it''s the tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert, with the lifelong treasures of a Tao Tribtion expert inside. As is customary, after these big shots finish their exploration, they will allow our junior generation to go there for training..."


    Xiao Yi''s action of drinking suddenly halted.


    The tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert would surely have many treasures.


    This was a great opportunity!


    Xiao Yi, with a solemn voice, asked, "Is the news reliable?"


    "Reliable!"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment and then said, "What do you mean by that, Jiang?"


    Jiang Tai lifted his head to gulp down two mouthfuls of strong liquor, his eyes shining with sharp intent, and he said in a grave tone, "The tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert is an immense opportunity. In addition to the experts from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, families like Mingjian Manor, as well as the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple and the Nine Profound Sect, will send their strong ones to enter. Even the younger generation from the neighboring countries wille. Although their strength is not bad, they still fall shortpared to true geniuses. I want to invite Xiao to join me and travel together!"


    Although Xiao Yi was tempted, he did not immediately agree and instead frowned while looking at him, "With your strength, Jiang, wouldn''t partnering with you just slow you down?"


    Jiang Tai was a prominent expert at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Among the younger generation, possibly only that prince at the Ninth Layer of the Golden Core Realm could beat him; he was just at the Fourth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Even though he had thebat power of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he was far from being a match for a Golden Core Realm expert!


    Jiang Tai said seriously, "I know a little about your affairs in Nanhuang. In just three months, you went from having no cultivation to bing a Divine Skills realm expert. After those big shots conclude their exploration, there will be at least two more months. I don''t believe that in two months, Xiao will still have the same cultivation level. Of course, if I feel that Xiao''s strength is not enough to form an alliance with me at that time, I will go by myself!"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, sizing up Jiang Tai seriously, then suddenlyughed, "You speak quite directly, but I like to associate with straightforward people. Rest assured, if at that time my strength can only slow you down, you won''t need to speak. I will know to keep my distance."


    "Hahaha, then let''s toast in advance to our sessful return from the secret realm!"


    "To our sessful return!"


    The two swung up their pots of liquor and finished them off in one go.


    "Xiao, you must train hard during this time. I will keep an eye on the situation there and inform you immediately once there''s any news!" After giving his advice, Jiang Tai left with the empty liquor pot in hand.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes and fell into deep thought.


    The tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert was a huge opportunity, one that he would definitely need to explore whether Jiang Tai invited him or not.


    But it was also a great risk.


    When the time came, the experts from the Royal Martial Arts Academy would go as well, and considering his rtionship with them, they would surely not let him off easily.


    "Two more months of time... I must at least break through to the Golden Core Realm to have the qualifications to fight for it."


    In Xiao Yi''s palm appeared the Iron de King''s golden core. He took a deep breath, "Once this golden core ispletely refined, I should be able to step into the Seventh or even Eighth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. Then, it will be time to visit the Iron de King''s residence again to fulfill the promise I made to the Iron de King."


    And then...


    Xiao Yi once again entered the waterfall, his palms facing each other with the golden core suspended between them, while circting his profound skills to refine the energy within the golden core...

 Chapter 62 Murder in the Street

    Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    The back mountain, waterfall.


    Whoosh!


    Streams of water cascaded down from the summit, striking the surface of theke with a thunderous roar.


    Within that waterfall...


    Xiao Yi''s body was bathed in a faint milky white glow, which coalesced into a spherical shield, keeping the droplets of water at bay. Between his hands, there was a grain-of-rice-sized yellow light that turned into a yellow stream, merging into his body.


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s body shuddered as his aura surged, reaching the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    But his cultivation did not end there, as the vast primordial energy within his body poured into the God Sealing Seed, activating one after another.


    From one thousand, it rose to fourteen hundred and fifty.


    The torrential power of the God Sealing Seeds fed back into his body, and Xiao Yi finally exhaled a murky breath, ceasing his cultivation with a brilliant smile on his face, "Just as I expected, sharing that Golden Core with Qingzhu expended too much energy, and fully refining it only allowed me to step into the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm. However, with my current strength, even a master of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer is no match for a single punch of mine. Even peak Divine Skills practitioners can be challenged in battle!"


    In the midst of speaking.


    Xiao Yiunched a punch forward.


    The third-grade advanced martial skill, Vajra Fist, was as powerful and unyielding as a vajra.


    Boom!


    The waterfall in front was sted open with arge hole, which did not close even after Xiao Yi walked through it and left theke.


    This Vajra Fist was a set of fist techniques Xiao Yi had found in the Scripture Pavilion of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, along with a sword technique called Four Seasons Swordy and a movement technique called Falling Leaves Mystical Step. Over the past twenty days, he had not only broken through to the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm but had also cultivated these fist, sword, and movement techniques to a state of perfection.


    Xiao Yi made his way back to his courtyard.


    The Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was sparsely popted, but there were many courtyards, and the one they resided in was previously owned by the Vice Dean of the academy.


    Fang Qingzhu could now walk on the ground, but since Zhou Yuan''s finger had injured her internal organs, it was not advisable for her to practice cultivation for the time being. When Xiao Yi returned, the table was already set with avish meal, and Fang Qingzhu rested her cheeks in her hands, fixated on the doorway.


    As soon as she saw Xiao Yi return, she hurriedly stood up, carrying a basin and a towel to meet him, "Brother Xiao Yi, quick, wash your face so we can eat!"


    "Alright!"


    Xiao Yi grinned with a smile.


    He thoroughly enjoyed this kind of life, in but filled with the warmth of home.


    "Qingzhu, I need to make a trip out tomorrow, and it will likely take about half a month. Do you want toe with me?" Xiao Yi asked.


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback, then shook her head, "Brother Xiao Yi, I really want to go with you. However, my injuries have not fully healed yet, so I should stay here and recuperate. But Brother Xiao Yi, you must take care when you''re out on your own!"


    Xiao Yi did not insist, nodding in agreement, "Yeah, I know!"


    ......


    Iron Mountain City.


    Located at the foot of Iron Mountain, more than seven hundred kilometers from the capital.


    Famous for its abundant iron mines.


    The entire Iron Mountain City''s iron ore reserves were controlled by the Tie Family and the Xu Family. The Tie Family specialized in forging saber weapons, and all the ded weapons used by the army of the Tianqing Kingdom were supplied by them, which earned them the title of Iron de King. The Xu Family, on the other hand, had been granted the title of Comrade King because one of their ancestors, a Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realmmander, had expanded the kingdom''s territory.


    These two great families held the iron mines of Iron Mountain, and even the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom dared not offend them easily.


    On the wide streets.


    Xiao Yi, dressed in ck, led a horse and stopped by a stall selling women''s jewelry, picking up a red hairpin and asking, "Shopkeeper, how much for this?"


    The shopkeeper, a plump middle-aged man, responded cheerily, "My lord has a fine eye! Are you picking out a gift for your wife? This red hairpin is made of pure gold, and the pearls iid on ite from the top-quality pearls produced in Qinghe. It''s only a hundred taels of silver."


    "A hundred taels of silver? I''ll take it!"


    Xiao Yi took out a hundred taels of silver and tossed them to the stall owner, just as he was storing the rouge hairpin in his storage ring when a scream rang out from beside him, a figure rapidly flew backwards towards him.


    Bang!


    An old woman with a withered face smashed heavily into the stall, toppling over a disy of jewelry onto the ground.


    "Grandma..."


    The heart-wrenching cry filled with desperate pain was distressing to hear.


    Xiao Yi turned towards the sound.


    Across the street, on the railing of the second floor of a tavern, a delicately beautiful girl in tattered clothes was gripping the railing tightly, poised to jump down. Despair filled her eyes as she looked helplessly at the old woman lying in a pool of blood, crying out with no strength. Behind the girl were two young men in luxurious clothing, both with vicious smiles on their faces as they dragged her back inside, one on each side.


    "Sigh, it''s those two beasts again..."


    "Isn''t this the fifth time this month? We should remind our neighbors to keep a closer watch on their daughters!"


    A few sighs of resignation echoed within the crowd.


    The stall owner nced at the old woman lying in the pool of blood and sighed, "What a sin!"


    Xiao Yi frowned and asked, "Boss, what''s going on here?"


    The stall owner nced at Xiao Yi, his expression changing, and said in a grave tone, "You must be from out of town, young master. I advise you not to meddle in other people''s affairs. Better leave quickly!"


    "Ugh..."


    The old woman on the ground suddenly trembled.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback and was about to step forward to help her when the stall owner grabbed him, saying gravely, "Young master, please don''t meddle. It will only bring trouble to your doorstep. You saw who those two men upstairs are, didn''t you? If they see you dare to help this olddy, you''ll be in a world of trouble!" Enjoy new stories from empire


    "The olddy is still alive, can we really just watch her die before our eyes?" Xiao Yi broke free from the stall owner''s grasp and helped the old woman up.


    However...


    Just as he lifted her up, the sound of something cutting through the air came from behind him.


    Xiao Yi''s expression tightened, and as he turned around, he reached into the air and caught the iing arrow. Had he not acted quickly, the arrow would have pierced through the old woman''s head. Who could be so cruel as to deal such a deadly blow to a withered old person? Xiao Yi looked back and saw a young man with his upper body bare jump down from the second floor.


    "Damn it, you dare to save someone I want to kill? You must be tired of living!"


    The young man threw away therge ox-horn bow in his hand and drew a three-foot-long de from his waist. With a couple of swings creating a flower of de movements, he chopped towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    "Another life lost..."


    "I told you not to meddle..." The stall owner''s face was filled with pity.


    However...


    The de did not fall; mid-air, it was caught firmly between two of Xiao Yi''s fingers.


    "Hmm?"


    The young man was startled, then roared with a fierce face, "Let go!"


    "Scram!"


    Xiao Yi casually tossed the young man aside, sending him flying with his sword.


    "You, you dare to fight back? You''re seeking death!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Enraged, the young man pulled out a ck, heavy crossbow from behind him. With a thud, a crossbow arrow shot straight for Xiao Yi. The poison-coated arrow was deadly on contact, and as Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank, he quickly dodged using a movement technique, allowing his shape to blur and barely evading the arrow. In an instant, his right hand reached out.


    Grabbing the crossbow arrow, he shot back from the ground at full speed.


    With a thump, the arrow pierced through the young man''s throat.


    Bang!


    The young man sped the arrow in his throat with both hands, knelt on the ground, shaking. All he could hear was Xiao Yi''s cold voice, "Relying on your family''s power to bully men and women, quick to take a life at the slightest disagreement, scum like you shouldn''t be allowed to live in this world..."

 Chapter 63 If I want you dead, can you refuse to die?

    "Murder, murder, there''s been a murder!"


    "Run! Someone''s been killed..."


    In an instant, the onlookers on the street scattered in terror, screaming as they fled.


    The owner of the jewelry stall turned deathly pale, looking at Xiao Yi as if eying the gue God, "You, you, you actually killed him? He''s the sworn brother of Comrade King''s Princely Heir Xu Tao... I told you to mind your own business, now you''re dead for sure..."


    At that moment...


    From the second floor of the tavern, a cry of rm could be heard.


    The woman who had been earlier dragged in was now covered with vicious, shocking wounds, and fresh blood gushed from her body, a sight so sorrowful it was unbearable to watch.


    Whoosh!


    With the sound of cutting through the air, that woman was brutally thrown down from the second floor.


    Her head hit the ground with a thud, sttering blood everywhere.


    "Damn wretch, being favored by me is due to the virtue of your ancestors. Ungrateful and even daring to bite me? Truly tired of living..."


    A voice full of discontent and arrogance came from the second floor, "Younger brother, why aren''t you done? It''s just killing an old hag, why is it taking so long? Younger brother, young... younger brother?"


    Whoosh!


    A robust young man jumped down forcefully and saw the young man Xiao Yi had in.


    His eyes were blood-red with rage, and his fierce gaze fell upon Xiao Yi, "You? You killed my younger brother?"


    Xiao Yi coldly observed the young girl lying in a pool of blood behind the young man.


    A twinge of regret surfaced in his heart, "I should have charged directly to the second floor earlier; then, this innocent life wouldn''t have been wasted in vain!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Kid, do you know who he was? He was the sworn brother of Comrade King''s Princely Heir Xu Tao. You actually killed him? You''re definitely dead, no one can save you... Not only are you going to die, but your entire family and all your rtives must die as well..." The young man''s face twisted with ferocity as he bellowed crazily.


    "You''re really annoying!"


    Xiao Yi gave him a cold nce. Discover exclusive content at empire


    That icy look alone made the young man shudder, his First Layer of the Divine Passage Realm abilities unable to be summoned, and he copsed to the ground with a thud.


    "Don''te any closer... you, don''te any closer... I''m Xu Tao''s sworn older brother; if you dare to harm a single hair on me, my second brother will not let you off..." The young man said in terror, scuttling backward on his hands and feet.


    Xiao Yi advanced step by step.


    Crack!


    With a stomp, he broke the man''s left foot.


    "Aaargh..."


    The young man screamed miserably, howling, "Have you gone mad?"


    Crack!


    The right foot was broken as well.


    Filled with despair, the young man no longer dared to be as arrogant as before. Enduring the intense pain, he backed away on his hands, "Brothers, let''s talk this out, please don''t kill me. I have money, I can give you lots and lots of money, please don''t kill me..."


    "She must have pleaded with you just now, hadn''t she?" Xiao Yi suddenly asked.


    "Ah?"


    The young man looked dumbfounded.


    Xiao Yi pointed to the old woman and the young girl lying in the pool of blood, "They must have begged you as well, right?"


    "You, you, you did this for them? They are just lowly poor people. I fancied her body, and she should''ve obedientlyplied with me, but instead, she thought of resisting, so I, I had to kill her..." As he spoke, the young man shamelessly pulled down his trousers, "Look, I''m all swollen here from where that wretched woman bit me; it was her own fault!"


    "Her own fault?"


    When Xiao Yi spoke these four words, the air around seemed to turn icy cold.


    His chest felt as if it was blocked by a stone.


    Xiao Yi''s voice was oppressively subdued, even somewhat hoarse, "Just because they are impoverished, they are to be trampled and manipted at your whim? If you fancy her body, she must submit to you, and if not, she deserves to die? Haha, it''s ludicrous, truly the height of absurdity."


    Crack!


    Xiao Yi pointed a finger.


    St!


    Vital energy cleanly severed the young man''s arms at the shoulders, and blood gushed forth; the young many on the ground, howling in agony.


    Xiao Yi''s voice sounded as if it came from theherworld, "I tell you to die, will you die or not?"


    "I can''t, I can''t die..." the young man roared.


    Xiao Yi shook his head, sighing, "In my eyes, you are no more than an ant. I order you to die, and you dare not die? That is an affront to me!"


    Swish!


    The sword finger moved again.


    Vital energy like a de, ruthlessly severed his legs as well.


    Awooo...


    The young man was in excruciating pain, his limbless body writhing in a pool of blood. Xiao Yi shook his head and said, "You see, I want to kill you, and you don''t just die quietly, but dare to scream like this, ruining my mood. Do you now say you deserve to die or not?"


    "No, please no..."


    The young man sobbed uncontrobly, his heart filled with nothing but fear and regret at this moment.


    At this moment...


    He seemed to see those he had bullied in the past. Their faces were likely filled with the same despair and pain as his own, right? Yet, in the past, those expressions only stirred excitement and pleasure in him, but now it was only fear and despair that overwhelmed him!


    "I dare not, I will never dare again..." the young man wailed miserably.


    Just then...


    The sound of thundering hooves approached; a troop of dozens of horsemen was closing in fast.


    The leader, a middle-agedmander d in ck armor with eyes sharp as a hawk''s.


    "General Geng, please, hurry, save me..." The young man cried out like a drowning person grasping for a lifesaver.


    Theers were none other than the ck Armored Army under themand of Geng Jing from Comrade King''s mansion, who had rushed over upon hearing that the Princely Heir''s sworn brother had been killed.


    Geng Jing rode on a ck armored ferocious tiger, followed by more than thirty ck Armored Army horsemen, his cold gaze fixed on Xiao Yi, "You audacious scoundrel, how dare youmit murder in broad daylight? Release him this instant!"


    "Release him, you say?"


    Xiao Yi grabbed the young man''s dream and flung him; the young man shot towards Geng Jing''s mount like an arrow from a bow, the speed too fast for the ck armored tiger to react. It trampled right over him with a crisp crack.


    The young man''s head was crushed t.


    Geng Jing turned to see the unrecognizable young man and felt a chill run through his scalp. This was Princely Heir Xu Tao''s sworn brother, now dead before his own eyes¡ªa responsibility he could not escape. Staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, he said coldly, "Do you realize who they are? By killing them, you leave yourself no path but death!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "He was crushed to death by your mount!"


    "You..."


    Geng Jing''s face turned shades of green and white, his teeth clenched in anger, "Where is the ck Armored Army?"


    ng! ng! ng!


    In the midst of the shing sounds of metal, thirty ck Armored Army horsemen stepped forward in unison.


    Geng Jing pointed his long spear at Xiao Yi, "Take this criminal down and bring him to the Princely Heir!"


    "Yes!"


    The thirty ck Armored Army horsemen instantly spread out their formation and charged.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Horse hooves shook the earth, rumbling loudly.


    The whole ground vibrated as if a ck tide of steel surged forward, heading straight for Xiao Yi...

 Chapter 64 Kill Geng Jing, Acquire the Mine Map

    The ck-armored cavalry were the elite soldiers of the Comrade King''s residence.


    Each of them had reached the Shentong Realm in their cultivation, and their mounts wereparable to the second-tier high-grade beasts at the Peak of the Qi Gathering Realm, the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colts¡ªwith great speed, immense strength, and robust bodies. Coupled with the protection of their ck armor, their charge was overwhelmingly powerful and their destructive force was astonishing.


    Though their cultivation was only at the first or secondyer of the Shentong Realm, thebined charge of thirty ck-armored cavalrymen.


    Their destructive power was enough to threaten the life of someone in the High-order Divine Power Realm.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The thirty cavalrymen lined up in three rows and charged headlong.


    The ground trembled as pebbles danced about.


    Xiao Yi stood with his hands behind his back, as proud as a lone pine standing tall in the bitter cold, unshakable by the wind or the snow. His eyebrows, sharp as swords, moved slightly, and when the first cavalryman reached him, his hands shot forward fiercely.


    Godly strength gathered and Qi cloaked his hands.


    ng! ng!


    In the sharp sound of metal piercing through, Xiao Yi''s hands actually punctured the ck armor in front of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt''s chest and firmly grasped the warhorse.


    His figure was also pushed back by the momentum.


    But he only took three steps back!


    Xiao Yi''s legs plunged into the ground like steel stakes, veins on his forehead bulging, the muscles on his arms tensing instantly. The ferocious strength erupted in an instant, and with a low growl, Xiao Yi actually lifted the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt, weighing thousands of pounds, into the air.


    He threw it violently into the sky, and at the same time, grabbed the hind legs of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt.


    "Die!"


    Xiao Yi spun wildly like a top.


    The Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt in his hands became a lethal weapon, harshly smashing into the other ck-armored cavalrymen.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt let out continuous screams, with its rider already smashed into a pulp, and after several swings. The ck-armored cavalrymen were battered to pieces, their figures unrecognizable, and when Xiao Yi finally stopped, all that was left of the Bloodthirsty Dragon Colt in his hands were its two legs.


    Before him...


    All thirty ck-armored cavalrymeny in pools of blood, none spared.


    Hiss!


    The entire street fell silent.


    So quiet you could hear a pin drop.


    This was the ck-armored cavalry!


    The most elite cavalry of the Comrade King''s residence, capable of facing ten foes each on the battlefield, were now all taken down by a single Xiao Yi?


    Xiao Yi tossed the two horse legs aside and walked toward Geng Jing.


    Tap tap tap!


    His footsteps rang clearly, echoing in the deathly quiet street.


    Geng Jing''s mount, the ck-armored fierce tiger, used to be imposing from every angle, but now it was backing away continuously, intimidated by Xiao Yi''s aura. Geng Jing felt a burning sensation on his face as he pulled tightly on the reins to stabilize the ck-armored fierce tiger, his cold gaze locked onto Xiao Yi, "Boy, who on earth are you?"


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi," Xiao Yi said calmly.


    "Tianqi Martial Arts Institute?"


    Geng Jing was taken aback, then sneered, "Seeing you act so decisively in killing, I thought you were a brave man who dared to take responsibility. I didn''t expect you to be a rat hiding behind a guise. Everyone knows Tianqi Martial Arts Institute has few people left, aside from the current seventh prince, there are no other students. If I''m not wrong, you must be sent by the Iron de King''s residence, right? It seems the Iron Arm Commandery Princess has run out of tricks, to actually send someone to kill the Princely Heir''s sworn brothers, attempting to disturb his heart and obstruct his breakthrough to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer?"


    Xiao Yi frowned at Geng Jing, "Iron Arm Commandery Princess?"


    "Hmph, your scheme has already been seen through by this general, how much longer do you intend to y dumb?" Geng Jing sneered continuously, "Once I have captured you, I will break your limbs and take you to confront the Iron de King''s residence and the Iron Arm Commandery Princess face to face. Let''s see if she can still refuse my family''s Princely Heir then!"


    While speaking, Geng Jing had already leaped down from the ck-armored fierce tiger and, in the blink of an eye, appeared in front of Xiao Yi.


    Ayer of white frost covered his right hand.


    The frost condensed into a long spear, and the silver spear thrust fiercely at Xiao Yi, "Angry Dragon Leaps from the Sea!"


    Thunderous roars like rolling thunder filled the sky, and the dazzling silver light, like mercury pouring down, transformed into ferocious silver dragons entwining with each other, coalescing into a silver celestial river suspended across the sky. Geng Jing''s strength was extraordinary, at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, having awakened the Innate Divine Roar of the Dragon.


    A low roar came with the intimidation of dragon''s might.


    The unwavering of mind.


    Under the influence of his dragon''s roar, one''s spirit would be chaotic, even shaking their martial heart, leaving behind an indelible nightmare shadow.


    Seeing Xiao Yi standing still, not moving an inch, Geng Jing was extremely pleased, the silver light of his spear casting an especially cold reflection on his face, "Struck by my dragon''s roar, you can''t even resist. Just die obediently!"


    The spear dragon soared across the sky, and the surrounding stalls were swept up into the air, the stone bs on the ground ttered, and a web-like pattern of cracks covered them.


    It seemed that Xiao Yi was about to be impaled by a spear!


    In the nick of time,


    Xiao Yi''s figure suddenly shifted, his vital energy circted within him with hints of golden light emerging and submerging like an Immovable King, his punch was like heaven itself, obscuring the sun.


    Boom!


    Under this punch,


    The silver spear dragon shattered inch by inch.


    Xiao Yi appeared as if he had transformed into the War God, unbeatable in attack, invincible in battle, sweeping through everything!N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ng!


    The fist and the spear shed like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Humm!


    The body of the spear suddenly bent.


    "This can''t be¡­" Geng Jing''s face, previously filled with triumph, was now swept clean, reced by shock and terror.


    As the spear twisted, he was now only a step away from Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi''s footsteps were enigmatic as he brushed past the long spear, the inertia from the spear snapping back propelled Geng Jing forward unwittingly. In contrast, Xiao Yi once again closed the distance between them, his punch transforming into a palm, his five fingers clenched, grabbing Geng Jing''s neck.


    With a fierce push!


    Bang!


    Geng Jing''s head was mmed fiercely onto the ground, as Xiao Yi surged forward.


    Geng Jing''s head plowed through the ground like a plowshare, tearing open a ghastly ravine.


    The stone bs shattered, dust spiraled upward.


    Continuing for over twenty meters!


    Geng Jing''s head pounded with pain; just as he managed to open his eyes, he saw a dark footprint descending from the sky, and with a bang, his head was crushed.


    Blood sttered in every direction.


    The street was a wreck, with the bodies of the ck-armored cavalry strewn about in disarray.


    A cold wind blew, leaving a chilling destion.


    At the end of the street¡­


    Xiao Yi, leading a horse carrying the bodies of the old woman and the young girl, strode away.


    Outside Iron Mountain City,


    In a forest, after Xiao Yi had buried the young girl, he turned to the old woman with tears streaking down her face and let out a light sigh, "Condolences!"


    "They''re all gone, all of them are gone¡­"


    The old woman''s face, wrinkled like tree bark, squeezed out an ugly smile and walked tremulously to Xiao Yi, "Kind sir, thank you for avenging my granddaughter. I have nothing to repay you with, this map of the ore vein was given to me by my son before he died, iming it marks the location of thergest tungsten iron mine within the Iron Mountain. I was afraid it would bring me fatal disaster, so I never dared show it to anyone. Today, I shall give it to you!"


    "Tungsten iron mine?"


    Xiao Yi was surprised, as this was a metal several grades higher than iron. Weapons made of tungsten iron were second only to elemental weapons. He repeatedly waved his hands, "Old madam, how can I ept this?"


    "Kind sir, my husband and son both died in search of this mine; it''s of no use to me. If you do not ept it, I will not rest in peace when I die!" The old woman, trembling, pushed the parchment into Xiao Yi''s hands with a sincere expression.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath, nodded to the old woman''s begging eyes and said, "Alright, I will ept it!"


    The old woman gestured, "Kind sir, please go ahead! I still want to apany my granddaughter for a while longer¡­"


    "Old madam, I''ll wait for you nearby! I''ll take you hometer!" Xiao Yi said.


    The old woman did not refuse and sat by the grave.


    She sat there for an entire hour.


    Bang!


    The old woman suddenly fell in front of the grave; Xiao Yi was startled, and on checking her, he found the old woman had bitten her tongue andmitted suicide. Xiao Yi''s eyes showed intense grief, "Xiao Yi, you fool¡­ you should have realized that the old woman was settling her affairs... you¡­" Continue reading at empire


    Unfortunately, there is no medicine for regret in this world.


    Xiao Yi buried the old woman next to her granddaughter, stood there for a long time, and didn''t leave until the sun set behind the mountains¡­

 Chapter 65 The Crisis of the Hu Family

    The bustling of Iron Mountain City under the cloak of night still thrived immensely.


    The clinking and nging of metalworking could be heard everywhere, for the city was home to a great number of cksmiths.


    From the forge businesses of the Hu and Xu Families to small private workshops, one could almost say that everyone who came out of Iron Mountain City knew how to work with iron.


    But today, the atmosphere in Iron Mountain City was even more tense, and the night patrols by soldiers seemed more anxious than usual, with the frequency of their rounds increasing. All of this was due to the battle during the day; thirty ck armored cavalrymen of the Comrade King''s estate had fallen in battle, and even themander of the ck armored cavalry, Geng Jing, had been in.


    The Comrade King''s estate was enraged.


    All of Iron Mountain City was as silent as if in the grip of winter''s chill.


    Xiao Yi relied on his nimble movement technique to traverse the shadows and quietly approached the estate of the Iron de King.


    The sprawling estate of the Iron de King was well-lit, with even more patrolling powerhouses than usual.


    Xiao Yi infiltrated their ranks.


    He made his way unseen to the vicinity of the main hall when he suddenly heard several heated arguments inside.


    A cold voice came from within the hall, "You can go marry him if you want, but I will never marry Xu Tao!"


    "Qing Bi, can''t you be a little less selfish? Not only is he Xu Tao, the Princely Heir of the Comrade King, but also a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect. What about him doesn''t match up to you? Moreover, once you marry Xu Tao, the Hu and Xu Families will be rted by marriage, and they will no longer harm our Hu Family''s business..."


    "Sacrificing oneself for the peace of the whole family¡ªwhat''s so bad about that?"


    The cold voice of Hu Qingbi echoed from within, "Everyone shut up!"


    "Is this the way you talk to your elders?"


    "We are all considering the estate''s best interests. No matter how you look at it, your marriage to Xu Tao benefits our Hu Family the most!"


    Faced with the relentless pressure from her own rtives, the Iron Arm Princess Hu Qingbi''s face went pale, and her eyes shimmered with the threat of tears.


    The rtives before her were like termites, incessantly eroding the Hu Family''s interests.


    With Hu Yi in the family, he could at least intimidate them, but since Hu Yi had disappeared years ago, Hu Qingbi, with her abilities and strength, was utterly incapable of deterring these greedy parasites.


    "Qing Bi, listen to me!"


    The person speaking was the brother of Hu Yi.


    With a light stroke of the moustache under his nose, Hu Liughed like an old fox eyeing a chunk of meat in a crow''s beak, "Six years ago, your father took every treasure from our n in an attempt to breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm, and that''s the root cause of our Hu Family''s downfall. As the saying goes, a son inherits his father''s debts. It''s time for you to pay back what your father owed!"


    Bang!


    Hu Qingbi pushed over the tea table in front of her and red at Hu Li, "Uncle, are those even human words you''re saying? Why did father risk his life to advance to the Golden Core Realm those years ago? Was it not because you were caught meeting Xu Shiheng''s lover in secret, and when Xu Shiheng sought to take your life, father was gravely injured saving you? Is that why he thought to take the resources and enter seclusion to make a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm? And now you have the audacity to speak like this?"


    "Shut up! It was your father who chose to save me back then. Did I ever ask him? Did I ever beg him to lift a finger?"


    Hu Li sneered indifferently, "I''ve already negotiated the terms with the Comrade King. As long as you marry Xu Tao and bring the eighth and thirteenth mining veins as a dowry, he will spare the Hu Family. We''ve decided on this, and you have no right to refuse!"


    "I will never marry Xu Tao..." Hu Qingbi roared in fury.


    Hu Li sneered in response, "That''s not up to you! Come, tie her up and take her to the Xu Family!"


    "I''d like to see who dares to tie me up!" Hu Qingbi humphed coldly, her formidable aura instantly filling the hall; she was currently the strongest person in the Hu Family, a being of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm.


    However...


    As she started circting her vital energy, a wave of weakness engulfed her body, and she copsed to the floor with a thud. Your next read awaits at empire


    She found herself unable to move her limbs.


    Hu Liughed heartily, "As the Hu Family''s top expert, would I act without certainty? I''ve added plenty of Muscle-locking Powder to your food; you should obediently marry Xu Tao! Hahaha..."


    "You, you shameless..."


    Defeat and despair painted Hu Qingbi''s face as her tearful eyes beheld the n members, their faces twisted with a ferocious desire to bind her and send her off to the Xu Family.


    Filled with despair and regret, Hu Qingbi thought to herself, "Father, these are the n members you fought with everything to protect¡ªunworthy, they''re all unworthy..."


    "Gag her mouth and..."


    Boom!


    Hu Li''s voice was abruptly cut off by a deafening roar, and the door to the room exploded with a bang, sending two guards from the Hu Family flying through the air from the powerful st.


    From within the wreckage of the splintered door, Xiao Yi''s figure gradually appeared.


    "Who is it?"


    "How dare you, thief, sneaking into the Hu Family in the dead of night ¡ª surely harboring ill intentions¡­" A powerhouse of the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm red at Xiao Yi, bellowing in anger.


    Before the words could even finish.


    Xiao Yi cast a cold nce at him and threw a punch like a Wrathful Vajra.


    Boom!


    The elder of the Hu Family was smashed to the ground, with a fist-sized hole gushing blood through his forehead, as if a fountain of blood had erupted forth.


    Hiss!


    The hall fell silent.


    Everyone''s gaze toward Xiao Yi was as if they were looking at a demon.


    Hu Li forced himself to remainposed while gazing intently at Xiao Yi, "Friend, has my Hu Family somehow offended you? I, Hu Li, apologize on behalf of my family. We''re willing topensate you¡­"


    "Compensate?"


    Xiao Yi''s indifferent gaze settled on Hu Li.


    Hu Li felt as though an invisible hand was gripping his throat under Xiao Yi''s gaze, making even breathing difficult, and he stammered, "Yes, yes¡­ I''m willing topensate, whatever conditions you have, I will meet them!"


    "Oh, then give me something aspensation."


    "What is it?"


    Hu Li nced at Xiao Yi and hastily said, "Whatever you want, I can provide it for you. How about my niece? She''s beautiful and as long as you like¡­ Er¡­"


    Mid-sentence, Hu Li realized his feet were no longer touching the ground.


    His face filled with terror as he saw Xiao Yi, close at hand, single-handedly lifting him by his throat, and Hu Li''s face was ovee with fear, "Why, why is this? I, I''m willing to pay¡­ "


    Xiao Yi''s icy gaze remained on him, "I only want your dog life!"


    "Ah? Why? I, I''ve never provoked you¡­"


    Hu Li''s face turned pale, his voice trembling with the question.


    Xiao Yi''s right hand clutched his throat, and his left hand produced a Token.


    It was the Token of the Iron de King, Hu Yi.


    "This, this is the Family Head''s Token? How could it be in his possession?"


    Hu Li looked at the Token in disbelief, "How did you get this Token? I saw with my own eyes Xu Shiheng grievously wound my brother, he clearly¡­"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hu Li suddenly stopped speaking, his expression turning increasingly horrified.


    "You, what did you say? You saw Xu Shiheng grievously wound my father?" Hu Qingbi also recovered from her shock, looking at Hu Li in disbelief.


    Hu Li went white as a sheet, and Xiao Yi coldly demanded, "Won''t you speak the truth?"


    Hu Li trembled all over, bereft of hope, and closed his eyes in despair, "That year, Xu Shiheng promised not to kill me as long as I helped him murder my brother¡­ I, I had no choice. It''s not my fault; it was all Xu Shiheng''s doing. I, I only told him where my brother was in secluded cultivation¡­"


    "Hu Li, you bastard, our father was wounded trying to save you, and you repay his kindness with treachery?" Hu Qingbi trembled all over, her eyes bloody.


    Xiao Yi turned towards her, "Would you like to take revenge with your own hands?"


    To that, Hu Qingbi started, then nodded eagerly.


    With a flick of Xiao Yi''s finger, a surge of vital energy entered her body, neutralizing the Muscle-locking Powder''s poison in her system, and he threw Hu Li to the ground.


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes were a bloody red as she pounced on Hu Li like a mad demon.


    Her fists and feet flew, smashing Hu Li''s head into a pulp.


    She tore off his limbs with her own hands¡­


    The hall was filled with the stench of blood, as if it were a Shura hell¡­

 Chapter 66 Eve of the Battle

    Within the grand hall of the Hu Family.


    The pungent scent of blood made people involuntarily furrow their brows; Hu Li''s body had long been shattered into pieces, torn to shreds by Hu Qingbi herself.


    Her eyes were a bloody red, her body covered in fresh blood, her cold gaze sweeping over the Hu Family''s powerhouses.


    That blood-red gaze was like two soul-snatching crimson pearls, making one feel as if they''d be devoured with just an extra nce, and no one dared to meet her eyes.


    Readtest stories on empire


    The grisly death of Hu Li was right in front of them, not to mention the mysterious Xiao Yi standing by the side.


    Naturally, no one dared to say much.


    Hu Qingbi looked coldly at the crowd and said sternly, "You all have heard it, my father was killed by that despicable Hu Li in cahoots with Xu Shiheng. Do you still want me to marry Xu Tao?"


    One after another, the elders exchanged nces, all bowing their heads.


    Who would dare to agree now?


    Hu Qingbi snorted and said emphatically, "Listen to me, all of you, gather all the Hu Family''s forces by noon tomorrow. I shall settle this with a fight to the death with the Xu Family atop Iron Mountain!"


    The crowd exchanged looks.


    An elder of the Fifth Layer of the Divine Power Realm hesitated and said, "Miss, we must not act rashly in this affair! The Xu Family''s power far surpasses ours, to say nothing of Xu Shiheng who has already reached the peak of Shentong, and Xu Tao who has broken through to the Tenth Layer of Shentong. We simply are no match for them!"


    "Yes, to engage in a fight to the death with the Xu Family at this time would be a suicide mission!"


    A few elders spoke out with worried faces.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    For them...


    As long as they could protect their own small piece of interest, the revenge for Hu Yi and who would call the shots in Iron Mountain City in the future were simply not their concerns.


    "You¡­ you all¡­"


    Hu Qingbi''s face turned pale.


    She never expected that even after learning the truth about Hu Yi''s death, these n members would still remain indifferent, only thinking of their own benefits.


    Xiao Yi, standing nearby, nced at the group ofcent Hu Family powerhouses, grinned, and said, "Miss Hu, some people are just naturally base; no matter how nicely you try to persuade them, they won''t take you seriously!"


    Hu Qingbi was startled, then steeled her heart.


    Thud! Thud!


    She struck out in session.


    The two elders who had first raised objections had their heads smashed by Hu Qingbi''s palm, one after the other. She said coldly, "I''ll say it again, all Hu Family forces will gather by noon tomorrow for a fight to the death with the Xu Family. Do you understand?"


    "We understand!"


    "Miss, please rest assured, we will definitely not disappoint you!"


    Seeing the awe in the elders'' eyes, Hu Qingbi huffed coldly, then turned to Xiao Yi, gave a respectful bow, and said with meticulous courtesy, "Qingbi is grateful for your assistance, Sir!"


    Xiao Yi helped her up, shook his head, and said, "You needn''t thank me; I''ve already received my payment from your father." After pausing, he handed over the scroll of the "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill" to Hu Qingbi.


    "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill?"


    Hu Qingbi''s expression changed drastically, then she revealed a look of ecstasy.


    The "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill" was the Hu Family''s ancestral cultivation technique, which traditionally only the heads of the family and their heirs could practice.


    Hu Qingbi had only practiced the first half so far, but now with theplete "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill," given enough time, she was certain to lead the Hu Family to new heights of glory.


    Xiao Yi said solemnly, "If it''s convenient, could you tell me about your wagered duel with Xu Tao?"


    Upon hearing the name Xu Tao, Hu Qingbi''s face contorted with added ferocity.


    She took a deep breath and said in a heavy tone, "Our Hu Family and the Xu Family have always been rivals; our two families control over eighty percent of the mines in Iron Mountain City. Since my father went missing, the Xu Family has been suppressing us at every turn. Not long ago, they proposed a wagered duel where the loser would have to surrender all of their mining veins. I had no choice but to agree under pressure..."


    Iron Mountain City is the mining capital of the Tianqing Kingdom.


    If the Xu Family managed to take over the Hu Family''s mines, they would be the undisputed mining kings of the Tianqing Kingdom, and even the royal family of Tianqing Kingdom would have to ask favors from them.


    Xiao Yi asked, "Do you have confidence in your fight against Xu Tao?"


    Hu Qingbi gave a wry smile and said, "I''ve heard that Xu Tao has secluded himself and advanced to the Tenth Layer of the Divine Power Realm. I''m no match for him. But even if it means death, I will never surrender..."


    With her inherently tenacious character, and especially after knowing that Hu Yi''s death was inextricably linked to Xu Shiheng, there was no way she wouldpromise.


    Xiao Yi was silent for a moment before asking, "Are there any specific rules about who can fight in your duel?"


    "There are none!"


    Hu Qingbi shook her head, then suddenly, her expression froze, and she looked at Xiao Yi with disbelief, "Benefactor, could it be that you..."


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I''ll fight for you."


    It was precisely because of Hu Yi''s Golden Core that he was able to enter the Divine Realm so smoothly with Fang Qingzhu, allowing Fang Qingzhu to defeat Fang Jin.


    This debt of gratitude couldn''t simply be repaid by returning the royal order and the "Mixed Yuan Purple Mist Skill"!


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi with gratitude, "Thank you, benefactor... As long as we can defeat the Xu Family, I am willing to hand over all of the Xu Family''s mines to you!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, "Keep the Xu Family''s mines for yourself, I might have some cooperation to discuss with you when the timees!"


    In his hands, he held a map of the Tungsten Iron Mine.


    ording to the old crone, it was the biggest vein in the entire Iron Mountain Range.


    Its value was probably more than thebined mines of both the Xu Family and the Hu Family.


    However...


    This Tungsten Iron Mine was far too precious, and with Xiao Yi''s current strength, it would be impossible to keep it safe once exposed.


    At the same time.


    The Xu Family.


    Bang!


    A loud boom suddenly erupted from Xu Tao''s room, causing the entire residence to tremble slightly, and everything inside was a mess.


    Dressed in ck with a pale, cold, and fierce face, Xu Tao growled furiously, "That Hu Qingbi, she actually dared to send people to kill my eldest brother and third younger brother? I must kill this woman, no, I will annihte the entire Hu Family and let them apany my brothers in death!"


    In front of Xu Tao, wearing a python robe and an indifferent expression, Xu Shiheng casually said, "Tao''er, Hu Qingbi is not a concern, but the person she has invited is not so simple, even Geng Jing died by his hand. If that man fights for Hu Qingbi tomorrow, you must be very careful!"


    "Father, rest assured! With my current strength, even Geng Jing wouldn''tst three moves against me."


    Xu Tao, with a look of disdain, lifted his hands with palms facing upwards, and as his fingers twitched slightly, his gaze became immensely cold, "It doesn''t matter if that boy doesn''t show up, but if he dares to, I will squash him easily. Moreover, my senior brother Jin He will also being to watch the battle tomorrow; with him supporting us, nothing can go wrong!"


    "That''s good!"


    Xu Shiheng looked at Xu Tao with satisfaction, and his eyes flickered coldly, "Hu Yi, oh Hu Yi, I will personally take the Hu Family you''ve built and make it mine. Not only your family but also your daughter will be ythings under my son''s hip, hahaha..."

 Chapter 67 So Much Nonsense

    Iron Mountain.


    It loomed majestically and vast, the entire Iron Mountain Range stretching for thousands of kilometers.


    Endless and winding.


    The mountains were rich in ore veins, and mining pits and tunnels pockmarked thendscape, among which stood a mountain riddled with holes.


    This was Iron Mountain!


    The highest peak in the entire Iron Mountain Range, and the only peak within the range devoid of any ore veins.


    At this moment...


    At the summit of Iron Mountain, it was already a sea of people.


    The Xu and the Hu families would engage in a decisive battle at the peak of Iron Mountain, with the loser bing a vassal to the victor - a piece of news that had, with the Xu family''s deliberate exaggeration, already spread throughout Iron Mountain City.


    "Who do you think will win this battle?"


    "Who else could it be? It''s definitely going to be the Xu family. The Hu family has been in name only since the Iron de King, Hu Yi..."


    "That''s a pity, though. The Hu family has been good to us, while the Xu family is much harsher!"


    "How dare you nder the Xu family? Seize him!" Amotion suddenly erupted from the crowd, and a few burly men, blending in with the crowd, immediately dragged away those who had been talking earlier.


    They were brought to the central square at the top of Iron Mountain.


    Xu Tao and Xu Shiheng had long been waiting there, and beside Xu Tao stood a young man in a golden long coat, disheveled and carrying a longsword on his back.


    The two were chatting merrily when suddenly they saw five poor men being dragged up.


    Xu Tao frowned and asked, "What''s going on?"


    The subordinate reported, "Your Highness the Princely Heir, these people were secretly insulting your father..."


    "Kill them then!" Xu Tao waved his hand.


    "Yes!"


    The muscr strongman gestured, and regardless of the desperate pleas of the poor men, beheaded them on the spot. As heads rolled, Xu Tao''s voice rang out, "Hang their bodies in front of the square as a warning to others!"


    "At yourmand!"


    A momentter.


    Five stakes were erected in front of the square.


    Each stake was over twenty meters tall, the bodies of the five men suspended in the air, their figures swaying in the fierce cold wind, a sight of utter destion.


    The surrounding crowd kept silent, only looking at those five bodies, feeling the wind blowing even colder through their bones.


    "Brother Jin, I really can''t thank you enough foring all this way!" Xu Taoughed, squinting at Jin He.


    This Jin He was of the Tenth Level of Shentong Realm Cultivation, no different from Xu Tao.


    However...


    Xu Tao''s master was the Great Elder of the Nine Profound Sect, Jin Sheng, and Jin Sheng was Jin He''s grandfather. This was the reason Xu Tao treated Jin He with such respect.


    Jin He chuckled, "Junior brother is too polite. It was grandfather who asked me toe and support you. But now you have stepped into the Tenth Layer of the Divine Skills Realm; it seems mying may have been somewhat superfluous!"


    "What are you talking about, brother? Having you here gives me a real sense of support!" Xu Taoughed heartily, speaking words like a breath of spring, making them particrlyfortable to hear.


    "Tao''er, the people from the Hu family have arrived!" Xu Shiheng suddenly said in a low voice.


    Xu Tao was startled and looked in the direction indicated.


    The Hu Family''s party wasing up from the base of the mountain, led by Hu Qingbi and Xiao Yi, followed by some of the Hu family elders and strong figures.


    Their numbers were vast, nearly all prominent warriors of the Hu family had arrived.


    "The Hu Family hase out in full force!"


    "Considering it''s a matter of life and death for them, it''s no surprise they''re making such a big move..."


    Xu Tao was sitting boldly with a leg crossed over the other, his eyes narrowed to slits,pletely ignoring Hu Qingbi as his gaze was fixed firmly on Xiao Yi.


    The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, curling into a cold arc, "So this is the kid who killed my eldest brother and third brother, huh? Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm? Hmph, I could snuff him out with a flick of my finger!"


    Jin He also showed an indifferent expression.


    Both the Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple were powers second only to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and they recognized all the masters of the younger generation on the Tianqing Kingdom''s Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    They had never seen Xiao Yi before.


    Jin He''s eyes sparkled as he spoke, "Xu, let''s finish up the fight here quickly! I''ve heard that the service at Iron Mountain City''s Misty Rain Pavilion is quite something!"


    Xu Tao grinned and said with ease, "Why bother with Misty Rain Pavilion, Brother Jin? Once I''ve taken care of the Hu Family, I''ll let you have Hu Qingbi for some fun."


    "Hmm? Isn''t that a bit much? She is, after all, yours..." Jin He''s gaze towards Hu Qingbi was filled with greed and desire, yet he appeared to be in a difficult position.


    Xu Taoughed loudly, not bothering to hide it, and dered, "What''s mine is yours, brother. Besides, she''s just a woman. I''ve decided, tonight I''ll have Hu Qingbi take good care of you!"


    Jin He grinned, "Why not together?"


    Xu Tao paused, thenughed, "Alright, let''s do it together!"


    Thesements, when heard by the Hu Family, turned their faces iron blue, and fury zed within them.


    Hu Qingbi''s chest heaved with intense emotion, her eyes cold as ice, "These two bastards..."


    Xiao Yi patted her shoulder, "Don''t worry, let them be smug for a moment!"


    However...


    It was this pat on the shoulder that caused Jin He''s face to suddenly darken. In his view, Hu Qingbi was already his ything; how could he allow another man to touch her?


    Jin He snorted coldly and pointed at Xiao Yi, "Xu, I really don''t like that kid. Break his filthy arms and legs first!"


    "Alright!"


    Xu Tao immediately stood up and walked towards Xiao Yi and his group, his gaze falling coldly on Xiao Yi as he arrogantly said, "Which hand did you just use to touch Qingbi? Cut that one off, and I might leave your corpse intact. Otherwise, I''ll slice off your flesh piece by piece..."


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes widened in fury, "Xu Tao, don''t go too far!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Shut up, you cheap woman!"


    Xu Tao snorted and, raising his hand, swung it towards Hu Qingbi''s face, "You are already a toy I''ve given to Brother Jin. You should be keeping yourself clean, how dare another man touch you? Go stand aside and wait..."


    Xu Tao''s voice stopped abruptly.


    Your journey continues at empire


    The hand he had lifted was firmly grasped by Xiao Yi.


    No matter how much he exerted force, he couldn''t free himself from Xiao Yi''s grasp for a moment. Xu Tao''s face twisted with a savage look as he red at Xiao Yi, "Kid, you''ve wasted the only chance you had to keep your corpse intact, I..."


    "What a lot of nonsense..."


    Xiao Yi roared and swung his fist, aiming it straight at Xu Tao''s face.


    Behind him, it was as if a Wrathful Vajra stood proud between heaven and earth, and amid the chaotic gust of wind, Xu Tao''s features werepletely distorted, his handsome face was utterly disfigured.


    Bang!


    With a muffled sound.


    Xu Tao''s body flew backward like a kite with its string cut, t on his back, skimming the ground. The wind he swept up tore open the summit of Iron Mountain.


    Like a vicious scar crawling over the mountain''s peak.


    He was flung more than thirty meters away...

 Chapter 68 Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi!

    Atop Mount Iron, there was a hush.


    Everything happened so suddenly.


    Everyone was watching as Xu Tao appeared before Hu Qingbi and the others, arrogantly proiming his intent to break Xiao Yi''s hands, while everyone waited for Xiao Yi to do the deed himself.


    But then...


    Xiao Yi actually punched Xu Tao and sent him flying?


    Thirty meters away.


    Amidst the billowing dust.


    Xu Tao finally stopped, with two bloody trails hanging from his nostrils, his nose bridge broken, tears streaming down his face in humiliation.


    Panting heavily!


    Gasping for air, Xu Tao wiped the blood from beneath his nose, first stunned, then his face twisted ferociously, "Bastard, you dare to ambush me? I''ll skin you alive!"


    Whoosh!


    A vast surge of primal energy burst forth from within him.


    As a cultivator at the Tenth Layer of the Divine Power Realm, Xu Tao''s energy was increasingly refined, and with a single gesture, a green spearnded in his hand.


    Humming!


    The spear danced wildly in the air, whistling fiercely, its silvery light ring like the venomous fangs of a savage snake.


    "Xu Tao really broke through to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer?"


    "What terrifying talent; he''s only twenty-six, right? He might have a chance to challenge for the top ten of the Flying Tiger List before he''s thirty!"


    Those in the top ten of the Flying Tiger List are all in the Golden Core Realm.


    Reaching the Golden Core Realm before thirty is indeed a sign of extraordinary talent.


    Not far off.


    Pride showed on Xu Shiheng''s face as he looked toward Jin He, "Jin He, do you think Tao has a chance to enter the Golden Core Realm before thirty?"


    "No problem!"


    Jin He smiled faintly and said, "Grandfather values Xu Tao highly. As soon as this matter here is settled, I will take him back to our sect. Grandfather mentioned that in two months, there will be a huge opportunity. As long as he seizes this chance, not to mention before thirty... Xu and I might both be able to enter the Golden Core Realm within a year!"


    "What opportunity?" Xu Shiheng asked, startled.


    "Don''t ask what you shouldn''t!"


    Jin He swept Xu Shiheng with a warning look, then focused on the direction of Xu Tao and Xiao Yi, looking rxed, "Although Xiao Yi had the advantage of a surprise attack, being able to blow away Xu with the Seventh Layer of the Divine Passage Realm shows he''s not weak. Had Xu not made his breakthrough, he might not have been a match for Xiao Yi. But now, his death is certain!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Xu Shiheng didn''t dare to ask further and quickly looked toward the direction of Xu Tao and Xiao Yi.


    "Turning Rivers and Seas!"


    With a low roar, Xu Tao''s spear moved like a dragon turning over the seas, unleashing a fierce surge of force upon Xiao Yi.


    Watching the silvery spear glow closing in.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed and he put his palms together before his chest, drawing the violently trembling spear glow tond between his hands.


    Then with one hand above the other, it was as if the heavens and earth closed in together.


    ng!


    During the shrill, hair-raising noise,


    The wildly spinning spear glow was actually caught firmly between Xiao Yi''s hands!


    "Burst for me!"


    Xu Tao''s eyes were bloodshot as he charged forward, wielding the spear like an arching bridge. Xiao Yi was forced to retreat explosively.


    After retreating more than ten meters,


    Xiao Yi suddenly mmed his foot on the ground, halting his retreat, then shifted aside, releasing the spear tip from his grasp.


    With the obstruction gone, the spear thrust forward, causing Xu Tao to involuntarily lurch a couple of steps.


    Suddenly, a palm appeared in front of him, fingers spread wide like a sky-covering hand, and with a thud, it pressed on his face with a terrible force that seemed to root his fingers deeply into his face.


    The violent force erupted in an instant from that palm.


    Xiao Yi, gripping Xu Tao''s face, violently lifted him and mmed him to the ground, with a loud thud as Xu Tao''s head smashed into the earth.


    With one hand pressing down on Xu Tao''s head, Xiao Yi charged forward.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Xu Tao''s head plowed through the earth like a bulldozer, stirring up dust and stones, and amidst a cloud of flying dust, trails of fresh blood marked the ground.


    Xiao Yi dragged him for over fifty meters before he abruptly released his grip and stood up.


    Xu Tao''s face was unrecognizable, lying on the ground.


    Xiao Yi''s right fist shone with golden light, as if a Wrathful Vajra judged the legions of demons. Gales of vital energy wrapped around his entire fist, creating bursts of wind and deafening sonic booms between his knuckles.


    This punch was aimed straight for Xu Tao''s head and descended with the force of thunderbolts.


    If this punch were to connect,


    it would surely result in a head exploding upon impact!


    "No!"


    Xu Shiheng''s face drastically changed, and he roared like an arrow released from a bow as he rushed towards Xiao Yi.


    Jin He was momentarily stunned, then he turned a shade of iron blue, pping the armrest as he leaped up, quickly dashing towards Xiao Yi.


    Both of these Tenth Layer Divine Power Realm powerhouses took action at the same time.


    Indeed it was like Wind Thunder drums booming in battle.


    "Fiery Palm!"


    Xu Shiheng''s hand zed with roaring mes as his Innate Divine Ability burst forth in an instant, sweeping an intense orange fireball towards Xiao Yi.


    Jin He formed a sword with one hand, pointed it at the void, and fired a highlypressed ball of vital energy.


    These two attacks were no trifles.


    If Xiao Yi were hit, he would undoubtedly be dead.


    "Stop!"


    "Don''t think of harming our benefactor!"


    Hu Qingbi and the multitude of strong Hu Family members acted at the same time. Their cultivation might not match those two, but they were numerous. If one couldn''t stop them, a whole group would attack together.


    "Get out of my way..."


    "Move aside..."


    Xu Shiheng and Jin He were entangled by the Hu Family members and could not break free for a moment.


    They could only watch helplessly as Xiao Yi''s punch descended. Jin He roared, "Stop... Xu Tao is a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, if you dare to kill him, you will face the relentless pursuit of our Nine Profound Sect disciples, you..."


    "Nine Profound Sect?"


    Xiao Yi''s movement slightly hesitated.


    Jin He showed an ecstatic look, saying proudly, "That''s right, our Nine Profound Sect..."


    However...


    He didn''t finish his sentence.


    Xiao Yi just sneered, "Never heard of it!"


    Boom!


    His punch heavilynded on Xu Tao''s head, the vital energy creating a circr tornado, as if thousands of des were swiftly slicing through, causing an explosive burst.


    Only half a body remained of Xu Tao in the pit, lying in a pool of blood.


    "No... Tao''er..." Xu Shiheng''s eyes were filled with splitting fury.


    Jin He was stunned. Who in the vast Tianqing Kingdom dared to disrespect the Nine Profound Sect? Yet Xiao Yi, knowing well that Xu Tao was a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, still struck the deadly blow, which made Jin He fear him as well.


    After dealing with Xu Tao, Xiao Yi saw Xu Shiheng kill two Hu Family warriors.


    And even sent Hu Qingbi flying.


    A cold light shed in his eyes as he leaped forward, brandishing a third-grade longsword and shing it out: "Reiming Soul, Seizing Life!"


    Pffft!


    The sword, swift as a fleeting shadow!


    Thump!


    The ferocious looking Xu Shiheng was beheaded, copsing into a pool of blood.


    Xiao Yi, standing with his sword, was enveloped by the roaring wind, his robe billowing, his gaze falling on Jin He.


    Jin He shuddered, looking at Xiao Yi with a grave face, "Who exactly are you?"


    Merely at the Seventh Layer of the Shentong Realm yet possessing suchbat prowess, he was surely no ordinary figure!


    Xiao Yi looked calmly at Jin He and said indifferently, "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, Xiao Yi!"

 Chapter 69 One Man Guards a City

    "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy?"


    Jin He was taken aback, obviously very unfamiliar with the once glorious but nowpletely declined Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Even the onlookers from Iron Mountain City were perplexed, "Tianqi Martial Arts Academy? Hasn''t that ce closed down long ago? How can there still be disciples?"


    "However, this young man actually killed the father and son of the Xu Family, his strength is truly terrifying!"


    "No matter how strong he is, it''s useless, that Xu Tao is a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect. If he were a disciple of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, perhaps the Nine Profound Sect wouldn''t dare seek revenge, but since he''s from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, the Nine Profound Sect will definitely not let him go..."


    The onlookers'' faces held a hint of anticipation as they looked towards Jin He.


    However...


    Jin He''s expression suddenly changed, and he looked at Xiao Yi in disbelief, "You, you are the Xiao Yi who caused havoc in the Royal Martial Arts Academy, who killed Zhuge Shuangdao?"


    Hisbat power was on par with Zhuge Shuangdao.


    But since even Zhuge Shuangdao had fallen at Xiao Yi''s hand, Jin He didn''t think he had the strength to contend with Xiao Yi, and for a moment, he felt a chill throughout his body.


    He cursed the ancestors of the father and son of the Xu Family in his heart.


    If only he had known that Xiao Yi was behind the Hu Family, he wouldn''t have got involved in this matter even if it killed him!


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he sized up Jin He, "What? You know me?"


    Jin He forced a smile.


    How could he not know?


    The name of Xiao Yi from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was already well-known among the younger generation of Tianqing Kingdom, after all, someone who was under twenty and ranked within the top thirty of the Flying Tiger List.


    Furthermore...


    How many years has it been since someone dared to defy the Royal Martial Arts Academy?


    Xiao Yi was a unique case indeed!


    Jin He took a deep breath and said to Xiao Yi with a fist sped, "Xiao Yi, today''s affair has nothing to do with me. We have no past grudges and no recent hatreds, can we part ways here?"


    After witnessing Xiao Yi''s formidable strength, he was even less willing to sh with him.


    "..."


    The Iron Mountain City strongmen who had been expecting Jin He to step in and punish Xiao Yi were collectively shocked.


    The formidable Jin He was actually cowering?


    Actively seeking peace?


    The couple of people who were previously so sure of themselves now felt a burning shame on their faces.


    Xiao Yi was also somewhat surprised; he had thought Jin He would seek revenge for the father and son Xu, but instead he was asking for peace? With a yful look on his face, Xiao Yi said, "Nothing to do with you? Wasn''t it you who earlier said Qing Bi was your ything, and you wanted to cut off both my hands?"


    When Xu Tao wanted to give Hu Qingbi to him to toy with.


    Jin He hesitated not at all!


    If Xiao Yi hadn''t intervened to help Hu Qingbi today, the entire Hu Family might have been wiped out, and Hu Qingbi would inevitably fall into the hands of Jin He and Xu Tao as their ything.


    How could it all be settled with just one sentence from him?


    Jin He''s eyes twitched, and he said in a deep voice, "What do you want?"


    Find more to read at empire


    Xiao Yi said, "Kneel down, apologize!"


    "What?"


    Jin He''s face darkened. As a disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, representing the face of the sect when outside, if he really knelt this time, how would he have any face to return to the Nine Profound Sect?


    Jin He took a deep breath and said, "Xiao Yi, I admit I''m not your opponent. But don''t push me too far. My grandfather is a great elder of the Nine Profound Sect, a mighty Golden Core Realm powerhouse. If I''m really pushed to the brink, you won''t end well either!"


    "Ah!"


    Xiao Yi sighed softly and said, "You shouldn''t have threatened me."


    "Hmm?"


    Jin He was taken aback, about to speak, but then he saw a streak of Sword Qi sh before his eyes.


    Pfft!


    Blood reddened his eyes.


    Jin He''s head thudded to the ground with a crash.


    Hiss!


    Around them rose a chorus of sharp intakes of breath.


    Even Hu Qingbi seemed somewhat lost in thought, her expression solemn as she looked upon Jin He''s corpse. With a wry smile, she said, "Benefactor, you shouldn''t have killed him..."


    "Why?" asked Xiao Yi.


    Hu Qingbi was taken aback for a moment, then said, "Jin He''s grandfather is a great elder of the Nine Profound Sect, a formidable figure in the Golden Core Realm. We killed Xu Tao and Xu Shiheng, and there was still some leeway for negotiation. But now that we''ve killed Jin He, it''s a fight to the death!"


    The Golden Core Realm, ah!


    What an unattainably high existence.


    One capable of annihting an entire city!


    Xiao Yi, however, showed an interested expression and asked, "Qing Bi, are you certain that if we had let him go, the Nine Profound Sect would not move against us?"


    "Eh? You mean..." Hu Qingbi''s face showed confusion.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Letting a tiger return to the mountain is always a future threat!"


    With Jin He''s nature, he would never appreciate Xiao Yi''s mercy in sparing him; he would only see it as a humiliation.


    To erase this stain from his life, naturally, he would need to obliterate his enemiespletely!


    Whether or not they let Jin He go, they would ultimately have to face the Nine Profound Sect.


    It might as well be a decisive kill!


    Hu Qingbi also came to understand this point and said with a bitter smile, "It seems I was presumptuous. Thank you for your guidance, Benefactor!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively.


    He dared to act this way because he knew that whether or not Jin He was released, the Nine Profound Sect would take action. More importantly, he was confident that at least before they could eliminate him, the Nine Profound Sect would definitely not move against the Hu Family.


    As for eliminating him?


    That would depend on whether the Nine Profound Sect was up to the task!


    Xiao Yi''s gaze, sharp as a hawk''s, swept over everyone present. The icy sharpness in his eyes, knife-like, deterred others from meeting his gaze, prompting them to lower their heads instead.


    ng!


    Xiao Yi flicked his arm, and the longsword created a splendid disy of sword flowers. The longsword, carrying a fierce wind, abruptly paused, then he shed forward with one strike.


    Sword Intent instantly coalesced at the tip of the de.


    A thirty-foot-long Sword Qi swallowed and surged forth, transforming into a silver canopy that descended from the sky.


    Boom, boom, boom!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    All of Iron Mountain City thundered and roared. As dust and smoke billowed, a vicious sword scar dozens of feet long appeared before them. The terrifying Sword Intent lingered, and a sharp, whistling wind echoed all around.


    Those spectating turned pale, feeling a chill cover their bodies.


    Only then did Xiao Yi speak, "From this day forward, the Hu Family of Iron Mountain City is under my protection, Xiao Yi. Whoever dares to touch the Hu Family, this will be their fate!"


    The crowd fell silent as cicadas in winter.


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi gratefully. Encouraged by his gaze, she stepped forward and said in a loud voice, "Everyone here is a citizen of Iron Mountain City, so you should all be aware of the wager between Qing Bi and Xu Tao. After today, all the assets of the Xu Family in Iron Mountain City will belong to the Hu Family. I hope everyone will support Qing Bi!"


    The people: "..."


    Xiao Yi cleared his throat subtly, and the longsword in his hand buzzed as it trembled.


    "Rest assured, Iron Arm Princess, we will definitely support the Iron de King''s estate!"


    "Absolutely support!"


    A multitude of powerhouses hastened to express their allegiance, fearful that any hesitation would draw Xiao Yi''s attention.


    Hu Qingbi watched the crowd''s awe-filled looks towards Xiao Yi, her eyes brimming with reverence, admiration, and a hint of infatuation.


    This young man before her, younger even than herself, had single-handedly and with one sword, intimidated the entire Iron Mountain City.


    Something not even her father had managed to achieve, Xiao Yi had done it¡ªa feat of epic proportions...


    One man stood guard over a city!


    Who else but me!

 Chapter 70 The Golden Core Great Battle, the Great Demon Entrusts His Orphan!

    Under the deterrence of Xiao Yi, the Hu Family faced much less resistance in taking over the Xu Family''s forces.


    ording to Hu Qingbi''s earlier prediction, when the Xu Family fell, other forces in Iron Mountain City would inevitably scramble for a share of the spoils; the Hu Family being able to consolidate fifty percent of the profits would already be considered good.


    But because of Xiao Yi, this time theypletely took over the Xu Family''s assets.


    Not only did it help the Hu Family out of their predicament, but it also increased the family''s foundation several-fold.


    Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi reluctantly, "Benefactor, are you sure you don''t need me to apany you? We mine the Iron Mountain Range all year round and often conflict with the demon beasts there; they are extremely hostile towards humans, and I know how to avoid these beasts!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head with a smile, "Your Hu Family has just taken over the Xu Family''s properties, you must stay in Iron Mountain City. Besides, I will not go too deep, there will be no danger!"


    "Well... okay then!"


    Hu Qingbi let out a wry smile, "When will you return, Benefactor? You muste to find me!"


    "Mm!" Enjoy new adventures from empire


    Xiao Yi nodded, then leaped up like a monkey and disappeared into the forest.


    Having fulfilled the promise to the Iron de King, the trip to Iron Mountain City ended on a perfect note.


    But...


    Because of the Nine Profound Sect, Xiao Yi still wasn''t at ease to leave Iron Mountain City just yet. Plus, he now had that map of the Tungsten Iron Mine, so Xiao Yi decided to explore the mine as indicated on the map first.


    He followed the route marked on the map through the terrain.


    Along the way, he encountered one mining cave after another, with the mountains hollowed out and pitted, a barren sight to behold.


    Many of the trees had long since withered, turning into a bare expanse.


    "ording to the map, after passing through the Thread of Sky Gorge up ahead, and then two hundred li further, with my current speed, it should take about another four hours to reach the location of the Tungsten Iron Mine..."


    Xiao Yi checked the direction and picked up the pace.


    He darted between towering mountains and through strange rock formations and forests.


    Four hourster.


    Xiao Yi finally arrived at the area marked as the Tungsten Iron Mine on the map, a vibrant and lush forested region.


    "The old woman''s son was pursued by an Iron-Eating Beast and identally entered a cave behind a waterfall, where he discovered the Tungsten Iron Mine. Where might there be a waterfall around here?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Looking out over the vast green field ahead, Xiao Yi felt somewhat dizzy.


    Perhaps any man wouldn''t be too fond of this color, right?


    Just then...


    Boom!


    A thunderous explosion suddenly echoed from the woods ahead, sending dust and smoke rolling hundreds of feet into the air, where it hung like a mushroom cloud between heaven and earth.


    Two huge figures burst from the cloud of dust.


    A twenty-plus-meter-long, pitch-ck giant snake with cold light flickering in its eyes suddenly coiled its massive body andshed out like a dragon swinging its tail into the smoke.


    Bang!


    The sound of thunderous explosions continued to boom.


    From within that cloud of smoke, a giant beast covered in gray-white iron armor, resembling an ant, also burst forth.


    The two beasts stood suspended in midair, their bodies radiating light that ebbed and flowed as they collided again and again, causing shockwaves of terrifying energy to burst forth.


    Even from several kilometers away, the shockwave was so strong that it caused a stinging pain on Xiao Yi''s face, "Floating in midair, these are two Giant Beasts from the Golden Core Realm?"


    The ten-meter-tall gray ant was the infamous Iron-Eating Beast of the Iron Mountain Range.


    It fed on ore veins.


    Decades ago, when Iron Mountain City was developing ore veins, it had fiercely shed with the beast, which waster defeated by a Golden Core Realm expert from the Tianqing Kingdom and fled to the depths of the Iron Mountain Range.


    Xiao Yi did not expect to encounter it today.


    "That ck giant snake can actually fight to a standstill with the Iron-Eating Beast? I''d better keep my distance..." Xiao Yi had no intention of getting caught in the crossfire, so he stayed far away and watched from the sidelines.


    The Iron-Eating Beast fed on metal; its shell was extremely hard, defense nearly invincible.


    Yet the ck giant snake was also incredibly strong, and after multipleshings and bites, it had managed to fracture the shell of the Iron-Eating Beast, leaving it covered with wounds and dripping with greenish blood.


    Of course, the giant serpent was not faring well either.


    Under the iron-eating beast''s teeth, which could easily snap through metal, the ck serpent bore numerous scars with fresh blood flowing freely.


    The battle raged to the point where the sky darkened, and there was no light from the sun or the moon.


    From a distance.


    The forest of tens of thousands of acres had been ttened, treespletely destroyed, rocks copsed, as if it were the apocalypse.


    The battle that hadsted for the better part of the day finally began to subside.


    "Has it been decided?" Xiao Yi''s pupils contracted, yet he still waited for half an hour.


    There was still no movement.


    Only then did he cautiously approach, but not too quickly.


    From afar, he could tell the two beasts'' battle had been incredibly destructive, but it was not until he got close that Xiao Yi realized he had still underestimated their capacity for destruction.


    Three to four small mountains, hundreds of meters high, had been razed to the ground by the fighting beasts!


    Within that rubble...


    Xiao Yi saw the corpse of the iron-eating beast, utterly lifeless, but what puzzled him was the mysterious disappearance of the ck serpent: "How strange, where''s the ck serpent?"


    Boom!


    The corpse of the iron-eating beast suddenly shook violently, toppling to the ground as a huge ck figure darted out from under its belly, sending sand flying and the ground shaking.


    The ck serpent stood erect, its cold gaze fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Shit!


    Xiao Yi''s face turned pale instantly; feeling an icy chill all over under that cold gaze, he was about to turn and run when he saw the ck serpent shake violently and then thump to the ground.


    The coldness vanished from its two eyes, leaving only despair and a hint of pleading.


    Xiao Yi was stunned¡ªthose pleading eyes reminded him of the time his mother knelt before Xiao Tianjiao, begging for his life.


    Xiao Yi inexplicably stopped in his tracks and, after hesitation, tentatively asked, "Do you... want me to help you?"


    Hiss!


    The ck serpent nodded its head with difficulty.


    Xiao Yi said gravely, "What do you want me to do?"


    Roar!


    The ck serpent struggled to open its bloody maw, and between two rows of fang-like teeth, strings of blood-stained saliva hung from top to bottom.


    Its blood-red tongue wrapped around an egg the size of a human head and brought it before Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi paused, looking at the beast egg and asked with a frown, "Is this your child? You want me to look after it for you?"


    Roar!


    The ck serpent nodded again.


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "But... "


    Hiss!


    Roar!


    The ck serpent shook its whole body, flung its head, bit into the corpse of the iron-eating beast, thrust its tongue inside the beast''s body, and took out a fist-sized Golden Core covered in cracks before delivering it to Xiao Yi.


    This iron-eating beast was a fourth-rank intermediate demon beast,parable to a Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm expert; it was pitiful that the Golden Core was shattered, with little energy remaining.


    Huff!


    Xiao Yi exhaled deeply, holding the beast egg close to his chest, and said with determination, "Don''t worry, I will take good care of it!"


    Roar!


    The ck serpent spat a shattered Golden Core into the sky, which spread into a thin golden mist that sprinkled down like mottled gold rain onto the beast egg.


    The beast egg in Xiao Yi''s arms trembled slightly.


    The ck serpent''s head drooped to the ground, powerlessly nudging the egg held tightly in his arms, its eyes flickering with profound reluctance and longing, followed by a painful wail before it copsed to the ground with a thud...

 Chapter 71 Xiao Yi Returns

    Half a dayter.


    Xiao Yi stood in front of a small grave, holding the tinum-striped beast egg in his hands.


    The ashes of the ck giant snakey within.


    An existence that sought to protect its child with its dying breath¡ªXiao Yi would never touch its body, even though it was just a magical beast.


    Even though the corpse was that of a Golden Core Realm magical beast, invaluable beyond measure, he felt no temptation to touch it.


    On the contrary, he had stripped away the carapace of the Iron-Eating Beast.


    It was prime material for forging elemental battle armor.


    The carapace of the Iron-Eating Beast alone was worth no less than a hundred million Silver, not to mention that shattered Gold Core?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Rest assured, since I''ve promised you, I will definitely take good care of your child," Xiao Yi deeply bowed to the ck giant snake.


    He gently patted the beast egg in his embrace and tucked it into his clothes.


    Following the map, Xiao Yi searched and half a dayter, found the entrance to the Tungsten Iron Mine behind this waterfall¡ªa deep cave in the mountain.


    After traveling five or six kilometers along the cave, Xiao Yi encountered an expanse of silver-gray ore.


    Just the visible amount of tungsten iron was no less than a small mine vein, to say nothing of the tungsten iron ore mostly hidden underground; this was definitely a major vein.


    The value of the tungsten iron ore here definitely exceeded ten billion Silver.


    Ten billion silver!


    The fortunes of ordinary Golden Core Realm powerhouses amounted to about ten billion Silver¡ªthis vein equaled the entire wealth of ten Golden Core Realm powerhouses, and should it be known, even the royal family would covet it.


    "I absolutely cannot reveal the existence of the tungsten iron mine before my breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm¡­"


    Xiao Yi suppressed the excitement in his heart and then traced his way back through the cave to the outside of the waterfall, "There''s still about a month and a half until the secret realm of that Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse opens. I''ll cultivate here during this time!"


    The secret realm of a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse is filled with treasures for those in Divine Skills Realm and even the Golden Core Realm.


    Furthermore, powerhouses from the Royal Martial Arts Academy will also be going.


    For Xiao Yi, it was both an opportunity and a dangerous predicament.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy would love nothing more than to smash him to pieces!


    He sat down cross-legged before the waterfall.


    The scenery was enchanting, nestled by the mountain and water.


    Before Xiao Yi, the shattered Golden Core bobbed up and down, turning into a faint golden mist that enveloped his body. As his mysterious arts circted, the energy from within the Golden Core continuously surged into him.


    The Iron-Eating Beast at its peak wasparable to the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Despite most of its energy dissipating after the core shattered in the battle with the ck serpent, it remained a colossal energy treasury for those in the Divine Skills Realm!


    However, this time without the aid of the Earth Fire Spirit Refining Array, the speed of refining the Gold Core was much slower. Yet, after ten days, Xiao Yi stepped further into the Eighth Layer of the Divine Power Realm.


    A monthter, he entered the Ninth Layer.


    It was only when he reached the Peak of the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm that the shattered Golden Core waspletely depleted of energy, turning into ash. Xiao Yi still had his eyes tightly shut, guiding the vital energy in his body into the God Sealing Seed.


    By breaking through two realms, Xiao Yi''s number of God Sealing Seeds rose to one thousand seven hundred and fifty.


    Crackling sounds!


    As Xiao Yi stood up, his bones and muscles made a popping sound like the crackling of fried beans. Unprecedented explosive strength filled his body: "At the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, with one thousand seven hundred and fifty God Sealing Seeds, my strength is nowparable to that of a First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm powerhouse. Even within the secret realm of the Cmity, I''ll be capable of defending myself!"


    The gap between the Divine Skills Realm and the Golden Core Realm is as vast as the sky is from the earth.


    The fact that Xiao Yi at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm has strengthparable to that of the Golden Core Realm truly marks him as a prodigy among prodigies.


    "I wonder if I''m now capable of opening that celestial tomb¡­" With a sh, Xiao Yi entered the Ancient Celestial Tomb and headed towards one that he had long coveted.


    This Celestial Tomb belonged to an unparalleled swordsman, known as the Sword Demon¡ªDugu Qiubai!


    Engraved on his tombstone read: "For over thirty years amidst the chaos of Jianghu, I have in every foe, bested all heroes, and found no one left to oppose me. With no other recourse, I secluded myself in a deep valley, taking only sculptures as mypanions. s! All the heroes bound their hands, and my longsword remains useless. Yearning for a worthy opponent all my life, but never finding one, truly is a lonely and unbearable fate."


    At that moment, with just one nce, Xiao Yi was captivated by this peerless swordsman from the Blue Star Realm.


    What a pity...


    Even with one thousand seven hundred and fifty God Sealing Seeds in his possession, Xiao Yi was still two meters away from Dugu Qiubai''s tomb. With no choice, he could only exit the Eternal Tomb, "Perhaps only after I break through to the Golden Core Realm will I be able to obtain his inheritance. Dugu Qiubai, I will soon be able to dig up your grave..."


    Within the sky dome, the tombstone of Dugu Qiubai seemed to tremble...


    ¡­


    Iron Mountain City.


    Today, Iron Mountain City was particrly bustling. Before Xiao Yi even entered the city gates, he could sense that the flow of people around him seemed much greater than usual.


    Some strong individuals from the Iron Mountain mining area were also hurrying towards the city.


    Xiao Yi stopped one of them and asked, "Elder, is something big happening in Iron Mountain City? Why are so many people rushing over there?"


    The man, his skin dark from toiling under the sun, though old, was more robust than many young people. He sighed and said, "A major incident urred at King Tieshan''s pce. A month ago, the Hu Family killed the Xu Family''s father and son along with a disciple from the Nine Profound Sect. Seven days ago, the powerful members of the Nine Profound Sect descended upon Iron Mountain City and captured all the Hu Family''s people. Today, they are to be executed in public!"


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi felt a jolt through his body, and his eyes suddenly sharpened, "Executed?"


    Meanwhile...


    In the central square of Iron Mountain City.


    With Hu Qingbi at the forefront, the people of the Hu Family were all bound tightly, covered in wounds, their cultivation sealed, and were forced to kneel in a line across the square.


    In the center of the square, on a high tform.


    A middle-aged man with a grim face and eyebrows like swords sat confidently, nked on either side by five strong individuals wearing the robes of Nine Profound Sect disciples.


    All of them were from the Divine Ability Realm, especially the young man to his left, whose cultivation had reached the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, much stronger than Jin He.


    "Master, the time hase!" the young man respectfully said to the middle-aged man.


    The middle-aged man was Jin He''s father, Jin Ze, the Eleventh Elder of the Nine Profound Sect, with the cultivation of the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. And the young man was his disciple Liu Chun, ranked within the top ten True Disciples of the Nine Profound Sect.


    Narrowing his eyes, Jin Ze looked towards Hu Qingbi and the others in the middle of the square, a cruel sneer crossing his face, "Liu Chun, go ask that wretch again where Xiao Yi has gone! For every breath she doesn''t speak, kill one of her nsmen until she reveals everything..."


    "Yes!"


    Liu Chun approached Hu Qingbi and said coldly, "Where is Xiao Yi?"


    Hu Qingbi red at him and spoke in a deep voice, "I truly don''t know where he is..."


    Liu Chun said, "Starting now, I will kill a member of the Hu Family every breath you dy. Let''s see if your stubbornness or their heads are harder!"


    "You dare?"


    Hu Qingbi''s eyes widened in fury, her teeth clenched, "Xiao Yi won''t let you get away with this..."


    "One breath!"


    With a wave of his hand, Liu Chun made a puff sound as he crushed the head of a Qi Gathering Realm strongman from the Hu Family. His face remained indifferent as he looked at the rage-contorted Hu Qingbi, "Will you speak or not?"


    "I''ll speak, I''ll speak..." Hu Qingbi''s eyes were red as she bit out the words, "He, he has returned to the Royal Capital."


    p!


    Liu Chun struck her face with his palm, saying coldly, "We''ve already sent people to check the Royal Capital, and he never went back. The time for the second breath has arrived!"


    Hum!


    Liu Chun gathered his vital energy at his fingertips, ready to strike.


    But just at that moment...


    An icy voice suddenly came from outside the martial arts field, "Harm a single hair on her, and I''ll make your entire family apany her in death!"

 Chapter 72 The Golden Core Can Also Be an Opponent

    "Harm but a single hair on her head, and I''ll exterminate your entire n!"


    An icy voice appeared out of nowhere, and a pale hand suddenly reached out, grasping Liu Chun''s wrist.


    The concentrated vitality at the tips of his fingers dissipatedpletely in an instant, bing invisible.


    Liu Chun''s pupils shrank suddenly, and he instinctively yanked his hand back, only to find he couldn''t break free at all. His gaze followed the arm that had grabbed him and looked up sharply, staring at the figure that had appeared before him.


    The neer was none other than Xiao Yi, dressed in ck.


    Standing proudly in front of Liu Chun, holding his wrist with one hand, he looked over the injured members of the Hu Family scattered across the square, his eyes gradually turning cold.


    "Who are you? Do you know who we are? You dare to meddle in the business of the Nine Profound Sect, aren''t you afraid of death?" Liu Chun squinted and said.


    p!


    Xiao Yi backhanded him with a p across the face, causing Liu Chun''s vision to burst with stars and his teeth to crack, spitting out blood.


    He looked at Xiao Yi, utterly dumbfounded.


    Xiao Yi pped him again and said coldly, "That p was for those people of the Hu Family!"


    p!


    Another p.


    "This p is for the Hu Family member who just died!"


    p!


    "This p..."


    p! p! p!


    Xiao Yi pped him repeatedly across the face, Liu Chun, at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, had no ability to fight back in his grip.


    Blood streamed from his every orifice.


    His entire face lost any semnce of humanity.


    With every opening of his mouth, blood sprayed out.


    p!


    The final p sent Liu Chun tumbling to the ground, his head smashing into the floor with a thud; he struggled to raise his head, his swollen eyes staring intensely at Xiao Yi, "This... this p, why is that so?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Don''t know... I just felt like hitting you!"


    "I..."


    Liu Chun rolled his eyes back and passed outpletely.


    All of this happened too quickly.


    So quickly that even Jin Ze hadn''t reacted before Liu Chun was beaten beyond recognition and passed outpletely.


    "How dare you!"


    Jin Ze was furiously enraged, and his Golden Core Realm aura burst forth all at once.


    It turned into a vigorous air wave, surging crazily towards Xiao Yi.


    Rumble!


    The violent energy fluctuations came like giant, overturning waves. Wherever this terrifying air wave passed, stones cracked and the arena copsed, with a sky full of flying sand shooting upwards.


    "Xiao Yi, run... that''s a Golden Core Realm master..." Hu Qingbi''s face was filled with panic, the air wave rolling up a ten-meter-high stone dust like an enveloping hand from the sky.


    It was like a doomsday curtain descending to obscure everything.


    Hu Qingbi''s pupils contracted drastically, her eyes filled with terror and despair.


    This was a true Golden Core Realm master!


    Below the Golden Core, everybody was an ant.


    In Hu Qingbi''s eyes, Xiao Yi was no match for a Golden Core Realm opponent.


    "Golden Core Realm?"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes turned cold; his legs were firmly nted on the arena like steel drills, his arms circting with vitality, majestic and dignified.


    The bright golden vitality swirled and condensed, like the Wrathful Vajra in his glorious aspect.


    "Jingang Earthquake!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows rose, his fists like the wind smashing towards the rolling clouds of dust, countless golden energies concentrated in his fists, heavily striking against the waves.


    Boom!


    The cloud of dust and waves violently shook and were torn apart by Xiao Yi''s punch.


    He moved forward, piercing through the dust curtain, and simultaneously shed his cold longsword towards the sky: "Python Evil Twining Tree!"


    Swoosh!


    The sword''s edge coiled like a python, baring its fierce fangs at Jin Ze approaching from the opposite side.


    "Arrogant junior, die!" Jin Ze''s eyes were cold, his expression frosty, and the de''s aura seemed to chop the heavens, descending on Xiao Yi''s head.


    ng!


    de and sword collided, as if the tip of a needle met a stalk of wheat.


    Dazzling sparks burst forth like fireworks, the violent force flinging Xiao Yi away. He flew backward, face up to the sky, his sword''s edge scraping against the ground amid a flurry of sparks, carving a ferocious gash.


    After more than twenty meters,


    Xiao Yi flipped midair to steady himself, only to face a st of icy wind.


    It roared like a tiger, the cold edge scraping painfully across his face.


    "You little bastard, daring to harm my son! I will tear you to pieces!" Jin Ze''s eyes shed like lightning, as his de''s light descended like rain, countless and falling.


    With one hand, Xiao Yi pped the t of his de, using the tremor to vault into the air.


    He dodged the de light that Jin Ze had shed down.


    Taking advantage of the momentum, Jin Ze''s de arced upward from below, heading straight for Xiao Yi''s waist, but fortunately, Xiao Yi, holding his sword with one hand, kept it tight against his waist. With a crisp ring, Xiao Yi was repelled with force.


    The violent power caused his hand to burst open at the tiger''s mouth.


    Blood rolled down the sword hilt.


    "You can take three of my moves without dying? Among the juniors in the Shentong Realm, aside from the top three of the Earth rank at the Royal Martial Arts Academy, you''re the first!" Jin Ze said with narrowed eyes.


    Xiao Yi flicked the droplets of blood from his palm, squinting as he spoke, "The Golden Core Realm is nothing special!"


    "Oh? A mere Shentong Realm, you dare to look down upon me?" Jin Ze said with a coldugh.


    Xiao Yi casually flicked his wrist, and the third-grade famous sword he had obtained from the sword tomb emitted a silver sword light. Pointing the sword''s edge at Jin Ze, he said indifferently, "With a sword in hand, even Golden Core can be matched!"


    "Arrogance!"


    Jin Ze sneered, "A mere Divine Skills wants to oppose the Golden Core? Your survival was simply due to my momentary carelessness; I had not even used half my strength. If I were to strike with full force, I would certainly y you within three moves!"


    "Kill me in three moves? You''re dreaming!"


    Xiao Yi let out a coldugh.


    His form was like the wind, a thought in motion, as fluid as flowing water or drifting clouds.


    He left behind a series of ck afterimages where he stood, and as they densely gathered, Xiao Yi had already appeared before Jin Ze.


    His figure abruptly split into three, each holding a sword: "Light Breeze Falling Leaves!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    The sword edges arrived like a gentle breeze, like a profusion of falling leaves, each striking towards Jin Ze.


    Jin Ze''s expression turned icy as he lifted his de to meet the attack: "Prying Up Mountains from a Dry Land!"


    Whoosh!


    The de swept across, and the silver de light tore through the air. A ten-zhang-long Yuan Gang de shattered the drifting leaf-like sword lights that floated before him.


    Jin Ze advanced with his de, sneering repeatedly, "Trivial insect skills, go to hell!"


    Crrrrash!


    The silver Gang Qi surged like a dragon swinging its tail, heading straight for Xiao Yi''s head. His pupils contracted sharply, his legs braced against the ground as he lifted his longsword above his head.


    Hum!


    His body vibrated, and in an instant, his arms were covered in ayer of Hei Mang. It was his Innate Divine Ability, "Weapon Transformation."


    His arms and longsword merged into one.


    ng!


    The de edge struck the longsword squarely, forcefully plunging Xiao Yi towards the ground, the floor of the arena below his feet crumbling, rocks erupting chaotically.


    Cracks spread around in a web-like pattern.


    "One of the top ten Innate Divine Abilities, Weapon Transformation?"


    Jin Ze''s face grew solemn, his eyes brimming with ferocity, "A youth from the Ninth Layer of the Shentong Realm possessing the strength to battle the Golden Core Realm... If you continue to grow, you will undoubtedly be a major threat to the Nine Profound Sect. This child must die!"


    A lethal chill shed in his eyes, his murderous intent sky-high.


    "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Suddenly, Xiao Yi roared lowly, and his blood surged with light. A tenth of his blood ignited instantly, his strength increasing tenfold. A blood-red Qi surged violently. Like a bloody tornado, it sted Jin Ze''s battle de away with a boom.


    "What?"


    Jin Ze''s pupils dted abruptly, his eyes filled with shock.


    He had not expected Xiao Yi to suddenly explode with ten times the strength. Caught off guard, he retreated repeatedly, and just at that moment, Xiao Yi fiercely pushed off the ground, shooting upward like an arrow released from its bow.


    "Life Seizing Soul Chaser!"


    The sword streaked through the air, swift as light skimming a shadow.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jin Ze instinctively dodged, narrowly avoiding Xiao Yi''s lethal strike. Under the surge of blood-colored light, Jin Ze''s right arm was severed at the shoulder.


    "Xiao Yi... I will not let you go, the Nine Profound Sect will not let you go..."


    Jin Ze''s face turned deathly pale, ring venomously at Xiao Yi while clutching his severed arm. He shot up into the air and fled toward the outside of the city...

 Chapter 73 If I Become a Demon, There Will Be No Buddha in the World!

    When a Golden Core Realm expert is determined to escape, even another of the Golden Core Realm would find it hard to pursue.


    Xiao Yi could only watch helplessly as Jin Ze fled, his gaze falling upon the remaining disciples of the Nine Profound Sect, whoseplexions suddenly changed.


    Even Jin Ze of the Golden Core Realm had been chased away; how could they dare to contend against Xiao Yi?


    Thump, thump!


    One after another, the strong members of the Nine Profound Sect knelt on the ground, with faces full of ttery and pleading, "Xiao, spare our lives, ah! We, we have never killed any of the Hu Family!"


    "We were just following orders..."


    Xiao Yi looked towards Hu Qingbi, "Did any of themy a hand on you?"


    Hu Qingbi and the others pointed out five among them.


    Xiao Yi flicked his fingers, and the heads of those five Nine Profound Sect disciples separated from their bodies, terrifying the remaining few even more. Xiao Yi indifferently said, "Go back and tell Jin Ze that if the Nine Profound Sect wants to seek revenge on Xiao Yi, I wee them anytime!"


    "We, we will definitely ry your words to Elder Jin!"


    "Xiao, Xiao, can we, we leave now?"


    The crowd was visibly nervous.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, "Scram!"


    "Thank you, Xiao, for your mercy in sparing our lives!"


    The few people hurriedly rolled on the ground and left the martial arts field.


    Xiao Yi neutralized the effects of the Muscle-locking Powder on Hu Qingbi and the others. The Hu Family had suffered great losses this time; a third of the senior members had died, but thanks to Xiao Yi''s defeat of Jin Ze, the reputation of the Hu Family in Iron Mountain City had risen even higher.


    It''s no exaggeration to say...


    Within Iron Mountain City, definitely no one would dare to oppose the Hu Family again.


    As for the Nine Profound Sect.


    With the defeat of Jin Ze as a precedent, and with the words brought back by those few, they would inevitably be wary of attacking the Hu Family before taking down Xiao Yi.


    Although the loss of powerful members in the family was severe, for the Hu Family, the gains were greater than the losses!


    "Xiao Yi, thank you for saving us!" Hu Qingbi looked at Xiao Yi earnestly and said, "I don''t know how to repay you!"


    Xiao Yi waved his hand, smiling, "I owe your father a favor, naturally I need to protect the Hu Family." He paused, then Xiao Yi continued, "I believe the Nine Profound Sect won''t trouble you again for a while; during this time, you should concentrate on strengthening your family''s power!"


    "Don''t worry!"


    "Rest assured, Xiao, now that my Hu Family is unrivaled in Iron Mountain City, no one can threaten us!"


    Everyone said one after another.


    With keen insight, Hu Qingbi stared at him, "You... are you leaving?"


    Xiao Yi nodded and said, "I have matters to attend to back in the royal capital, but don''t worry, I will return after a while. When that timees, I have a surprise for the Hu Family!"


    "Alright, I''ll wait for your return..." Hu Qingbi bit her lip and said.


    After chatting briefly, Xiao Yi left on his own.


    Watching the direction he left in, an elderly woman in the Shentong Realm said to Hu Qingbi by her side, "Miss, since you like Xiao, why not tell him so?"


    "Don''t talk nonsense, when did I ever say I liked him?"


    Hu Qingbi''s cheeks tinged with red as she red fiercely at the old woman, muttering to herself in a voice only she could hear, "Someone like him... how could he possibly be within my reach?"


    ......


    On the royal road leading to the capital.


    Xiao Yi rode his steed at a gallop when a young monk appeared in the middle of the road ahead, wearing monk''s robes, with his right hand held in a palm shape at his chest and his left hand holding a gray alms bowl.


    The monk had his eyes slightly closed, standing still in the middle of the road like a wooden stake.


    "Whoa..."


    Xiao Yi pulled the reins tight, staring at the monk standing before him.


    The young monk opened his eyes, chanting Amitabha Buddha, radiating an august presence, and said with a smile, "Why doesn''t benefactor ride over this poor monk?"


    Xiao Yi frowned and said, "I bear no grudge against you, why would I ride over you?"


    "The poor monk has blocked the benefactor''s path!" the young monk said.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "This road is so wide, if you block here, I can simply pass by the side!"


    The young monk smiled and said, "What if someone blocked the path of the benefactor''s life?"


    Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow, "Monk, did you wait here specifically for me?"


    Amitabha!


    The young monk brought his palms together and said with a smile, "This monk''s Dharma name is Dao Yuan. I''ve had the pleasure of meeting you, Xiao."


    "So you really were waiting here for me!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged nonchntly and asked with interest, "Monk Dao Yuan, we have never met before. Why have you stopped me?"


    Monk Dao Yuan said, "Xiao, you have yet to answer the question of this poor monk!"


    Xiao Yi replied, "The journey of life is so very long, isn''t it? Obstacles and obstructors are bound to be encountered. Kick them aside and continue on one''s way; that''s what one does!"


    "What if they are persistent and refuse to let go?"


    "Then kill them!"


    Amitabha!


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, shook his head, and let out a light sigh, "Xiao, you havemitted far too many killings. Better to join this poor monk in traveling to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple to study the Buddhist Law and transform the malignant energy within you. Otherwise, you may someday be corrupted by it and be a cmitous devil to the human world!"


    "Study the Buddhist Law? I have no fate with your Buddha. Monk, please step aside!" Xiao Yi said with a frown.


    "Xiao, you do have a fate with Buddha. I am willing to convert you with Buddhist teachings,e with this poor monk!"


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, chanting the Buddha''s name, as Buddhist chants flowed from his mouth. They were like thunder shaking the heavens, as well as Sanskrit enchanting one''s surroundings, possessing the power to mesmerize and bewilder.


    Those of weak will might find their minds copsing under its influence, easily swayed this way and that.


    Xiao Yi''s body shuddered, shaking off the influence of the Buddha''s chant and speaking with an icy face, "Monk Dao Yuan, I have no fate with your Buddha. I ask you to let me pass!"


    "Amitabha... Xiao, the Evil Qi within you is too strong. If not converted by Buddhist Law, you will fall into a devil''s role, bringing cmity to the human world, still..." Monk Dao Yuan continued with a face of righteousness.


    "Bullshit!"


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, scoffing, "Devil? Do not say that I cannot be a devil, even if therees a day that I do, I will make sure there are no Buddhas in this world! Little monk, your Buddha cannot convert me!"


    "If you remain so unenlightened, this poor monk has no choice but to act on heaven''s behalf!" Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together and bowed deeply to Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi was momentarily startled and was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed.


    He saw that the bowing figure of Monk Dao Yuan suddenly became blurry, it was only an afterimage.


    "Buddha saves all living beings!"


    Dal Yuan''s voice came from above, as a golden palm imbued with Buddha''s light descended from the heavens, aiming straight for Xiao Yi''s head.


    Is this really Buddha saving all living beings?


    It''s more like sending someone to the Western Paradise!


    A cold light flickered in Xiao Yi''s eyes, his legs kicked against the stirrups, and his body soared into the air, while his fist smashed into the void, "Vajra Vanquishing Demons!"


    Boom!


    Fist and palm collided, the thunderous noise was deafening.


    Wow!


    Monk Dao Yuan spat out blood and flew backward, while Xiao Yi gracefullynded back onto his horse, squinting his eyes and scrutinizing Dao Yuan, "Monk, we have no grudge or grievance. Why did you stop me?"


    Amitabha!


    Monk Dao Yuan brought his palms together, his face full of regret, "No wonder you were able to kill Zhuge Shuangdao; you truly possess some skill!"


    "You''vee to avenge Zhuge Shuangdao?" Xiao Yi asked, narrowing his eyes.


    Monk Dao Yuan shook his head and spoke with justified words, "This poor monk is only here to convert a devil. It''s a pity that my skills are not sophisticated, and my Buddhist teachings are not deep enough to match you. It seems today''s attempt at converting you has failed. However, I believe we will meet again soon. At that time, this poor monk will surely convert you with Buddhist teachings properly!"


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Monk Dao Yuan vanished from sight in a whiff of smoke.


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    So this guy hade for Zhuge Shuangdao?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Shaking his head.


    Xiao Yi did not think further and rode his steed, dashing towards the royal capital.


    After Xiao Yi had left, Monk Dao Yuan''s figure sprang out from the bushes, watching the direction of his departure and suddenly vomiting a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Squinting his eyes, there was no longer the solemnity of reciting Buddha''s name, but rather a chill so cold it seared, "Brother Ge, it seems I alone am insufficient to avenge you. But rest assured, I''ve already contacted several senior brothers. With them taking action, we will surely kill this devil to apany you in death!"

 Chapter 74 What are you pretending to be?

    The entrance to the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Yet, here it was crowded with people, strong warriors from all over had gathered, each wearing a look of schadenfreude as they gazed upon the gates of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    At the very front of the crowd¡­


    A pitch-ck stele stood there, with four bright red characters inscribed on it¡ª¡ªDisgrace of Tianqing!


    As the name suggests.


    These four characters were a clear indication that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy was considered a disgrace to the Tianqing Kingdom!


    Around the stele sat a group of strong men, each with a longsword on their back, dressed in garments whiter than snow, and possessing an extraordinary handsome appearance.


    Each one of them radiated a sharp Sword Qi that pierced the heavens.


    All of them were strong warriors above the Shentong Realm.


    In the forefront of these warriors in white, a young man held in his hand a three-foot green peak, his face cold as frost, his eyebrows covered in ayer of white chill, standing tall like an ancient pine, exuding an icy Sword Intent aura.


    However, this aura of Sword Intent wasn''t particrly strong, it was intermittent, merely the condensation of a Sword Intent seed.


    In front of him¡­


    Fang Qingzhu''splexion was pale, with a thread of blood spilling from the corner of her mouth, her right sleeve soaked with blood dripped onto her Purple Dragon Whip, sliding down along the patterns of the whip onto the ground.


    Niu Dali and the four brothers from the Shi Family were all ashen-faced, suffering heavy injuries.


    "Hmph, is this all the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy can muster? Truly the disgrace of the Tianqing Kingdom, in my opinion you should take down the signboard of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!" The cold voice came from the young man.


    He was Huang Zijian of Mingjian Manor''s four great swordsmen, with Tenth Level of Shentong Realm Cultivation, having grasped the seed of Sword Intent, and ranking twenty-second on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Fang Qingzhu''s face was frosty, and she coldly said, "I have not lost yet!"


    "Not lost? Hmph, had it not been for the fact that you are a woman, that sword just now would have taken your life!"


    Huang Zijian sneered, his gaze turning to look at Niu Dali and the others, "I advise you to hand over that Xiao Yi to my Mingjian Manor quickly! That thief dared to steal the famous swords from the sword tomb of my Mingjian Manor, if he doesn''t die, my Mingjian Manor and your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will never rest!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Shi Yaoqian spurted blood out of his mouth, his face weak, "I''ve said Xiao Yi is not in the academy..."


    Niu Dali said in a muffled voice like thunder, "If our boss were here, you dogs of Sword Mountain Manor would have been shed by him long ago..."


    "Hahaha, shed by him? That''s just a fool''s dream. My Mingjian Manor is proficient in swordsmithing and even more skilled in swordsmanship. If that Xiao Yi you speak of were topete in swords with me, I would take his life within three moves!" Huang Zijian dered arrogantly.


    Fang Qingzhu said, "Your strength is not far from that of Zhuge Shuangdao. Even he became a ghost under brother Xiao Yi''s sword. If you were to face brother Xiao Yi, it would be you who falls within three moves!"


    "Hmm?"


    Huang Zijian''s pupils slightly contracted, and he snorted coldly, "My Sword Mountain Manor blocks the front door of your Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, yet that Xiao Yi is hiding like a turtle with its head withdrawn, not even daring to show his face. And you say I am not his match?"


    Fang Qingzhu said proudly, "You are not even qualified to carry Xiao Yi''s shoes!"


    "You''re courting death!"


    With a cold huff, Huang Zijian raised his hand and swung out a sword.


    The silver sword wind cut through the ground, shing straight at Fang Qingzhu.


    The Purple Dragon Whip in Fang Qingzhu''s hand seemed toe alive, snapping out with a crack, but it was repelled by the sharp edge of the sword, forcing Fang Qingzhu to stagger a few steps backwards.


    Huang Zijian stepped forward, reaching Fang Qingzhu in an instant, with the edge of his sword thrusting straight at her heart.


    If this sword struck, Fang Qingzhu was bound to die without a doubt!


    It was at this critical moment.


    A figure stepped through the void and appeared above Huang Zijian in an instant, only to stomp down with one foot. With a loud thud, Huang Zijian''s head was brutally mmed onto the ground.


    Thud!


    Huang Zijian''s head heavily hit the ground.


    Theer wrapped an arm around Fang Qingzhu''s waist and, with a few leaps,nded steadily in front of the main gate of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Fang Qingzhu recognized the person and her face lit up with joy, "Brother Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi nced at Fang Qingzhu''s bleeding hand, and said with a deep voice, "Sorry, I''mte!"


    Fang Qingzhu pursed her lips and shook her head.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze swept over Niu Dali, the four brothers of the Shi Family, each one of them severely injured, he frowned and said, "Where are Jiang Tai and Gu Junhe?"


    His voice already carried a hint of ice-cold fury.


    People from Sword Mountain Manor had fought right up to our doorstep, yet these two hadn''t shown themselves at all?


    If either of them had appeared, Sword Mountain Manor would never have dared to be so arrogant.


    Niu Dali gave a bitter smile. "The head left two months ago, and Brother Jiang went to the northern borders half a month ago, it will still be several days before he returns..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyebrows were tightly knitted.


    Only then did he recall the opening of the secret realm for those in the Tao Tribtion Realm, which Gu Junhe had entered.


    As for Jiang Tai...


    Since he had gone to the northern borders, naturally, he couldn''t be med either.


    Xiao Yi took a deep breath and looked at Fang Qingzhu and Niu Dali and the others. "How are the injuries?"


    Fang Qingzhu shook his head. "They''re just superficial!"


    Niu Dali: "A few broken bones."


    The four brothers of the Shi Family also spoke up, each one of them seriously injured.


    Xiao Yi nodded, and as he turned around, Huang Zijian was already getting up again, his face swollen and bruised, with two lines of blood flowing from his nostrils down to his upper lip, ring at Xiao Yi with a face full of resentment: "You bastard, you..."


    Xiao Yi turned a deaf ear and looked at Fang Qingzhu. "Did he cause your injuries?"


    Fang Qingzhu subconsciously nodded.


    "Wait for me a moment!"


    Xiao Yi leaped into action.


    Without the crowd hearing any noise, they saw Huang Zijian suddenly flying backward,nding on the ground with a bang, a footprint-shaped crater deeply indented in his chest.


    Almost his entire chest was crushed.


    One kick, instant kill!


    Hiss!


    The strong onlookers were all dumbfounded with disbelief, "How is this possible?"


    "Huang Zijian of the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, who had grasped the seed of Sword Intent, was instantly killed by a single move?"


    The most shocked were the strong from Sword Mountain Manor.


    The young man seated before the ck stele, who had kept his eyes closed the whole time, opened them, his eyes bright like stars and radiating cold light, he stared fixedly at Xiao Yi and articted with a pause between each word, "You, shouldn''t have killed him!"


    "So what if I did?" Xiao Yi replied casually.


    The young man said, "Send him to his grave!"


    Xiao Yi asked, "By yourself?"


    "Yes, just by myself!"


    The young man paused then slowly raised his finger, pointing one by one at Fang Qingzhu, Niu Dali, and the four brothers of the Shi Family, and slowly said, "Not just you, them as well, and the families behind you all, must apany Huang Zijian in burial!"


    Xiao Yi touched his nose and said, "Exterminate my family? The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, please feel free!"


    The young man: "¡­"


    Xiao Yi urged, "Don''t be polite, really, I wish you would immediately exterminate the Xiao Family!"


    The young man''s face turned green.


    The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, they were a much more powerful presence than the entire Tianqing Kingdom, asking him to exterminate the Xiao Family?


    Wasn''t that a death wish?


    "Why so silent? Can''t do it? Or don''t dare?" Xiao Yi''s face was full of mockery.


    The young man''s face was as ck as charcoal.


    Xiao Yi sighed, "If you can''t handle it, why put on an act?"

 Chapter 75 Swordsmanship Domination

    "You... you..."


    The young man''s face turned green and red in turns, and he nearly spewed out a mouthful of old blood.


    The previously imposing words had now be a vicious p to his face.


    A p that left his cheek burning!


    He was the third ranked Jian Yi of the Mingjian Manor, having reached the Peak of the Shentong Realm, just one step away from the Golden Core Realm.


    Nature had endowed him with a Sword Bone. It was said that the secret technique he practiced used his own spine as the sword embryo, solidifying his backbone.


    The Sword Bone fused with his body.


    It gave him a powerparable to the first stage of Sword Intent, the Sword Heart Enlightenment, allowing him to¡ªdespite being at the Peak of the Shentong Realm¡ªcontend with ordinary warriors at the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    But even so...


    He could absolutely not afford to ignore the Xiao Family!


    Not to mention that the Xiao Family was the hottest family in the Great Qian Dynasty, with countless strong individuals flocking under their banner, just the three words ''Xiao Tianjiao'' alone were enough to bring despair to many powerful figures.


    Not to mention him...


    Even if all the strong warriors of the Tianqing Kingdom were to join forces, they would not be a match for Xiao Tianjiao alone!


    Behind Jian Yi, a cultivator at the Third Layer of the Shentong Realm sneered coldly, "Xiao Yi, stop pulling the tiger''s beard. Who doesn''t know that you''ve been kicked out by the Xiao Family? You''re just a discarded pawn of the Xiao Family, you..."


    Before he could finish speaking.


    He suddenly found he couldn''t make a sound, desperately opening his mouth only for blood to spurt out.


    Thud!


    A head fell from its neck to the ground.


    Eyes wide open with disbelief.


    Hisss!


    Everyone couldn''t help but take a sharp breath, their horrified gazes fixed on Xiao Yi, their eyes filled with disbelief: "Did anyone clearly see what just happened?"


    "Good, it seemed like Xiao Yi made a move, such a fast sword..."


    Jian Yi''s face grew even darker, his eyes narrowed into a sliver, sharp glints shot out of those narrow gaps, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi: "No wonder that sword in the Sword Tomb acknowledged you as its master, your mastery of swordsmanship is indeed remarkable. I just wonder, how many of my swords can you take?"


    Hum!


    Jian Yi lightly flicked his fingers, and the jade-encrusted longsword at his waist was drawn from its sheath.


    Suspended between his palm.


    The sharp edge, cold Sword Qi, raised a gust of violent wind, scraping across faces like knives cutting against their skin.


    "Mingjian Manor''s four great Jian Yi have been famous for a long time, especially this Jian Yi, who was already within the top twenty on the Flying Tigers List three years ago. This time he takes action, I''m afraid Xiao Yi is doomed to lose!"


    "How many swords do you think Jian Yi needs to kill Xiao Yi?"


    "Within three swords, I guess!"


    ng!


    Jian Yi flicked the jade-encrusted longsword in his hand, looking coldly at Xiao Yi: "Bring out that sword you got from the Sword Tomb, otherwise you won''t even be able to take one of my swords!"


    What he held was one of the top ten famous swords, the Fourthyer Yuan Weapon Thunder Sword, forged from Thunderous Mysterious Steel, with a natural thunder paralysis effect. Coupled with his Sword Bone enhancing his sword moves and speed, it boosted hisbat power by more than thirty percent!


    In his view...


    Unless Xiao Yi used that fifth-rank Yuan Weapon, he would stand no chance against him.


    Xiao Yi walked in front of Fang Qingzhu, gently smoothed her disheveled hair, took a silver hairpin from the top of her head, and said with a light chuckle, "I''ll be back in no time!"


    "Mhm!"


    Fang Qingzhu squinted her eyes and nodded obediently.


    Xiao Yi, holding the hairpin, walked up to Jian Yi, waving it with a swooshing sound and beckoned to Jian Yi: "Come on!"


    "..."


    Jian Yi''s face turned green, staring intently at Xiao Yi with clenched teeth, "Xiao Yi, are you humiliating me?"


    "You''ve misunderstood!"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, an innocent look on his face, "If it were humiliation, then what I''d have in my hand would be a stick!"


    Jian Yi shuddered.


    A stick?


    This wasn''t just humiliation; this was utter disregard!


    Jian Yi''splexion grew so dark it seemed it could drip moisture, his fingers around the longsword turned green with strain, and with a venomous face said, "I''ll chop off your head, sever your limbs, and cut you to pieces to feed the dogs!"


    Boom!


    The Mysterious Sword plunged towards him, moving as fast as an arrow released from a bowstring, leaving behind only a trail of afterimages where he once was. Even as the afterimages ovepped without fading, a golden sword gleam had already appeared in front of Xiao Yi.


    "One of the four great sword techniques of Mingjian Manor, the ''Thunderous Lightning Sword Skill,'' and this technique ces utmost emphasis on speed!"


    "With his spine as his sword and the art refined into his bones, the Mysterious Sword is on par with those who have mastered Sword Intent. Coupled with the profound intricacies of the ''Thunderous Lightning Sword Skill,'' Xiao Yi stands no chance against him!"


    Within the crowd, a middle-aged man donning a wide-brimmed hat and Embracing a sword confidently dered, "The oue was decided the moment Xiao Yi chose his weapon! The fight will be over in one strike!"


    The crowd turned to look at the man, all eximing in awe, "That''s the renowned Rain Listening Swordsman, Xue Ming; he is a master of swordcraft said to have grasped the power of Sword Intent!"


    "If even he says Xiao Yi is bound to lose, then there is no suspense about the oue of this battle!"


    Rain Listening Swordsman Xue Ming.


    A Loose Cultivator and an expert with the sword.


    With the cultivation of the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm andmand over Sword Intent, hisbat power is no weaker than that of an average practitioner of the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    His attainments in the way of the sword are publicly acknowledged as those of a grandmaster.


    However...


    Beneath the onught of that lightning-fast fierce sword y, Xiao Yi, with a mere hairpin in hand, simply leaped aside, narrowly avoiding each strike.


    The golden sword gleam whooshed past, nearly grazing the clothes on his chest.


    Just one more inch, and it would have pierced his chest and shattered his viscera.


    "Wasn''t it said the fight would be resolved in one strike?"


    Everyone turned to look at Xue Ming as Xue Ming ndly responded, "He just got lucky!"


    The second strike followed close behind, also dodged by Xiao Yi.


    Xue Ming frowned deeply, "The Mysterious Sword is holding back; he must be trying to humiliate Xiao Yi!"


    The crowd suddenly understood, "So that''s how it is!"


    Then...


    The third strike.


    The fourth strike...


    After more than a dozen strikes, the Mysterious Sword was drenched in sweat, whereas Xiao Yi remained graceful, effortlessly crushing the formidable sword strikes with a slight force from his hairpin.


    "Avoiding over a dozen strikes and shattering four with a hairpin, all by chance?"


    "Did the Mysterious Sword hold back with each of these strikes?"


    "Just who is humiliating whom here?"


    The staring crowd made Xue Ming squirm ufortably, his forehead slick with sweat as he said in frustration, "What are you all staring at me for? I''m not a damn fortune-teller; how could I know this kid''s sword skill wouldpletely overpower the Mysterious Sword, making his sword seem as feeble as a child''s inparison..."


    That''s right!


    Just as Xue Ming said...


    Xiao Yi''s swordsmanship totally overwhelmed the Mysterious Sword.


    No matter how the Mysterious Sword varied his attacks, he couldn''t escape Xiao Yi''s control, as if a hand that covered the sky was obstructing everything.


    Xiao Yi utterly toyed with the Mysterious Sword as if he were pping his hands in amusement.


    Xue Ming saw it, and everyone else did too.


    The Mysterious Sword was clearly aware of this as well!


    He was drenched with cold sweat, having exceeded his best performance today, yet he still could not breach the defense of Xiao Yi''s hairpin. The Mysterious Sword stared fiercely and yelled, "I''m going all in against you!"


    Buzz!


    From his spine, a world-shaking sword shadow coalesced, and his body merged with his sword.


    This was the Mysterious Sword''s Innate Divine Ability, the integration of Sword and Bone!


    Whoosh!


    Both sword speed and might increased by fifty percent.


    A deadly strike headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    In the face of this swift strike, Xiao Yi''s expression of indifference vanished, and his Innate Divine Ability transformed, bing one with his hairpin, as he pointed his sword: "Wicked Python Entwines the Tree!"


    Whoosh!


    The sword took an unpredictable course!


    The two passed by each other.


    Xiao Yi, holding his hairpin, gently flicked it, and a drop of blood fell to the ground.


    Behind him...


    The Mysterious Sword''s form softened, and with a thud, he fell to the ground, a spot of red gleaming bloodily on his forehead...

 Chapter 76 Winning People Over with Virtue

    ```


    Hiss!


    The death of Mysterious Sword left everyone agape and dumbfounded.


    Before this¡­


    Almost no one believed Xiao Yi could have thestugh, especially after Rain Listening Swordsman Xue Ming''s solemn prediction, everyone was convinced that Xiao Yi''s death was certain.


    The oue, however,


    was a harsh p in the face for everyone.


    Xue Ming, in particr, had his face figuratively swollen from the p.


    His face was filled with cold rage as he red venomously at Xiao Yi, "You dog-like thing, if it were not for you, how could Xue be so humiliated?"


    But he dared not act now.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This was, after all, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and the Sword Mountain Manor with a Seventh Layer Golden Core Realm master at its helm, as well as the backing of the royal family, naturally didn''t fear the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    But he could not afford to be reckless...


    He was but a Loose Cultivator.


    If he dared to kill Xiao Yi in public, he would inevitably face retribution from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, and he could only bury this grudge deep in his heart.


    Xiao Yi, of course, had no idea why Xue Ming was targeting him out of the blue.


    His gaze turned to the people of Sword Mountain Manor, the thirty-or-so strong men of Sword Mountain Manor seemed to freeze under Xiao Yi''s stare, cold sweat dripping down, "You, you, what are you going to do?"


    "We, we are from Sword Mountain Manor, I... "


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Thud!


    Every strike from Xiao Yi''s hairpin took the life of a Sword Mountain Manor strongman, leaving only four trembling and kneeling on the ground, shivering, "Please spare us! Xiao, please spare us!"


    Xiao Yi looked at the four indifferently as the hairpin danced on the stele like a dragon or snake.


    ng, ng, ng!


    The sound of metal on metal rang out, sparks flying.


    To the left of ''Tian''s Shame,'' four more characters were added¡ªSword Mountain Manor!


    "Sword Mountain Manor, Tian''s Shame!"


    "This is a deration of a fight to the death with Sword Mountain Manor..."


    Everyone couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze was indifferent as he looked at the four and said, "If you don''t want to die, carry it into the city from the Vermilion Bird Gate, and go around the city three times. Otherwise, this will be your fate!"


    The four nced at the corpses strewn haphazardly around them, shuddered, and turned deathly pale.


    After exchanging looks,


    the four gritted their teeth and said, "We, we will carry it!"


    Xiao Yi nced at the Shi Family four brothers and said, "Shi Yaoqian, you and your brothers follow them. If they dare to deceive me in any way, inform me immediately!"


    "Don''t worry, big brother!"


    "We four brothers will definitely not let them skip a single step!"


    The Shi Family four brothers had previously been viciously beaten by the strongmen of Sword Mountain Manor and now they had finally found an opportunity for revenge, they used all their might.


    Niu Dali was eager to try, "Big brother, what about me?"


    Xiao Yi asked, "Are your injuries no problem?"


    This guy was covered in sword wounds, most of his clothes soaked red with blood, yet he was still full of vigor, "Keeping an eye on them will be no problem!"


    "Then go with them," Xiao Yi waved his hand.


    Niu Dali and the Shi Family four brothers, excited, drove the four strongmen of Sword Mountain Manor as they carried the stele inscribed with ''Sword Mountain Manor, Tian''s Shame'' and rushed madly toward the capital.


    It was not hard to imagine...


    After this event.


    Sword Mountain Manor would inevitably be utterly disgraced, and the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and Sword Mountain Manor would fully tear their faces apart, as ipatible as fire and water.


    As the instigator, Xiao Yi was indifferent to all this.


    His eyes swept over the crowd, and he said lightly, "The excitement is over, everyone can disperse now!"


    The crowd scattered in amotion.


    Daring not to linger.


    ```


    This was the fierce man who killed two Swordsmen of Mingjian Manor with just a flick of his wrist, who would dare to provoke him?


    Xiao Yi returned to Fang Qingzhu''s side and smiled, "The hairpin is stained with blood, I''ll buy you a new er!"


    "No!"


    Fang Qingzhu took the hairpin back from Xiao Yi''s hand and wore it on her head, smiling as she said, "This hairpin was used by brother Xiao Yi, I have to keep it!"


    Xiao Yi, with no choice, lightly scratched her nose and smiled, "Suit yourself!" Then noticing the bloodstains on her arm, he frowned, "Let''s go inside and bandage that up!"


    "It''s unnecessary, it''s just a superficial wound..." Fang Qingzhu weakly said.


    Xiao Yi, with a stern face, said, "When I say you need a bandage, you need a bandage!"


    He took Fang Qingzhu''s hand and walked toward the Tianqi Martial Arts Institute.


    Fang Qingzhu, looking at Xiao Yi''s retreating back, slightly raised the corners of her mouth...


    ¡­


    The next day.


    After fermenting overnight, the news that two great Swordsmen of Mingjian Manor had fallen at Tianqi Martial Arts Academy had already spread throughout the entire capital.


    The name Xiao Yi had be the talk of the town.


    He was even regarded by some as the foremost among the younger generation.


    As the foremost under the Golden Core Realm and so forth!


    As for these empty honors, Xiao Yi did not take them to heart. Instead, it was the return of Jiang Tai and Gu Junhe to Tianqi Martial Arts Academy that he found more interesting.


    "Headmaster!"


    The crowd gathered in the main hall, all turning their eyes toward the head of the table, where Gu Junhe sat holding a wine gourd.


    Gu Junhe took a swig of wine, ncedzily at Xiao Yi, "You did well with Mingjian Manor''s affair..." He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone, "You all did well too, and didn''t disgrace our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!"


    The crowd wore looks of pride.


    "Aside from Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai, everyone else will start cultivating with me from tomorrow!" Gu Junhe took another gulp from his wine gourd and said indifferently, "Xiao Yi and Jiang Tai stay behind, the rest of you may leave!"


    Only three people remained in the hall.


    Gu Junhe put away his wine gourd and looked intently at Xiao Yi, "Do you know why I have kept the two of you?"


    Xiao Yi said, "Is it about the secret realm?"


    Gu Junhe nodded and said, "That secret realm is surprisingly vast, and the gains exceed expectations. We''ve decided to open the secret realm in ten days for you juniors to enter. However, they''re only willing to give Tianqi Martial Arts Academy one spot, so which of you two will go?"


    Jiang Tai said from the side, "Headmaster, please give it to Xiao. I can secure a spot from the king!"


    Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes and asked, "How many spots do the other parties have?"


    Gu Junhe''s eyes brightened as he nced at Jiang Tai.


    Jiang Tai said gravely, "The royal family has twenty spots, the Royal Martial Arts Academy has twenty spots, Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple have ten spots each, Mingjian Manor has four, and the Loose Cultivators have ten. Additionally, Purple Robe Kingdom from the north has nine spots, and Tian Kingdom to the west has ten..."


    Xiao Yi asked, "Why does our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy only have one spot?"


    Although Tianqi Martial Arts Academy had fallen, with Gu Junhe''s strength, getting a few more spots shouldn''t be a problem!


    Jiang Tai said with a wry smile, "The Headmaster originally secured five spots for us, but they were suppressed by Zhou Yuan, the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, in alliance with Nine Profound Sect and the Master of Mingjian Manor. The one spot we have is I got from Purple Robe Kingdom..."


    He had gone to the northern border precisely to secure that spot.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, staring at Gu Junhe, and revealed a bright smile, "Brother Jiang, you should take this spot!"


    Jiang Tai asked, "What about you?"


    Xiao Yi stretched himself and smiled, "The Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Mingjian Manor... they all have quite a few spots, don''t they? When the timees, I''ll just make one of them give me a spot!"


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes, "Give?"


    He had paid a hefty sum of over a hundred million silvers to get that one spot from Purple Robe Kingdom.


    How could they simply give it away?


    Xiao Yi said, "If they don''t, then I''ll fight until they do! But I am a reasonable person, I''ll try to prevail with virtue!"


    Jiang Tai twitched the corner of his eye: "..."


    However, Gu Junhe justughed heartily, with a casual wave, a jade box fell into Xiao Yi''s hand. He said with a beaming smile, "You''re right, we should prevail with virtue. Here is a Bodhi Vermilion Fruit ¡ª ten days should be enough to assimte it. To argue, you must have a strong fist!"


    "Thank you, Headmaster!"


    Xiao Yi smiled slightly.


    Jiang Tai nced back and forth between them, feeling powerless as he massaged his forehead: "..."

 Chapter 77 Trade With Your Life!

    Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.


    Outside the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy.


    Gu Junhe and Jiang Tai had already been waiting here, with the Cangyun Eagle obediently standing by their side, its massive head asionally bowing to straighten its iron-like sturdy feathers with its beak that could shatter gold and stone.


    Xiao Yi emerged from the Martial Arts Institute, looking spirited, with an increasingly thick aura about him.


    Gu Junhe''s eyes brightened as he nodded and said, "It seems that the Bodhi Vermilion Fruit was not wasted!"


    Xiao Yi cupped his fists towards him, "Thanks, Dean!"


    "Don''t thank me!"


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "That Bodhi Vermilion Fruit was not a gift; when youe back from the secret realm, you owe me two, principal and interest!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    Jiang Tai struggled to hold back hisughter and saluted Xiao Yi, "Congrattions, Xiao, on taking another step further. I''m afraid once you return from the secret realm this time, you might attempt to break through to the Golden Core Realm!"


    The Golden Core Realm.


    A transformative realm that sets one apart from ordinary people.


    Upon reaching the Golden Core, one''s longevity increases by a century.


    Like a celestial among men!


    Xiao Yi nced at him and said irritably, "Brother, you are at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm; are you mocking me?"


    "Hahaha, Brother Xiao, you jest!" Jiang Tai quickly shook his head.


    He knew well that Xiao Yi had gone from having no cultivation base to the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer in just half a year.


    And what about himself?


    He had the endless resources of the Tianqing Kingdom''s royal family since he was young, which was the only reason he had achieved what he had today.


    "Stop ttering each other!"


    Gu Junhe took a swig of alcohol and looked at the two, saying, "Remember, inside the secret realm, you brothers need to support each other. Especially you, Jiang Tai, you must protect Xiao Yi!"


    Jiang Tai responded solemnly, "Dean, rest assured, I will definitely keep Xiao safe!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, his expression strange as he said, "Xiao Yi, you''ve offended quite a few people. In these ten days, apart from Mingjian Manor, the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the Nine Profound Sect, and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple have all sent word that they want you buried in the secret realm. Be extra cautious!"


    Xiao Yi wondered, "Dean, I''ve never met anyone from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Ten days ago, when I returned from Iron Mountain City, a monk named Dao Yuan ambushed me on the way. And now, they want me dead in the secret realm, why is this?"


    Gu Junhe''s expression remained strange.


    Jiang Tai said with a wry smile, "Brother Xiao, you may not know this, but before Dao Yuan became a monk, his name was Zhuge Shuangqiang, the elder brother of Zhuge Shuangdao!"


    "Outside the secret realm, I have the power to keep them from harming you. But once inside, you must be extremely careful, particrly of Mingjian Manor''s Heaven and Earth Swords, and the Royal Martial Arts Academy''s..."


    Gu Junhe had the two of them board the Cangyun Eagle and then seemed to think, apart from Jiang Tai, everyone seemed to have a grudge against Xiao Yi; he could only wave his hand helplessly, "Forget it, forget it, you''ve made too many enemies,d. Just try your luck!"


    Xiao Yi: "..."


    ......


    Above the high skies.


    Layers of white clouds and a piercingly cold wind made the mountains and rivers below seem extremely tiny.


    The Cangyun Eagle soared high, shuttleing between clouds, its wings stirring up trails of white clouds, leaving behind a few hundred meters long trail of flight.


    Gu Junhe sat cross-legged on the Cangyun Eagle and said in a deep voice, "This secret realm is the tomb of a Scattered Cultivator from the Tribtion Realm. Zhou Yuan and I have spent two months exploring it and have cleared most of the obstacles. Still, numerous dangers remain, and there are also great opportunities. Don''t underestimate the chance this time offers, both of you!"


    "Dean, rest assured, Xiao and I will do our utmost!" Jiang Tai hesitated for a moment before saying, "It''s just that Xiao''s spot..."


    Gu Junhe also looked at Xiao Yi, "Have you thought it over? Are you sure you don''t want to give your spot to him?"


    Xiao Yi shook his head, "No need!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, his calm voice carrying an undeniable sense of firmness and authority, "What I can guarantee is that the older generation won''t make a move!"


    "That''s enough for me!"


    Xiao Yi revealed a smile.


    About half a dayter...


    The Cangyun Eagle descended in altitude, diving towards a mountain range below; Jiang Tai said in a grave tone, "This secret realm lies within the Three Seas Mountain, at the border of the Tianqing, Zishan, and Tian kingdoms. The entrance has barriers set up by several heads of the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, which even Golden Core Realm experts wouldn''t hope to forcefully enter!"


    As he was speaking.


    A whooshing sound suddenly came from not far away, and three Swift Wind Geese appeared, swiftly closing in on the Cangyun Eagle. A loudugh emanated from the back of one of the Swift Wind Geese, "Hahaha, Gu Junhe, I didn''t expect Tianqi Martial Arts Academy to have fallen so far? You only brought two people with you?"


    The Swift Wind Geese drew closer, and Xiao Yi could see the figures on their backs.


    The leader was a middle-aged man with a ck eyepatch over his left eye and a centipede-like scar gruesomely bisecting his face, with an aura not much weaker than Gu Junhe''s.


    On the backs of the other two Swift Wind Geese sat five young elites each.


    All of them radiant and vigorous.


    They were young masters of their generation.


    Jiang Tai said in a deep voice, "These are people from Tian Kingdom. The man in the lead is General Wu Yu, themander of the three armies of Tian Kingdom. Our Tianqing Kingdom is in a constant state of war with Tian Kingdom; they are our sworn enemies. We must be extra careful when dealing with them!"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Gu Junhe looked indifferently at Wu Yu and sneered, "The quality of soldiers is more important than their quantity! These two disciples of mine are much stronger than the trash under yourmand!"


    Wu Yu''s expression darkened.


    Jiang Tai, a super genius in the top three of Tianqing Kingdom''s Teng Long List, was so strong that not many in Tian Kingdom could contend with him.


    Atop the Swift Wind Geese.


    A young man, his muscles heavy and clearly defined as if chiseled, sneered, "Jiang Tai is indeed strong, but what about the one with him? Just the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer. I, Niu Ben, could smash him to death with one punch!"


    Jiang Tai whispered, "This man''s name is Niu Ben, third on Tian Kingdom''s Feihu List, at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    Xiao Yi uttered an ''oh'' and didn''t take it to heart.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm?


    When he was at the Ninth Layer of the Divine Passage Realm, he could already y strong people of this level.


    Now...


    After consuming the Bodhi Vermilion Fruit, he had reached the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, and he could even kill someone at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Why should he fear him?


    Xiao Yi looked toward Niu Ben and called out, "Niu Ben, right? Let''s discuss something!"


    "Hmm?"


    Niu Ben was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi said, "Give me your spot, will you?"


    "Hmm?"


    Niu Ben waspletely dumbfounded, his face showing his confusion, "Why should I give my spot to you?"


    Xiao Yi replied, "Don''t rush to refuse. I''ll trade with you using something!"


    "What thing?" Niu Ben frowned.


    Xiao Yi spoke earnestly, "Your life in exchange! Give me your spot, and I won''t kill you!"


    Niu Ben: "..."


    Everyone: "..."


    A twitch appeared by Jiang Tai''s eye, is this how you reason with others? What happened to convincing people with virtue?


    Niu Ben burst outughing in anger, "Are you an idiot? Do you think you can kill me? Like a dog, I''ll be the first to kill you once we''re on the ground!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, "I''m reasoning with you, and you call me an idiot? And you want to kill me?"


    "I''m indeed calling you an idiot, what can you do about it?" Niu Ben red with hisrge eyes, and his smirk was incessant.


    Wu Yu, who was sitting on the first Swift Wind Goose, also wore a peculiar expression. He was about to speak when his face suddenly changed, and he eximed, "Be careful!"


    As his voice fell,


    Xiao Yi''s figure leaped up andnded behind Niu Ben, a sh of cold light swept from his fingertips. Leaping again, hended back on the Cangyun Eagle.


    Xiao Yi patted his hands, looking at Gu Junhe, "Dean, does this mean we have an extra spot now?"


    Gu Junhe was silent for a moment, then nodded, "Hmm."


    Almost simultaneously...


    A stream of blood spurted from Niu Ben''s neck with a ''puff'', and his robust body fell from the back of the Swift Wind Geese, disappearing into the vast forest.


    In mid-air, there was silence...

 Chapter 78 In the Name of Zhou

    In the middle of the sky, there was a deathly silence.


    It wasn''t until Niu Ben''s corpse smashed into the forest below, emitting a dull thud, that the deathlike hush was broken.


    "Bastard!"


    Enraged, Wu Yu''s aura, which was at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, erupted instantly, shattering a hundred-meter expanse of clouds, his face''s centipede-like scars flushing red, his look growing even more ferocious, "Little beast, your life is forfeit!"


    Hum!


    A golden qi converged into a golden light palm, as huge as a small house, smashing violently toward Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi''s move took everyone by surprise.


    Even Wu Yu did not react in time and could not prevent it.


    After all...


    Who could have imagined that Xiao Yi would dare to leap through the air, hopping between two beasts to strike a killing blow?


    Xiao Yi let out a loud shout, "Principal, go!"


    Gu Junhe stumbled beneath his feet, nearly falling off the back of the Cangyun Eagle, ring fiercely at Xiao Yi. He waved his hand casually, dissipating the giant palm, his gaze coldly fixed on Wu Yu, "To attack my disciple right in front of me, you''re not taking me, Gu, seriously, are you?"


    "Gu Junhe, your disciple struck first!" Wu Yu retorted angrily.


    Gu Junhe spoke indifferently, "This was merely a transaction. Niu Ben refused to give up his spot, so Xiao Yi took his life. What wrong is there in that? Moreover, it was Niu Ben who first threatened to kill Xiao Yi, so this was self-defense!"


    Wu Yu snapped, "I don''t give a damn, Niu Ben only said he wanted to kill him, did he take any action?"


    Gu Junhe narrowed his eyes, "I''lly it out here today, how the younger generation fights is their business. If you dare to strike, I will obliterate you!"


    "You, you..." Wu Yu''splexion shifted rapidly.


    He was no match for Gu Junhe.


    At that moment...


    On the back of one of the Swift Wind Geese, a young man who had been keeping his eyes closed all along said indifferently, "Why should the Great General be so enraged? Once inside the secret realm, I will personally take his head tomemorate Niu Ben!"


    Jiang Tai looked gravely at the young man, speaking solemnly, "This man is Zhang Tianyi, the champion nominee from the Tian Kingdom, at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the second on the Tian Dragon Ranking..."


    Xiao Yi nodded calmly, his eyes on Zhang Tianyi taking on a shade of solemnity.


    Taking a deep breath, Wu Yu was clearly influenced by Zhang Tianyi''s words, his resentful gaze fixed on Xiao Yi and the others, he gritted his teeth and said, "Gu Junhe, you''re ruthless! You may protect them for a moment, but you can''t protect them forever. People of the Tian Kingdom, listen up, in the secret realm, Xiao Yi is the prime target!"


    "Yes!"


    "Kill Xiao Yi!"


    A crowd of Tian Kingdom''s powerhouses roared in fury, their gaze toward Xiao Yi as if looking at a dead body.


    "Let''s go!"


    Wu Yu pped the Swift Wind Goose, quickening its descent.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi with an odd expression, "That was a ruthless move!"


    Jiang Tai also said, "Brother Xiao, you were too impulsive..."


    Before he could finish,


    Gu Junhe interrupted him, "But, well done on the kill!"


    Jiang Tai, "..."


    Gu Junhe spoke lightly, "Jiang Tai, you think Xiao Yi''s killing of Niu Ben was too impulsive?" After seeing Jiang Tai nod, Gu Junhe said with a faint smile, "You underestimate Xiao Yi! He''s not such an impulsive person!"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback.


    Gu Junhe continued, "Is the Tian Kingdom on the same path as us?"


    Jiang Tai shuddered, the Tian Kingdom was to the west, by all ounts, they should not have crossed paths, "You mean, they were intentionally waiting for us here?"


    Gu Junhe nced at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi said evenly, "Tian and Tianqing are long-time rivals, and in this secret realm struggle, the Tianqing Kingdom already has an advantage. The Tian Kingdom aims to weaken the Tianqing Kingdom''s morale before entering the secret realm. It''s not that easy to act against the Royal Martial Arts Academy or the Nine Profound Sect; the weaker Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is the best target!"


    Gu Junhe nodded, "If it wasn''t for Xiao Yi, they would have targeted you this time!"


    Jiang Tai revealed a grave look.


    He was no match for Zhang Tianyi, and if he, the esteemed seventh prince, were severely wounded or killed by Zhang Tianyi, it would be a tremendous blow to the morale of the Tianqing Kingdom''s people.


    Understanding this, Jiang Tai''s look towards Xiao Yi included a bit more admiration.


    Chirp chirp!


    Cangyun Eagle''s wings shook, and it dived down,nding in a basin within Three Seas Mountain in an instant. At this moment, the basin was already brimming with powerful warriors.


    The Royal family of Tianqing Kingdom, Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, Sword Mountain Manor, and Tianqi Martial Arts Academy; Tian Kingdom, Purple Robe Kingdom.


    Warriors from all directions had gathered.


    The arrival of Xiao Yi and his group immediately attracted quite a bit of attention.


    However...


    Apart from the people of Purple Robe Kingdom, the looks that others gave them were filled with hostility.


    Xiao Yi touched his nose, "It seems... we''re not very wee?"


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes: And you have the nerve to mention it? Nearly everyone here has been offended by you...


    Gu Junhe said, "I''ll go ahead first. You two behave!" After walking a few steps, Gu Junhe turned back to look at Xiao Yi, "Especially you, don''t cause any trouble for me!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged his shoulders.


    After Gu Junhe left.


    A graceful young girl from Purple Robe Kingdom approached, d in purple armor, her graceful figure especially striking, with her long purple hair fluttering in the wind, she stared at Xiao Yi, "Are you Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, "And you are?"


    Jiang Tai said, "This is the Fifth Princess of Purple Robe Kingdom, Yue Ling''er." He cupped his fists towards Yue Ling''er, "Ling''er, long time no see. Are your uncle and aunt in good health?"


    Yue Ling''er waved her hand, "With both in the Golden Elixir Realm, do you think their health would be poor?" After a pause, Yue Ling''er blinked, "Cousin, the ce you asked of Father for, it was for this kid?"


    Jiang Tai touched his nose, just about to speak.


    Yue Ling''er was already looking at Xiao Yi with disdain, "Kid, I hear you cause trouble everywhere and many are targeting you. How can you be so thick-skinned? If you don''t have the capability, don''t join the fray. You even had my cousin shamelessly ask for a spot on your behalf..."


    Jiang Tai''s expression darkened, "Ling''er, Xiao Yi didn''t ask for that spot!"


    "Ah?"


    Yue Ling''er was stunned, her brows furrowed slightly, "He didn''t ask for the spot?"


    Xiao Yi chuckled, "Princess Ling''er, is it? If I wanted a spot, I would have fought for it myself, not taking the slightest advantage from you all!"


    At that moment.


    A cold voice from Gu Junhe came from not far away, "Zhou Yuan, what do you mean?"


    Zhou Yuan''s proud voice came simultaneously, "No particr meaning. This is the unanimous decision after everyone''s discussion. We can tolerate Jiang Tai borrowing Purple Robe Kingdom''s spot, which is already a huge concession. As for that Xiao Yi... What is he worth?"


    Zhou, the head of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy added, "If it weren''t for Jiang Tai''s slight connection to the royal family of Purple Robe Kingdom, which allowed us to exchange a spot, your Tianqi Martial Arts Institute wouldn''t get a single hair into the secret realm!" The one speaking was the Great Elder of Nine Profound Sect, Jin Sheng, his face showing resentment and pride as he looked at Xiao Yi.


    Zhuang Bifan, the master of Sword Mountain Manor who carried three longswords, had an indifferent expression, "If, as you said, killing one of them could snatch the other''s spot, then I should just let my Heavenly Son Sword kill a few of them, and my Sword Mountain Manor could send a few more people in, couldn''t it?"


    Wu Yu, full of pride, "Gu Junhe, looks like you''ve capsized in the gutter, huh? Hahaha!"


    Zhou Yuan spoke seriously, "Gu Junhe, you are also an elder among strong warriors, why bother confronting us over a junior of no importance?"


    For a moment...


    Everyone''s gaze was fixed on Xiao Yi.


    The looks contained both schadenfreude and scornful ridicule...


    Yue Ling''er looked at Xiao Yi with sympathy, "You really are pitiable, Xiao Yi!"


    "Pitiable?"


    Xiao Yi cracked a smile, but the look in his eyes grew increasingly cold as he turned to Zhou Yuan and spoke aloud, "So, Head Zhou, you mean to say that I don''t deserve to enter the secret realm?"


    Zhou Yuan let out a coldugh, offering no reply.


    Wu Yu, wearing a taunting expression, "Youd still have some self-awareness; it''s not just Head Zhou''s opinion, we all think you don''t deserve to enter the secret realm!"


    "Well then, it seems reasoning is out of the question!" said Xiao Yi as he shrugged his shoulders and walked to the entrance of the secret realm. Sitting down with legs astride, he proimed loudly, "In Head Zhou''s name, I, Xiao Yi, am establishing a challenge arena here. Whoever is inferior to me has no right to enter the secret realm!"


    Boom!


    His deration caused an uproar among the crowd.


    "Has this kid gone mad?"


    "Is he nning to challenge everyone?"


    "A mere tumbleweed in the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, how many can he defeat? He dares to set up a challenge arena and take on everyone? Utterly foolish..."


    Xiao Yi, faced with everyone''s cold sneers and hot mocking, plunged his sword into the ground and dered proudly, "Enough talk, if you wish to fight, let''s fight!"

 Chapter 79 Xiao Yi VS Jia Sidao

    "If it''s a fight you want, it''s a fight you''ll get!"


    Xiao Yi sat astride the entrance to the secret realm, majestic and imposing.


    He stood like a sentinel at the gate.


    This was the gathering ce of half the young talents from the Tianqing Kingdom, the Purple Robe Kingdom, and the Tian Kingdom, nearly every one of them a master from the Dragon Tiger List.


    How dare Xiao Yi, with just the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer, block the way and challenge them all?


    "Arrogant!"


    "This kid is simply too presumptuous!"


    The crowd was buzzing with excitement!


    Jin Sheng sneered coldly, "Gu Junhe, your disciple really has some nerve!"


    Zhuang Bifan''s gaze was like a sword, his coldughter unceasing, "No wonder he dares to kill my two disciples, Xuan and Huang¡ªhe is indeed audacious!"


    Gu Junhe felt a headacheing on, but he couldn''t show weakness. He responded lightly, "Just as Xiao Yi said, Zhou Yuan imed hecks the qualifications to enter the secret realm, right? If the others can''t even defeat him, then naturally theyck the qualifications to enter as well."


    All eyes turned towards Zhou Yuan.


    Even the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom looked to him for direction.


    Zhou Yuan let out a coldugh, "Then let''s fight! However, swords and sabers have no eyes, if there should be any idents, Master Gu will not intervene halfway, will he?"


    Gu Junhe replied, "If you all don''t take action, naturally I won''t either."


    Wu Yu and the others nodded in agreement.


    "Good!"


    Zhou Yuan nodded, "Since that''s the case, let him have his wish. Everyone listen up, to enter the secret realm, you must first defeat Xiao Yi. Swords and sabers have no eyes, life and death regardless!"


    Within the crowd.


    The young and powerful who could hardly contain themselves rushed forward one after another.


    Yue Ling''er, her eyes wide and her neck stiff, turned towards Jiang Tai and pointed to her head, "Cousin, is there something wrong with him?"


    The exploration of the secret realm this time nearly brought together all the top young talents of the three great kingdoms.


    Even the weakest among them was at the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer.


    How could Xiao Yi dare to set up this challenge?


    Wasn''t this seeking death?


    Jiang Tai''s eyelid twitched, "Don''t talk to me..."


    ...


    "I''ll take you on!"


    From the midst of the crowd, a man in green garb with a green wolf''s head tattoo on his face, and at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, waved his Wolf Fang Club with pride, "When you get to the underworld, don''t forget to tell King Yama that it was Lang Tao of the Royal Martial Arts Academy who killed you!"


    Whoosh!


    The Wolf Fang Club swung high, whistling through the air with such force it seemed capable of splitting mountains and shattering stones.


    Xiao Yi nced at him, "Trash like you also dares to show off?"


    With a casual wave of his hand.


    His bearing was dignified, like a Wrathful Vajra!


    Vajra Fist''s third form¡ªVajra Subdues Demons!


    Boom!


    His fist, hard as iron, smashed right onto the Wolf Fang Club. The second-grade spiritual weapon exploded with a pop, shards flying everywhere, punching straight through Lang Tao''s chest.


    Blood spurted like a fountain!


    Lang Tao''s face was filled with horror as he crashed to the ground, gasping for air so violently that blood poured unstoppably from his mouth, his face a picture of shock, "Ho-How is this possible? How can your fist be so hard?"


    "Shut up!"


    Xiao Yi lifted his foot and mmed it down. With a loud bang, he crushed Lang Tao''s head. Looking up at the others he dered, "Next!"


    Hiss!


    The crowd gasped in shock.


    Lang Tao, at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm, was killed just like that?


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Those below the Golden Elixir Realm,e at me all at once!"


    "Arrogant!"


    "Do you really think you''re invincible?"


    "So arrogant, let us fulfill your wish..."


    In an instant, twenty-three strong warriors from the Divine Power Realm Tenth Layer and the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm surged forward, their des gleaming coldly, their martial arts dazzling and brilliant.


    Forewarned by Lang Tao''s precedent, everyone made their move by invoking their Innate Divine Abilities.


    This was a life-and-death battle!


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were sharp as knives as he issued a light shout, activating his Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation, causing a ck glow to ebb and flow on his arms, integrating with his longsword into one.


    His palms were like knives, his fingers like swords.


    Xiao Yi moved like a dragon into the sea, weaving through the crowd of strong warriors, and nearly no one who came close was a match for him in a single exchange!


    Every punch hit flesh, every palm strike meant death!


    Boom, boom, boom!


    In just a moment...


    There was a chorus of wails!


    On the groundy more than a dozen strong warriors, scattered haphazardly.


    Xiao Yi, standing atop several Divine Power Realm strong warriors, looked proudly at Zhou and the others, "Zhou, you''ve truly nned far ahead, indeed there are many here just filling numbers. Trash that cannot even block my single punch trying to enter the secret realm, do you truly think this Tao Tribtion Realm expert''s secret realm is a brothel, at your free disposal toe and go?"


    Zhou''s face was as dark as pitch: "..."


    Wu Yu, Jin Sheng, and others clenched their teeth, eyes shing coldly.


    Gu Junhe coughed lightly, pretending to scold, "Xiao Yi, these are the chosen from various major forces, you just happened to win against them, you should not be so ostentatious!"


    "The Dean''s teaching is correct!"


    Xiao Yi feigned humility, then with a flick of his longsword, "Stop sending these Divine Skills Realm people to their deaths, let those from the Golden Core Realme up too!"


    "You dog-like thing, do you really think no one can control you?"


    Inside the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a young man in white robes, floating like an immortal, walked out, "Xiao Yi, do you recognize Jia Sichun?"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, "Are you Jia Sidao?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Indeed!"


    Jia Sidao boasted proudly, "Today, I shall take your head to pay homage to my brother!"


    Xiao Yi sighed, "Does the Jia Family have any more brothers left?"


    Jia Sidao was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi continued, "Keep a life for continuing the family line. Don''t let the Jia Family''s legacy end with you!"


    "You..."


    Jia Sidao''s face turned shades of red and white with rage, unable to contain his anger, "Since I stepped into the Golden Elixir Realm, you are the first to dare to belittle me. If I don''t kill you, I swear I''m not a man!"


    Boom!


    His whole body shook, and ck scale armor appeared on him.


    Within the crowd.


    Yue Ling''er eximed in shock, "I''ve long heard that Jia Sidao''s Innate Divine Ability is beastial transformation, but I didn''t expect it to be the strongest defensive Beast Armor Change. Xiao Yi is in big trouble!"


    Jiang Tai''s eyes showed a grave expression.


    Beast transformation was an extremely powerful Innate Divine Ability; some strong fighters could even transform into dragons, phoenixes, and so on... Beast Armor Change granted near invincible defense within their ss!


    ng, ng!


    With every motion Jia Sidao made, the ck scale armor collided like metal on metal, sparking blinding firelight.


    "Beast King Fist!"


    Jia Sidao roared lowly, charging like a wild beast, his footsteps booming like war drums. This punch seemed to carry the force of ten thousand beasts stampeding.


    "This is... the spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fist?" Wu Yu''s expression changed, turning to look at Zhou Yuan, "Truly worthy of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, they have such a genius. Beast Armor Changebined with the spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fist, this man''s future is limitless!"


    Jin Sheng sighed, "With such strength, killing Xiao Yi is within reach!"


    Zhou Yuan looked pleased and nced at Gu beside him, "Dean Gu, we had an agreement, that in the fight, the sword has no eyes, you better not intervene!"


    "Don''t worry! I''m not as shameless as you..." Gu Junhe scoffed.


    Zhou Yuan snorted coldly.


    Meanwhile...


    Jia Sidao, d in his beast armor,nded a heavy fist on Xiao Yi''s longsword, which he was using to block in front of himself. The sword vibrated intensely, the violent force pushing Xiao Yi back.


    Xiao Yi''s expression darkened, feeling numbness in the web of his hands, "The spirit of the Ten Thousand Beast Fistbined with the Beast Armor Change has such strength? Much stronger than Niu Ben, but still, this power is far from enough to kill me!"

 Chapter 80 Decree of Execution

    ```


    Boom!


    Xiao Yi''s whole body shook, and ck light covered him.


    The Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation covered his entire body, making it as tough as a third-grade Yuan weapon, and the force of Sword Intent enveloped him.


    "Is this one of the top ten Innate Divine Abilities, the Weapon Transformation?"


    "The most heaven-defying aspect of the Weapon Transformation Divine Skill lies in the durability of the transformed part, as solid as the weapon in hand. With this, the advantage of Jia Sidao''s Beast Armor Transformation is gone. Both masters of martial arts intents, victory or defeat now hinges on their martial techniques andbat awareness..."


    All present were no ordinary people; they quickly analyzed the situation.


    "Vajra Subdues Demons!"


    Xiao Yi threw a punch, and when the two fists met, sparks flew.


    It was a stalemate!


    Jia Sidao sneered coldly, "I am a Golden Core elite, I can grind you to death!"


    "The Golden Core practitioners who''ve died at my hand, you''re not the first!"


    Xiao Yi suddenly moved, disappearing from in front of Jia Sidao and reappearing behind him, his longsword like the wind: "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    "Beast King Fist, Thunderous Charge!"


    Jia Sidao''s eyes sparkled like lightning, and as he sidestepped, he punched with both fists.


    Boom, boom!


    The shadow of his fists filled the air, like a stampede of myriad beasts.


    His form was covered with ayer of ck Scale Armor, fearless, his punches like pounding garlic, and he forcefully shattered Xiao Yi''s iing sword moves.


    "My defense is invincible; your death is certain!"


    Jia Sidao''s face, covered with beast armor scales, revealed a fierce smile as he stepped forward, leveraging his formidable defense to press on without fear of Xiao Yi''s attacks, his violent boxing technique forcing Xiao Yi into retreat.


    "Xiao Yi can''t break through the defense; this is troublesome!" Yue Ling''er''s brows furrowed slightly as she spoke in a deep voice.


    Jiang Tai''s eyebrows furrowed tightly, "Xiao Yi, do you have a way to break through this predicament?"


    No matter how strong the sword moves, if they can''t pierce the defense, they''re useless!


    "Indeed, a tough opponent!"


    Xiao Yi''s face showed a serious expression; this Jia Sidao was the most challenging peer he had encountered thus far.


    The abnormal defense of the Beast Armor Transformation left no opportunity for his sharp sword moves.


    Boom!


    In an unexpected moment...


    Xiao Yi''s chest was struck by Jia Sidao''s fist, forcing him back. Rubbing his chest, Xiao Yi said, "That almost shattered my organs... wait, shattered? I''ve got it!"


    Light shone in Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    He suddenly withdrew the Weapon Transformation, and instead of retreating, he advanced, closing the distance between him and Jia Sidao.


    Jia Sidao''s eyes gleamed ferociously, "Idiot, daring to grapple with me at close quarters? You''re simply courting death!"


    "Beast King Fist!"


    Jia Sidaounched his fists simultaneously.


    At the moment when their figures crossed, Xiao Yi ran the Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation on his back, enduring Jia Sidao''s heavy punches with two thuds.


    The vibrations seemed to fragment his internal organs, bringing intense pain, but Xiao Yi remained unmoved.


    His legs pushed off the ground.


    "Eight Extremes Lean Against!"


    His back, covered in the ck gleam of the Weapon Transformation, mmed hard against Jia Sidao''s chest, sending him flying, and simultaneously Xiao Yi''s right hand reached out.


    The ck light of the Weapon Transformation covered his right hand.


    He grabbed Jia Sidao''s ankle, and with a low roar, eximed, "Eight Extremes Takedown!"


    Whoosh! He threw Jia Sidao over his shoulder.


    Jia Sidao flew backward like a kite with its string cut as Xiao Yi swiftly pursued him, and with full force, he employed the Eight Extremes Copse. His fists pounded heavily on Jia Sidao''s body, smashing him to the ground.


    This sequence of movements was as smooth as drifting clouds and flowing water, without the slightest hesitation.


    "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    The moment Jia Sidao''s body hit the ground, Xiao Yi struck with another sword. The de, like a python wrapping around a tree, coiled around Jia Sidao''s waist, then with a fierce tug, sent him flying again.


    Xiao Yi''s legs pushed off from the ground as he followed up the attack.


    His longsword moved through the air, repeatedly executing sword moves: "Gentle Breeze Drops Leaves!"


    "Sinuous Python Wraps Around the Tree!"


    "Pursuing Soul, Snatching Life..."


    Stroke after stroke of sword light continuously hit Jia Sidao, each strike aiming for vital organs.


    "Jia Sidao is covered in Beast Armor Transformation, with defense unmatched in his tier, already on invincible grounds!"


    "Xiao Yi can''t possibly win!"


    However...


    Zhou Yuan''s face suddenly changed, "Not good!"


    He intended to take action...


    But alongside him, Gu Junhe scoffed, and a powerful aura locked onto Zhou Yuan as he coldly stated, "You dare to intervene?"


    "You..."


    Zhou Yuan''s eyes were filled with fury.


    Almost at the same time...


    Jia Sidao, whose defenses seemed imprable, suddenly let out a scream, outwardly unharmed yet spewing blood from all orifices. The transformed Scale Armor from his Beast Armor Transformation rapidly receded, and the longsword pierced through the air, puh, impaling his shoulder.


    ```


    Ao!


    Jia Sidao let out a wretched scream as he was pinned to the ground by Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Xiao Yi fell from the sky andnded with a loud thump on Jia Sidao''s legs, the ear-piercing crack apanying Jia Sidao''s hysterical screams.


    His legs had been brutally broken, and Xiao Yi stepped on Jia Sidao''s chest, with a cold smile, "Invincible defense? How do you defend your internal organs?"


    The continuous sword strikes just now were not meant to pierce the defenses, but to shatter his internal organs!


    As it turned out...


    Xiao Yi''s tactics werepletely correct!


    "Xiao Yi, the winner has been decided. Why haven''t you let Jia Sidao go yet?" Zhou Yuan red furiously, grinding his teeth.


    Xiao Yi looked up at Zhou Yuan, unafraid, "Let him go? If I were the one lying here now, do you think he would have let me go?"


    Zhou Yuan''s face changed, a sense of unease rising as he stared angrily at Xiao Yi, "What are you going to do?"


    "What am I going to do?"


    Xiao Yi smirked, his longsword whooshing past Jia Sidao''s throat in a sh, blood gushing out like a fountain; Jia Sidao''s head tumbled away, his body decapitated.


    Hiss!


    Aplete silence surrounded the area.


    Zhou Yuan, the head of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, had spoken, and yet Xiao Yi dared to execute Jia Sidao right before him?


    Yue Ling''er swallowed hard, "Has he gone mad?"


    Jiang Tai covered his face, "I knew it woulde to this..."


    Many powerful figures around felt a chill run through their bodies. Some, who were only marginally weaker than Jia Sidao, felt a sense of relief that they had not made a move!


    The angriest was none other than Zhou Yuan!


    He had personally spoken, yet Xiao Yi still killed Jia Sidao in his face. This was a severe p to his face!


    Zhou Yuan''s face turned ck as coal, his eyes cold as ice, and his voice so grim it made one''s scalp tingle, "Xiao Yi, do you realize what you are doing?"


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "Could it be that Head Zhou has grown old and forgotten his own words?"


    Zhou Yuan was stunned.


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "The sword has no eyes, it was you who said that!"


    "I..."


    Zhou Yuan''s face turned red as he spurted out a mouthful of blood.


    Indeed, those were his words!


    But they were meant for when he believed Xiao Yi was certainly doomed and said to deter Gu Junhe from rescuing him. How could he have imagined that Xiao Yi would be the one to have thestugh?


    Xiao Yi''s gaze passed over Zhou Yuan, Wu Yu, Jin Sheng, and others, speaking calmly, "Gentlemen, now, I should be qualified to enter the secret realm, right?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Everyone looked at the Shentong Realm powerhouses sprawled in all directions, then at the beheaded Jia Sidao.


    They were at a loss for words.


    If even this level of strength wasn''t enough to qualify to enter the secret realm, then more than half of those present were certainly unqualified!


    Xiao Yi smiled, "If you still feel I''m not qualified, then I can only continue setting up this arena!"


    As he spoke,


    Xiao Yi nced at several High-Layer Golden Core Realm powerhouses in the crowd who seemed ready to stand, chuckling, "I''m merely at the Shentong Realm. If you wish to make a move, then I will have to let Elder Brother Jiang step in!"


    Everyone: "..."


    A mere Shentong Realm, yet he ughters Golden Cores as if they were butchering pigs and dogs?


    But indeed, there was nothing wrong with his words! He was only in the Shentong Realm, and facing a First Layer of the Golden Core Realm was already oveing the strong as the weak. If these powerful figures at the fifth or sixthyers of the Golden Core Realm made a move, they would be bullying the lesser!


    As for fighting with Jiang Tai?


    Of those present from the younger generation, how many could contend with Jiang Tai?


    Zhou Yuan despised Xiao Yi to the bone, yet was powerless to do anything...


    Zhou Yuan and the others were also in a difficult position.


    If they allowed Xiao Yi to enter the secret realm at this point, they would lose all face in this gamble. If they did not, they might lose even more top fighters.


    At that moment...


    Within the Royal Martial Arts Academy, a Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm youth opened his eyes. This person, named Ye Feng, was the second top student of the Royal Martial Arts Academy, second only to Great Prince Jiang Shanhe.


    Ye Feng''s cold gaze swept over Xiao Yi and then looked towards Zhou Yuan, "Head Zhou, just let him into the secret realm."


    "Hmm?"


    Zhou Yuan was bewildered.


    Ye Feng stated tly, "I, Ye Feng, hereby announce once again... within the secret realm, whoever ys Xiao Yi can exchange for a fourth-grade martial skill from me!"


    Ling Feng, the top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect and Sixth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, also stood up, "I''ll join in the excitement too. Whoever ys Xiao Yi within the secret realm can receive a fourth-grade movement technique from me!"


    Zhang Tianyi from Sword Mountain Manor narrowed his eyes, "Whoever kills Xiao Yi, my Sword Mountain Manor will gift a fourth-grade longsword!"


    In Tian Kingdom, Zhang Tianyi said with contempt, "Count me in too. Whoever kills Xiao Yi will be rewarded with one hundred million taels of silver!"


    Within the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple,


    Monk Dao Yuan said with a smile, "Amitabha, our young monk says Xiao hasmitted heavy sins. Killing him would be carrying out heaven''s will, and the yer can choose a martial skill from the Scripture Pavilion of our Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple!"


    Instantly,


    Among the powers that hade, except for the Purple Robe Kingdom, the other powers had unified to issue a bounty for Xiao Yi''s death.


    All eyes turned to Xiao Yi as if they were looking at a cold corpse.


    Zhou Yuanughed heartily and nodded, "Fine, Xiao Yi, I will grant your wish and allow you to enter the secret realm. Do you dare to enter?"


    Xiao Yi''s face was cold as frost, his gaze calmly sweeping over the crowd, and he smiled faintly, "Why wouldn''t I dare?"

 Chapter 81 Entering the Secret Realm

    "Why not?"


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his cold gaze fixed on Zhou Yuan.


    Zhou Yuan let out a coldugh, his icy eyes looking at him as if he were a corpse, and said indifferently, "Since that''s the case, then Xiao Yi may enter the secret realm!"


    Wu Yu said indifferently, "I agree."


    "I have no objections!" Jin Sheng dered.


    Zhuang Bifan stood tall like a pine tree, arrogantly like a sword, "If he has chosen the secret realm as his burial ground, then let''s fulfill his wish!"


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy, Tian Kingdom, Nine Profound Sect, Mingjian Manor, and Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple all issued assassination orders against Xiao Yi. In everyone''s eyes, unless a miracle urred, Xiao Yi was never going to leave the secret realm alive.


    Even Gu Junhe had a splitting headache.


    Xiao Yi, however, appeared nonchnt.


    Jiang Tai gave a bitter smile, "Xiao, you''re being too reckless!"


    Yue Ling''er blinked and looked at him with a curious, eager gaze, "Xiao Yi, should my Purple Robe Kingdom also issue an assassination order against you?"


    Xiao Yi nced at her, "As you wish!"


    Yue Ling''er rolled her eyes and said, "Never mind, I always feel you''re too cunning. I''d better not get involved in this mess!"


    Jiang Tai nced at Xiao Yi, helplessly saying, "Xiao, don''t stray too far from me when we''re inside the secret realm, I''ll do my best to protect you."


    Yue Ling''er was stunned, then frowned, "Cousin, are you crazy? He is now the target of public criticism. In the secret realm, no one will care about your prince''s status. If you protect him, you won''t even know how you died when the timees¡­"


    "Shut up!"


    Jiang Tai red at her fiercely, about to speak when Xiao Yi had already waved his hand with a smile and said, "Jiang, once we''re inside the secret realm, it''s better for us to act separately."


    "At least you know what''s good for you!" Yue Ling''er said.


    "Ling''er..."


    Jiang Tai rebuked her, then frowned at Xiao Yi, "Xiao, what are you nning..."


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes, his gaze turning cold: "Didn''t they issue an assassination order against me? I want to see, in the end, who will be the one to assassinate whom..."


    Yue Ling''er and Jiang Tai exchanged looks, both feeling a chill run down their spines.


    "This secret realm is the tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse. The tomb is located at the deepest part of the secret realm. You must cross two hundred miles of dense forest and a poisonous marsh to reach the tomb," Zhou Yuan said, his gaze calm as he looked at everyone and announced, "The entrance to the tomb is sealed by our restrictions. You must collect tokens along the way. Only those who gather ten tokens can pass through the restrictions and enter the tomb. Inside the tomb, there are numerous treasures, as well as the inheritance of that Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse. Everything depends on your own fate and effort, strive for it!"


    Everyone was eager and excited.


    This was the inheritance of a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse!


    If they could obtain it, the Tao Tribtion was within reach!


    Zhou Yuan''s cold eyes lingered on Xiao Yi for a moment before continuing, "This journey into the secret realm is a matter of life and death! Anyone who is killed within the secret realm cannot have their death avenged by their backing powers. You all have no objections, do you?"


    Zhuang Bifan and other individuals spoke one after another: "We have no objections!"


    People''s eyes, filled with schadenfreude, inevitably fell on Xiao Yi.


    These words were meant especially for Xiao Yi and Gu.


    Outside the secret realm...


    People were wary of Gu, unable to act freely against Xiao Yi.


    But inside the secret realm, there were no such restrictions!


    "Since there are no objections, follow me to open the entrance to the secret realm," Zhou Yuan said calmly.


    Everyone took action.


    Led by Zhou Yuan, Gu and others jointly opened the entrance to the secret realm.


    Everyone stood still.


    Ye Feng''s cold eyes were on Xiao Yi as he made a weing gesture, "Xiao Yi, you go in first!"


    "We''ll let you run ahead a bit, don''t get caught by us, alright?"


    "You''re not nning to wait for all of us to go in before you back out, are you?"


    People stared at Xiao Yi.


    This was their worry that once they had all entered, Xiao Yi would no longer enter the secret realm and they would miss the opportunity to kill him!


    Xiao Yi grinned and with a bold stride, headed toward the secret realm, "Then I shall impolitely ept the invitation!"


    Whoosh!


    He stepped into the secret realm.


    A cold light shed in Ye Feng and the others'' eyes, "Catch up with him!"


    "Don''t let him escape!"


    All of them surged forward.


    Watching the gradually closing entrance of the secret realm, Zhou Yuan and his group looked at Gu Junhe with cold smiles, "Headmaster Gu can rest assured, I have already ordered my disciples to bring back Xiao Yi''s body, to allow Headmaster Gu to give him a proper burial!"


    "However, Xiao Yi has incurred the wrath of the masses, I''m afraid it won''t be possible to bring back aplete body!"


    "Aplete body? The first thing everyone is going to do upon entering is kill him. I''m afraid by the time they return from the secret realm, Xiao Yi''s body will already be rotting..."


    "Hahahaha..."


    Facing the provocation and mockery of the crowd, Gu Junhe narrowed his eyes, gazing in the direction of the entrance to the secret realm, murmuring to himself, "Xiao Yi... you muste back alive..."


    ...¡­


    Inside the secret realm.


    The moment Xiao Yinded, he took out a packet of poison powder and scattered it behind him.


    Having received the inheritance from Underworld Doctor Bian He, such poison powder was almost effortless for him. The instant he spread the poison powder, Xiao Yi activated his movement technique to the extreme, rushing wildly toward the dense forest ahead.


    Almost simultaneously with his departure...


    Figures appeared within the secret realm, all searching for Xiao Yi''s whereabouts, "Where is Xiao Yi?"


    "That damn dog has run into the forest..."


    "Chase him!"


    However...


    No sooner had their voices faded than screams rang out, "Ah... my eyes..."


    "My face... it hurts so much..."


    "What is this? Damn it, it''s poisonous..."


    "That bastard Xiao Yi used poison! Everyone, hold your breath..."


    Amid the agonized screams.


    As many as seven or eight Shentong Realm strongmen died, their guts perforated and blood pouring from all orifices. Although this poison powder was fierce, it had little effect on those in the Golden Core Realm.


    But for those in the Shentong Realm, it was a deadly affair!


    Ye Feng and hispanions were ashen-faced.


    They had intended to kill Xiao Yi immediately, but not only did he escape, they also lost seven or eight Shentong Realm powerhouses from their own side.


    Ye Feng''s features twisted, "Xiao Yi, if I don''t kill you, I''ll write my name, Ye Feng, backwards!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s gaze was icy as he stared at Jiang Tai, "Jiang Tai, if you dare to help Xiao Yi, I will kill you!"


    Dao Yuan sped his hands together, looking every bit the enlightened monk, "Amitabha... Xiao is surely a devil born into this world, and we must act on behalf of the heavens to eliminate this evil. Master Jiang certainly wouldn''t help him, right?"


    The Heavenly Son Sword and the Dizi Sword stood side by side like twin brothers, speaking in unison, "Whoever aids Xiao Yi shall be killed!"


    Jiang Tai snorted coldly and disappeared into the forest.


    Yue Ling''er said with a smile, "Everyone, rx, I, Yue Ling''er, will not take sides!"


    With a wave of her hand, she led the strongmen of Purple Robe Kingdom deeper into the forest.


    Dao Yuan stood before the crowd with his hands sped, and a series of talismans with Buddhist seals dropped into their hands. He said cheerfully, "These talismans are Thousand-Mile Tracking Talismans; once tagged by them, one cannot escape the tracking of Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Just sight Xiao Yi and crush the talisman to mark his whereabouts!"


    "With these talismans, Xiao Yi is bound to die!"


    "It''s somewhat amusing, like a cat catching a mouse!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The crowdughed heartily as they surged into the dense forest.


    Under the dim light, from a distance, the forest looked like an ancient giant beast, slowly swallowing them into its belly¡­

 Chapter 82 Red Luo Snake Poison

    In the tranquil jungle.


    Xiao Yi''s figure leapt and darted about like a spry monkey, extraordinarily agile.


    Thud, thud, thud!


    Three sharp arrows burst forth from behind, striking where Xiao Yi had just alighted. The moment these arrows hit the ground, they transformed into roaring mes, setting the trees aze with fire sttering in every direction.


    "Xiao Yi, stop right there!"


    "Despicable coward, how dare you use poison, won''t you stop for us..."


    Two figures chased after him from behind.


    They were two formidable warriors from the royal family of the Tianqing Kingdom, the valiant brothers Yan Bing and Yan Yu from the Imperial Guards. Both were at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Coupled with their continuous sharpening in the military, theirbat strength was not inferior even to ordinary warriors at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Especially their archery,bined with God Burning Arrows, was exceptionally powerful.


    Xiao Yi muttered, "I''m really out of luck to have run into these two..."


    Xiao Yi was not one to sit idly by and await his fate.


    With the Royal Martial Arts Academy, Nine Profound Sect, Wan Fo Mountain, Mingjian Manor, and people from the Tian Kingdom all wanting him dead, Xiao Yi naturally would not just flee. Therefore, he hid in the dense forest, waiting for an opportunity to strike and kill any isted strong warriors.


    Initially, there had been some gains, as he managed to y a couple of groups of strong warriors.


    But this time, he fell into the ambush set by the Yan brothers. Despite mustering all his strength to kill two warriors at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and one at the Second Layer, and escaping a tight encirclement, he was still relentlessly pursued by the two brothers.


    Yan Bing drew his bow and nocked arrows, executing a technique likened to Nine Stars in a String.


    Yan Yu leaped into the air, stepped on one of the sharp arrows, and sped towards Xiao Yi, arrows bursting forth just as rapidly in the Nine Stars in a String technique.


    Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!


    Eighteen arrows sliced through the air, forming a vast that blocked all of Xiao Yi''s retreat paths.


    The arrows surrounded Xiao Yi at the center, the fierce mes rising fiercely.


    Xiao Yi was trapped within a circle of fire, and the Yan brothers had also caught up to him, positioning themselves in front and behind, their faces filled with triumph and fierceness, "Xiao Yi, you have nowhere to run!"


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, "I''ve never provoked the royal family. Are you not afraid that Jiang will give you trouble for this?"


    These two brothers were exceedingly experienced in battle, and with their intuition as twins,bined with their expertise in archery, they avoided closebat entirely. This left Xiao Yi quite frustrated and worried that if the fight dragged on too long, other strong warriors might arrive.


    He had no choice but to keep running.


    Yan Bing sneered, "We are followers of the crown prince''s line, the seventh prince has no authority over us!"


    Arrows in hand, Yan Yu said in a grave tone, "Xiao Yi, the crown prince highly appreciates your talent. He wants to make you one of his dogs..."


    Xiao Yi stuck out his tongue and licked his lips.


    A yful look spread across his face as he stared at the two, "With such a deep grudge against the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the crown prince doesn''t care?"


    Yan Bing casually replied, "The crown prince is about to reach the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, and among the younger generation, he is the most likely to advance to the Tao Tribtion Realm. As long as you be one of the crown prince''s dogs, even Zhou, the head of the Martial Arts Institute, will give him that much respect..."


    Xiao Yi smiled lightly, "I don''t have the habit of being someone''s dog!"


    "Then you can go to hell!"


    The Yan brothers simultaneously released the bowstrings, and arrows shed like lighting, while the strings hummed like mercury pouring down to the ground.


    Arrow after arrow tore through the air, with a deafening sound that made one''s scalp tingle.


    The arrows, zing fiercely in mid-air, headed straight for Xiao Yi.


    A shock ran through Xiao Yi''s body, Hei Mang covered him, and his Innate Divine Ability of Life-bound Spiritual Weapon Transformation fused his body with his fourth-grade Yuan weapon, making him as sturdy as if he were wearing fourth-grade battle armor.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    The arrows were incredibly fast, striking Xiao Yi''s body almost instantly, each one bearing immense impact force that shook him repeatedly.


    With sword in hand, Xiao Yi brought forth a ck sword light, tearing open a gap through the rain of arrows and charging out like the wind.


    Before he could get near the brothers, however, Yan Bing and Yan Yu had widened the distance between them.


    One retreated, the other advanced, one in front, the other behind.


    Xiao Yi was unable to get close, yet had to withstand attacks from all sides, which greatly frustrated him.


    Yan Bingughed triumphantly, "Xiao Yi, weren''t you very arrogant? Why can''t you be arrogant now? If you can,e and bite me!"


    Whoosh!


    An arrow shot from Yan Yu''s hand, with red mes suspended high in the sky. He looked at Xiao Yi with pride, "People will be here soon. Xiao Yi, your death is certain!"


    Xiao Yi raised his sword to cut through three iing arrows, tapped the ground with the tip of his foot to kick up sand to block another two, and then swung a Vajra Subdues Demons technique to break three more from behind.


    With a swift movement, he took cover behind arge tree. Thud, thud, thud ¨C three arrows pierced through the one-meter thick trunk of the tree and buried into the ground.


    Xiao Yi finally managed to catch his breath.


    "There must be other groups nearby; I must escape quickly. But first..."


    Looking emotionless at the Yan brothers, a cold glint shed in Xiao Yi''s eyes, "Before I leave, I need to leave you with an indelible memory!"


    With a sudden sh, Xiao Yi sprinted towards the east.


    "Not good, he''s going to escape!"


    "Tie him down!"


    The two men chased after him relentlessly, and just as the distance between them was closing, Xiao Yi suddenly turned around and threw a clump of ck mud: "Watch out for the hidden weapon!"


    "Trifling tricks!"


    With a coldugh, Yan Yu pped out a palm.


    Yan Bing''s expression changed: "Be careful!"


    Unfortunately, it was already toote!


    Bang!


    The ck mud exploded, transforming into a cloud of white poison mist that instantly enveloped the two men.


    Xiao Yiughed and said, "Congrattions, you two have been poisoned by my Red Luo Snake Poison!"


    While cultivators at the Golden Core Realm could ignore most poisons, Red Luo Snake Poison was an exception. Although it couldn''t kill a cultivator at this realm, it could make one feel unbearably itchy, with a body as hot as if on fire.


    Yan Bing scoffed disdainfully, "Your poison is ineffective against the Golden Core Realm, you''re just bluffing!"


    "The poison is indeed called Red Luo Snake Poison, and true, it can''t kill you. But if you don''t engage in bedroom affairs as an antidote within half an incense stick''s time, you willpletely lose the ability to reproduce!"


    Xiao Yi gave the two men a mocking look and weirdlyughed, "I might as well congratte you in advance. After you go back, you can resign from the Imperial Guards and be the Chief Eunuch overseeing the harem, hahaha..."


    "What?"


    "You, don''t even think of scaring us..."


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Don''t believe it? Feel for yourselves, there''s no reaction, right?"


    "This..."


    Yan Bing and hispanion looked at each other and indeed, they felt nothing.


    Theirplexions instantly turned incredibly unsightly, as if they were mourning their deceased parents; it was even harder to ept than death itself!


    Death?


    They weren''t afraid!


    But bing eunuchs? No man could ept that!


    Yan Bing''s face was extremely grim, "Big brother, is what he said true or false?"


    Yan Yu''s face was gloomy, "Who am I supposed to ask?" With a dark expression, he stared intently at Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, hand over the antidote and I''ll let you leave. Otherwise, we just need to pin you down until the others arrive, and you''ll be on a one-way street to death!"


    Xiao Yi shrugged, "There is no antidote for Red Luo Snake Poison; the only way to cure it is to engage in sexual activity. However, it seems there are no women who entered this secret realm, so I''m not sure if it''ll work between men. You might want to give it a try! You don''t have much time left. You need to decide whether to keep chasing me at the risk of bing eunuchs or find a way to cure the poison. The choice is yours!"


    Xiao Yi leaped and disappeared into the dense forest.


    Yan Bing''s face flushed red, "Big brother, are we chasing him?"


    "Chase my ass..."


    Yan Yu cursed angrily with a cold snort.


    Yan Bing had a mournful expression, "Big brother, I, I can feel it... It seems Xiao Yi was right, what do we do now?"


    "How should I know?" Yan Yu''s face was as dark as coal.


    Yan Bing swallowed hard, feeling extremely hot and bothered, "Should, should we give it a try?"


    "Try my ass..."


    Yan Yu cursed, his face still dark. Just as he was about to stand up, a whooshing sound came from behind him, signaling that Ling Feng and the others had caught up.


    Ling Feng frowned, "Where is he?"


    Yan Yu replied gravely, "He got away..."


    "Got away? What the hell are you two doing?" Ling Feng scolded angrily.


    Yan Yu coldly said, "Ling Feng, your Nine Profound Sect isn''t in charge of the Royal Family, are you?"


    "You..."


    Ling Feng''s face darkened.


    Ye Feng from the Royal Martial Arts Academy frowned and asked, "How did he get away?"


    Ye Feng was aligned with the Crown Prince''s faction, so Yan Yu and hispanion did not dare to hide anything. Of course, they omitted the process of detoxifying. But Ye Feng himself pped them across their faces and angrily said, "You two idiots, Red Luo Snake Poison only causes itchiness and heat, it doesn''t harm the body. You two idiots got fooled by him!"


    "Ah?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The two Yan brothers looked at each other, utterly dumbfounded.


    "Wait a minute..."


    Ling Feng frowned, "You two believed Xiao Yi''s words, so you didn''t pursue him, but then how did you manage to detoxify?"


    The faces of the two Yan brothers stiffened.


    Everyone''s gaze slowly turned towards the space behind the two men...

 Chapter 83 The Phantom in the Night

    Let''s not mention how awkward Yan Yu and hispanion felt.


    Xiao Yi ran wildly for half an hour until he finally stopped after leaving the dense forest, ahead of himy a swamp.


    The air above the swamp was filled with poisonous miasma, like it was shrouded in a thickyer of gauze.


    "Although the transformation of weapons is powerful, it requires a huge amount of energy and strong physical support. My body is strengthened by the power of the God Sealing Seed, making it stronger than other cultivators of the same realm, but currently, it can only withstand the transformation of a fourth-grade Yuan weapon at most."


    Exhausted, Xiao Yi sat on the ground, gasping for breath: "It seems that in addition to movement techniques, I must find a method of Body Refinement!"


    Before this.


    Xiao Yi had never encountered opponents like the Yan brothers who specialized in long-range attacks, and due to his rapid progress in cultivation, he rarely had the chance to consolidate his experience.


    To summarize the experience from this battle.


    Xiao Yi understood his current shorings, but obtaining either the movement technique or Body Refinement arts was not easy.


    The immediate priority was to find a solution for the Yan brothers'' long-range attacks.


    "If only there was something to restrain their movements!" Xiao Yi thought to himself when suddenly a scream echoed from ahead.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Xiao Yi''s pupils shrank instantly as he headed towards the source of the scream.


    He saw a Shentong Realm expert entangled in a mass of white threads above the pitch-ck swamp.


    These threads were extremely sticky.


    Even the expert at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm struggled to break free, only sinking deeper and deeper. The white threads pulled him into the swamp, where he was swallowed up by the endless ck mud.


    A thought shed through Xiao Yi''s mind: "What are these white threads? They can restrain even a Peak of the Divine Ability Realm expert. I wonder if they can bind a Golden Core Realm expert?"


    Xiao Yi pondered for a moment.


    He immediately flew towards the swamp and as he soared above the ck swamp, suddenly the ground beneath him gave way and a gash opened up, from which a mass of white threads shot out.


    Luckily, Xiao Yi was prepared; he quickly tapped his toes on the soft swamp and leapt up to dodge.


    The white threads quickly retracted.


    "Stay for me!" he eximed.


    A swipe swept across, skimming the muck of the swamp.


    Boom!


    The sword strikended on the white threads but unbelievably failed to cut through them. The threads violently coiled around, while the ck swamp beneath him roared as if a dragon was turning over.


    Bang!


    The swamp burst open explosively.


    A massive spider,pletely ck with nine green eyes on its head and three meters tall, stared fixedly at Xiao Yi, opening its mouth to spit out another mass of white web.


    "A fourth-grade low-level demon beast, the Green-Eyed Demon Spider? I did not expect such a creature to be hiding beneath this swamp, no wonder even a Peak of the Divine Ability Realm expert couldn''t escape your web..."


    While dodging, Xiao Yi sent out a flurry of sword moves.


    But no matter how he wielded his sword, he couldn''t cut through the web.


    The web of a Golden Core Realm Green-Eyed Demon Spider was as tough as a fourth-grade Yuan weapon. Even an expert at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm bound by it would need to expend quite a bit of effort to break free.


    Xiao Yi''s eyes shed with sharpness: "As long as I kill this beast and extract its silk nd, I can use the web to bind enemies. With the web in hand, why should I fear the Yan brothers?"


    With that thought.


    Xiao Yi leaped into action, rapidly closing in on the Green-Eyed Demon Spider.


    Roar!


    From the seven green eyes of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, a cold light flickered as it opened its gaping maw, continuously spitting out webs.


    "Not good!"


    Xiao Yi was caught off-guard by the web sticking to him and watched as the Green-Eyed Demon Spider rapidly drew him into its mouth, its sharp fangs inches away.


    In the nick of time.


    Xiao Yi quickly shed his outer garment, watching it disappear into the mouth of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, and seizing the moment, he leaped tond on the creature''s head.


    "Soul-chasing, life-snatching!"


    A deadly thrust drove straight into the skull of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider.


    Thud!


    The Green-Eyed Demon Spider trembled all over, and its greenish blood spurted out wildly as it struggled in frenzy. Its eight long legs, covered with ck spines, iled madly against the marsh, flinging Xiao Yi high into the air.


    With one hand gripping the sword hilt, his body spun dramatically in midair.


    Thud!


    Like a spinning top, the sword de whirred crazily, grinding the Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s head to pieces.


    The massive body crashed heavily to the ground.


    Ignoring the stench of blood covering him, Xiao Yi cut open the carcass of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider to find the silk sac and a walnut-sized Golden Core.


    "Once I swallow this Golden Core, I should be able to step into the Peak of the Shentong Realm!" Xiao Yi flicked off the green blood from the Golden Core and muttered to himself.


    This Green-Eyed Demon Spider was equivalent to a First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm cultivator, its energy not enough for him to make a breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm.


    In this world, apart from the legendary wless Golden Elixirs, all other Golden Cores contained impurities.


    Ordinary powerhouses could not even absorb the energy within the Golden Core directly; too many impurities could do more harm than good.


    But Xiao Yi did not have such concerns.


    The energy he swallowed would eventually pass through the God Sealing Seed, eliminating all impurities and transforming into the purest divine power.


    This was also the reason why Xiao Yi''s vital energy was much stronger than that of martial artists of the same level.


    Xiao Yi immediately left to find a secluded ce and began to devour the Golden Core.


    It took him a full day and night.


    Xiao Yi had finally refined all the energy within the Golden Core, officially stepping into the Peak of the Shentong Realm, and the number of God Sealing Seeds broke through to two thousand, reaching two thousand and fifty.


    "It''s a pity I still cannot open the tomb of the Sword Demon Dugu. It seems I can only wait until I break through to the Golden Core Realm. However, with my current strength, plus this Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s web on hand, I should be able to take my revenge!" Xiao Yi''s eyes sparkled as he clenched his fists tightly.


    ...


    In the dark of night.


    Five powerhouses from the Nine Profound Sect were gathered around a campfire. The mes licked at the beast''s leg roasting on a rack while they discussed, "That Xiao Yi is as slippery as an eel. Who knows where he''s hiding now!"


    "Be extremely careful if you encounter Xiao Yi, he''s incredibly cunning and skilled at using poison. You''ve all heard what happened to the Yan brothers, haven''t you?"


    "Heard about it... tsk, tsk, I heard that now when they see a man, their eyes turn red..."


    As the men shared the roasted beast''s leg, a shadowy figure hidden in darkness took a piece of the meat, took a couple of bites, and asked, "Where are the Yan brothers now?"


    "They seem to be searching for Xiao Yi''s tracks near the marsh. I saw them during the day... Huh? Aren''t there only five of us? Why did six pieces get distributed?"


    A chill immediately swept over the five men.


    They all turned to look in unison at the figure in the dark. Under the orange glow of the firelight, Xiao Yi''s face was exposed in front of them.


    Hiss!


    The men gasped, "Xiao Yi? How, how did you get here?"


    "Attack him, kill him now!"


    The five men shuddered andunched their attacks together.


    However...


    Xiao Yi struck faster and more viciously than they did.


    The sword light was like a fleeting shadow, and heads dropped like kites with severed strings.


    Blood gushed like fountains, enough to douse the campfirepletely.


    Among the five were one at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, two at the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, and two in the Shentong Realm, but they stood no chance against Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi swallowed the piece of meat in his hand and squinted at the dim starlight in the night sky. Suddenly, his figure shed, darting through the night like a ghost, "A windy night with pitch-ck skies, a perfect time for ying..."


    PS: Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous new year! Exploding with updates tomorrow!

 Chapter 84 Have a Safe Journey

    Above the firmament, dark clouds roiled.


    They obscured the already sparse stars, shrouding the entire secret realm in an unending darkness.


    On a t piece of ground near a swamp.


    Several tents stood erect, with the central bonfire extinguished by the cold wind, leaving only bits of charcoals emitting a reddish glow.


    Inside one of the tents.


    Yan Bing and his brother leaned back to back, both with their eyes tightly closed, longbows in hand.


    Rustle, rustle!


    A faint sound, like that of fabric rubbing against something, came from outside, prompting both men to open their eyes simultaneously.


    They were both strong warriors at the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, their senses tens of times sharper than an ordinary person''s.


    Yan Bing lowered his voice, "There''s some noise outside!"


    Yan Yu nodded subtly, "Wait a little longer..."


    Outside, all was quiet.


    Suddenly...


    An icy roar erupted, "Where do you think you''re going?"


    Boom!


    A Sword Qi burst forth, shattering one of the tents. The assant was none other than Jiang Yi, the Princely Heir of the Supporting Mountain King from the Tianqing Kingdom''s royal lineage.


    Jiang Yi had reached the Peak of the Second Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and had also condensed a seed of Sword Intent; hisbat strength wasparable to amon warrior at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Amidst the icy Sword Qi, Xiao Yi retreated explosively, his face revealing a hint of helplessness: "What rotten luck, this guy''s Innate Divine Ability is actually Night Vision..."


    He had been about to assassinate these warriors one by one, but when attempting to assassinate Jiang Yi, his figure was exposed by Jiang Yi''s Night Vision Mystical Skill.


    If it were not for Xiao Yi having advanced further into the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, Jiang Yi''s sword just now would have gravely wounded him!


    "Xiao Yi? You''ve got some nerve, daring to assassinate me?" Jiang Yi''s gaze was icy as he looked at Xiao Yi, his eyes sharp as des.


    Xiao Yi smiled faintly, "Is it only permitted for you to issue kill orders against me, to hunt me down at every turn, yet I''m not allowed to fight back?"


    "Hmph, Ling Feng is a lifelong friend of the crown prince; if he says you must die, then it is the crown prince who wants you dead."


    Jiang Yi''s father, the Supporting Mountain King, was a staunch supporter of the crown prince, and so was he. He icily continued, "The crown prince is the true chosen of heaven, blessed by the heavens above. If he wants you dead, you cannot escape death. Since Ling Feng has issued a kill order against you, it must be the crown prince who wants you dead. You should obediently ept your death, not resist stubbornly!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, pulling the corner of his mouth, "Cut the crap! I don''t care if you''re the prince or the emperor, if you want Xiao Yi''s life, you''d better have the skills to take it!"


    "You don''t know what''s good for you!"


    Expressionless, Jiang Yi''s eyes glowed with an oily green light under the Night Vision Mystical Skill. His figure abruptly moved, appearing behind Xiao Yi like a dark elf in an instant.


    The silver longsword in his hand split into two, one in each hand.


    Sword edges crossed, sparks flying.


    He shed towards Xiao Yi''s head!


    Xiao Yi''s sword disyed an unbelievable curvature, vertically positioned to block behind him, causing a thunderous noise as the three des shed.


    Xiao Yi used the force of the impact to surge forward, widening the distance between him and Jiang Yi. However, Jiang Yi was relentless in pursuit.


    The sound of slicing air grew closer behind him.


    Xiao Yi''s knees buckled, sliding close to the ground, while leaning back at the same time, causing Jiang Yi, who had lunged forward, to fly right over him.


    "Serpent Coiling Around the Tree!"


    One sword pierced the air, aiming for Jiang Yi''s heart.


    Seeing the icy de drawing ever nearer, Jiang Yi''s pupils shrank violently, his eyes filled with desperation.


    If this strike hit, he was certain to die!


    But just at this critical moment...


    Two arrows whistled through the air, clinking consecutively against the sword, forcibly deflecting the longsword away.


    Yan Bing and Yan Yu, one on each side, held their horn bows, arrows nocked and pointing their sharp tips at Xiao Yi.


    "Hahaha, Yan Bing, Yan Yu, you''ve arrived just in time!"


    Jiang Yi, having narrowly escaped death, was all smiles. His two swords shed, sending off blinding sparks, his eyes fixated on Xiao Yi, "Xiao Yi, weren''t you acting all high and mighty? Now with the Yan Brothers assisting me, let''s see how arrogant you can be!"


    Xiao Yi nced sideways at the Yan brothers, teasing, "Gentlemen, how does the Red Luo Snake Poison taste?"


    "Shut up!"


    The Yan brothers shouted in unison.


    Xiao Yi tutted, "Impressive! Who would have thought that Red Luo Snake Poison would make you two even more in sync!"


    Bang!


    Bang!


    Yan Bing and his partner released their arrows at the same time, each time executing the technique of the Nine Star Consecutive Shots. Having unleashed six rounds of Nine Star Consecutive Shots, even as skilled archers they were exhausted, and white smoke billowed from their bowstrings.


    They were gasping for air heavily.


    Their bloodshot eyes were fixated on Xiao Yi, wishing they could tear him to pieces!


    The two, in order not to be eunuchs, were forced to mutually administer the antidote, which made hexes and the Red Luo Snake Poison taboo and sore points for them.


    Any mention of it would be met with death!


    "Yan Bing, Yan Yu, don''t fall for his tricks! He''s deliberately trying to enrage you¡­"


    Jiang Yi quickly spoke up. Seeing the two slowly regaining theirposure, he said solemnly, "I''ll take the main offensive and tie him down. You two look for opportunities to strike. We must take his dog life today!"


    "Rest assured!"


    "His anniversary of death wille on this day next year!"


    The two spread out, one to the left and one to the right, like venomous snakes lurking in dark corners, waiting for the right moment to deliver a deadly strike to their prey.


    Jiang Yi, with his twin swords, charged at Xiao Yi once more.


    "Fiery Meteor!"


    "Twin Peaks Prating the Ears!"


    Jiang Yi''s sword moves were no less fierce and devious, each one deadly. If Xiao Yi had not grasped the first stage of Sword Intent, he would have struggled to defend against such a frenzied offensive.


    Furthermore¡­


    There were Yan Yu and Yan Bing, the two archers of the Second Layer of the Golden Core Realm!


    "Sweeping Through a Thousand Troops!"


    Xiao Yi split Jiang Yi''s attack with his sword and was about to pursue when a chill rose from his back. It was Yan Bing and his partner simultaneously releasing their cold shots. Xiao Yi was forced to dodge, missing his chance at ying Jiang Yi!


    Jiang Yiughed proudly, "Xiao Yi, you stand no chance! However, if you kneel and beg me now, I can leave you aplete corpse!"


    Yan Bing and his partner alsoughed coldly.


    Xiao Yi snorted coldly, "Aplete corpse? Keep that for yourself!"


    "Stubborn fool!"


    Jiang Yi looked toward Yan Bing and his partner, "Attack him with all your might. I refuse to believe he can split his focus three ways!"


    One close, two at a distance.


    Under theirbined assault, the offensive grew more ferocious.


    An onught like a tempestuous storm of arrows,bined with Jiang Yi''s violent and brutal swordsmanship, every step was fraught with danger, one misstep could lead to a fatal descent into theherworld.


    Xiao Yi fought while retreating, luring the three into a dense forest.


    With the cover of the dense ancient trees, Xiao Yi''s pressure was significantly reduced. Facing Jiang Yi''s relentless attacks, Xiao Yi retreated further back until with a thud his back mmed against a tree trunk.


    "Now''s the chance!"


    "Kill him!"


    Jiang Yi and hispanions'' faces lit up with ecstatic joy.


    His figure paused, then burst forth with maximum speed, his sword moves filling the sky, sealing off all of Xiao Yi''s escape routes. At the same time, Yan Yu and Yan Bing also approached directly in front of Xiao Yi.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Their bows sang like thunder, the arrows poured down like a downpour!


    Theirbined attack was terrifyingly overwhelming.


    But in this moment of extreme peril¡­


    Xiao Yi was not the least bit flustered, instead, he wore a look of triumph, "You''re all dead!"


    He flipped his left hand.


    Squeezing the silk sac of the Green-Eyed Demon Spider, the sounds of ''pop, pop, pop'' filled the air as streams of white spider silk shot out. In an instant, Jiang Yi and Yan Bing were wrapped tightly in silk!


    The Green-Eyed Demon Spider''s web was incredibly tough, even those in the Fourth or Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm could not break free in a short time if entangled.


    Tightly bound by the white spider silk, the three men were like wrapped rice dumplings, unable to move.


    Looking at Xiao Yi in terror, they said, "You¡­ you''re so vicious¡­"


    "You had this nned all along? This is your trap¡­"


    Xiao Yi grinned and waved lightly at them, "Safe travels!"


    His sword cleaved through the air, and blood spurted like fountains!


    Xiao Yi easily decapitated all three, suspending their heads on the tree trunk¡­

 Chapter 85 Who Do You Think You Are?

    The next morning at dawn.


    The corpses of Yan Yu and the other two were discovered.


    In an instant.


    Strong figures from the Royal Martial Arts Academy, the royal family, the Nine Profound Sect, Wan Fo Mountain, and Sword Mountain Manor all gathered here, led by none other than Ye Feng.


    Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, second on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and Teng Long List.


    This person''s strength was indeed overwhelming, even surpassing Jiang Tai.


    In the younger generation of the Tianqing Kingdom, he was second only to Great Prince Jiang Shanhe. Not only did the Royal Martial Arts Academy look up to him, but the royal family''s strong men were also under his control.


    Monk Dao Yuan from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple joined his hands together, his face full ofpassion for the world, but the words he spoke sent shivers down the spine, "Ling Xiao, Xiao Yi is extremely vicious and ruthless. Two days ago, he was no match for Yan Yu and the others, but now he has killed both Yan Yu brothers and Prince Jiang Yi. If we allow him to continue growing..."


    Ye Feng examined the scene for a while and said in a deep voice, "Judging from the traces of the battle at the scene, Xiao Yi''s strength is already no weaker than an ordinary practitioner at the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!"


    Dizi Sword cradled his longsword, flicked his bangs lightly, and said in a deep voice, "When this person appeared at our Sword Mountain Manor''s Sword Tomb, his cultivation was barely into the Shentong Realm. But in just a month or two, he has grown to his current level..."


    "He must be eliminated!"


    Everyone exchanged nces.


    Ye Feng touched his hooked nose, his eyes a slit from which cold light emanated, andmanded in a deep voice, "Gather everyone. Search for Xiao Yi in groups of five. As soon as he is found, mark his location with a Thousand-Mile Tracking Talisman. We must get rid of him!"


    "Yes!"


    Everyone responded emphatically.


    Within the crowd.


    Ye Feng nced at the three heads that died with their eyes open. With a wave of his hand, he crushed them into minced meat, his gaze icy to the extreme: "Xiao Yi? Hmph, no matter your background, if you cannot be of use to the Great Prince, then you have only one path left ¨C death!"


    ......


    In the marsnds.


    Xiao Yi moved across the swamp as smoothly as drifting clouds and flowing water, his feet on ttened wooden boards, when suddenly, a piercing whooshing sound surrounded him.


    "Amitabha, Xiao, please stop!" a loud Buddhist chant came through.


    Dao Yuan appeared in front of him with four Golden Core Realm practitioners, and had even broken through to the Golden Elixir Realm himself.


    Five Golden Core figures, one of them a topless monk at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes as he stared at Dao Yuan, "So it''s you. How did you find me?"


    Dao Yuan pressed his palms together, reciting Buddhist scriptures with a smile, "Donor Xiao, you have a karmic connection with Buddha, naturally we would meet..."


    "Monk Dao Yuan, why waste words with him? Just kill him directly!" the burly bald-headed monk said gruffly.


    Dao Yuan bowed to him and said, "Brother Dao Kuang is right. Let us kill him now and send him to the Western Paradise to meet Buddha."


    Boom!


    All five Golden Core Realm experts made their move at once.


    "What the hell is going on? No matter where I run these past few days, these guys always catch up..."


    Xiao Yi, holding a Grade Four Yuan weapon and covering his arms with the Divine Skills of the weapon, fended off thebined assault from the five experts, but inwardly he was extremely annoyed.


    For two days...


    No matter where he ran, he was quickly found by the others.


    "Xiao Yi, just surrender yourself!"


    "Stop resisting in vain!"


    Dao Yuan joined his hands together, his appearance dignified, "Donor Xiao, surrender without a fight and let this monk transform you with the Buddhist Law."


    "Transform your grandpa¡­" Xiao Yi''s eyes zed red, staring daggers at Dao Yuan, and with a sweep of his sword, "Gentle Breeze and Fallen Leaves!"


    Swish!


    As the Sword Qi swept across, the ck mud of the swamp roiled into a massive torrent, like a wall of ck mud crushing everything in its path.


    "Buddha''s Palm!"


    Dao Yuan struck out with his palm, energy condensing above it, like a small mountain crashing downwards.


    Golden Core Realm experts could already harness some of the forces of heaven and earth, capable of moving mountains and diverting rivers with their actions.


    The mud wall shattered under the crushing Buddha''s Palm.


    Countless specks of ck mud shot out in all directions.


    Dao Yuan''s body revolved with Buddha''s light; stepping into the Golden Elixir Realm elevated hisbat power. "Brother Dao Kuang, hurry and help me!"


    "Mahavairocana Palm!"


    A figure of a Great Mahavairocana Buddha seemed to appear behind Dao Yuan as he struck down with his palm, delivering a world-ending blow.


    Dao Kuang wielded a magic wand, the ringing of the golden rings on it resonating loudly, "One strike to bring down the dragon!"


    Hum!


    Golden brilliance gathered around the wand, coiling like an angry dragon as it struck down towards Xiao Yi''s head.


    The attacks of the other three followed closely behind.


    Under the joint efforts of five Golden Elixir Realm experts, Xiao Yi was overwhelmed, and even though he had just broken through to the peak of the Shentong Realm, he still found it difficult to contend with all five masters at the same time.


    "Hahaha, Monk Dao Yuan, all five of you couldn''t take down Xiao Yi, isn''t that a bit too embarrassing?"


    "Shall we lend you a hand?"


    As Xiao Yi fought fiercely against the five Golden Cores, the sound of several figures tearing through the air could be heard from not far away.


    It was Ling Feng, the Heavenly Son Sword, and others who had also tracked him down.


    Over these past few days...


    Their hunt for Xiao Yi had never ceased, and in the previous few skirmishes, Xiao Yi managed to escape, even at the expense of several of their experts.


    This made the various forces take Xiao Yi even more seriously.


    Dao Kuang snorted coldly, "My Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple has its Buddhist Law to subdue him. The rest of you stand by and prevent his escape; that will suffice!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ling Fengughed heartily, "You''d better hurry up, Ye Feng is already on his way. If he arrives and you haven''t killed Xiao Yi, that head will be his!"


    The faces of Dao Kuang and the others shifted slightly.


    Ye Feng, Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, second on the Teng Long List.


    Once he makes a move,


    Indeed, there will be nothing left for them to do!


    Dao Yuan said in a deep voice, "Brother monks, give it your all!"


    Out of the ten experts the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple sent this time, only five remained. The five Golden Cores spared nothing, employing their Buddhist and Taoist cultivation techniques together.


    Facing the overwhelming onught, Xiao Yi''s expression was grave, "I must fight quickly and decisively. If Ye Feng arrives, it will be difficult for me to leave!"


    With this thought,


    His gaze towards Dao Yuan and the others now carried a chilling streak of blood-red rainbow.


    In the previous encounters, Xiao Yi had always refrained from using the Fire Qilin Sword and the Blood Explosion Skill, given thetter''s severe side effects.


    But now...


    Xiao Yi, finding himself cornered, no longer held back.


    Whoosh!


    A fiery red light zed across the sky, and the Fire Qilin Swordnded in his right hand. A red glow suffused his body, appearing like a me king.


    Boom!


    The aura on Xiao Yi''s body surged violently.


    He directly burnt thirty percent of his blood, increasing his strength thirtyfold!


    Hiss!


    The expressions of Dao Kuang, Ling Feng, and the others, who had beenposed just a moment ago, changed drastically. A thirtyfold increase in strength was akin to Xiao Yi possessing, for a short time, the cultivation level equivalent of the Third Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    With his first stage Sword Intent and the Fifth Grade Yuan Bing Fire Qilin Sword,


    Hisbat strength was enough to contend with the Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    "Sweeping a Thousand Armies!"


    With one sweeping strike of his sword,


    The Buddhist seals and martial techniques pushed forward by Dao Yuan and the others were instantly crushed into dust, the gold seals filling the sky, but the terrifying sword light never slowed for an instant.


    "Not good!"


    "Run!"


    The faces of Dao Yuan and the others changed rapidly as they turned to flee.


    But with Xiao Yi having burnt thirty percent of his blood, how could he let them go?


    "Chasing Stars and Moon!"


    "The Python Entwines the Tree!"


    One sword move after another filled the air, each strike iming a life.


    In the blink of an eye, only Dao Yuan was left.


    "No... don''t kill me..."


    His face filled with terror, he saw Xiao Yi advancing with sword in hand. Despair was written all over his face as he looked towards Ling Feng and the others not far away, "Ling Feng, save me..."


    Ling Feng, too, had snapped out of his shock and roared, "Xiao Yi, stop!"


    However...


    Before he could finish his sentence,


    Xiao Yi struck with his sword, splitting Dao Yuan in two.


    Ling Feng''s face twisted in fury, "You bastard, I told you to stop, how dare you kill!?"


    Xiao Yi nced sideways at Ling Feng, surrounded by a blood-colored aura, like a war god incarnate, and said coldly, "Who are you to obstruct me?"

 Chapter 86 Slay the Gods if They Block, Slay the Buddha if He Blocks!

    Xiao Yi sneered coldly, "And who are you to stop me?"


    Facing Xiao Yi''s rebuke, Ling Feng''s face suddenly turned extremely unsightly, and a sinister chill shed through his eyes.


    This Ling Feng was the top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect, with the cultivation at the Seventh Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    Among the young generation of Tianqing Kingdom, he was ranked in the top five, and even the Crown Prince and others were amiable towards him.


    When had he ever been rebuked in such a manner?


    Ling Feng snorted coldly, flinging his hand dismissively, "You''re no better than a dog; I wouldn''t even need to lift a finger personally to kill you. Is Li Xian avable?"


    "Brother Ling!"


    Li Xian stepped forward with a fist and palm salute, standing in front of him.


    Ling Feng snorted coldly, pointing his sword at Xiao Yi, "Break his limbs, destroy his dantian, and make him kneel before me!"


    "Yes!"


    Li Xian responded with a salute.


    His body shook, and in his hand appeared a gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer, a Fourth Grade Yuan weapon forged from a thousand-year Fire Cloud Stone, weighing thirteen hundred pounds.


    As he brandished it, the air roared like a tiger.


    His strength was boundless, capable of splitting mountains and crushing stones.


    Li Xian''s cultivation was not to be underestimated, at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm, he was ranked tenth on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List!


    Thud!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer mmed fiercely into the ground, sending tremors through the earth as if it were shaking. The sh of his palm and the hammer''s handle emitted a piercing ng, and his eyes, wide like bull''s eyes and red asnterns, sneered, "Within three moves, your head will be mine!"


    A surrounding group of strong fighters nodded silently to themselves, "True to his nickname, ''Little Overlord'' Li Xian, he''s quite domineering!"


    "Li Xian follows the Overlord''s path¡ªcaring for none and fearing nothing. He is an expert in the Overlord Hammer Skill; it''s said that to date, no one has seen him use the fourth move..."


    "And why is that?"


    "Because... no one can withstand his first three!"


    "Doesn''t that mean Xiao Yi is as good as dead?"


    The looks from the crowd towards Xiao Yi were filled with both pity and schadenfreude.


    At that moment...


    Li Xian''s offensive was already upon him. Clenching the gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer in his hands, he swung it with the wind, his ck hair iling wildly, "Overlord Hammer Skill, first move¡ªOverlord Unmatched!"


    Boom!


    The shadow of the hammer crashed down from the sky, creating consecutive afterimages as it fell overhead.


    Xiao Yi''s pupils abruptly contracted as blood surged around him, and with the Fire Qilin Sword in hand, he blocked the blow above his head. With a ng, his figure jolted violently, and the ground beneath his feet burst open with thunderous noise.


    Sand flew, and rocks scattered as the strike emptied the air.


    "Take my second hammer!"


    Worthy of the ''Little Overlord'', Li Xian was quick to follow his first hammer with a second, "Overlord Lifting a Cauldron!"


    Hum!


    The gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer in his hands suddenly twirled, emitting an unsettling hum. As it spun, the hammer burst forth with blinding light, whipping up a fierce gale.


    This gale swept up.


    Like an invisible giant hand, it forcibly lifted Xiao Yi into the air, toward the sky.


    Li Xian leaped high, catching up to Xiao Yi in an instant, raising the heavy hammer in his hands, with ferociousness in his eyes. His face twisted wildly, "Overlord Stripping Armor!"


    Boom!


    This hammer was thrown with all his might.


    As it plummeted from the sky, it headed straight for Xiao Yi''s head.


    In the furious whirlwind, Xiao Yi, hanging in midair, could not escape. If hit, his head would surely shatter, it was a certain death.


    At the critical moment...


    Xiao Yi let out a cold huff, and the fourthyer of Blood Explosion Skill erupted forth.


    Blood surged around his body, his eyes as cold as twinkling stars, focusing all his strength into one sword strike, "Life! Taking!"


    This was the strongest move of the "Life-Chasing Soul Sword," and could only be performed by someone at the Golden Core Realm.


    Life Taking!


    To seize the life of an enemy!


    Whoosh!


    The tip of the sword condensed into a point, a cold gleam cut through the air, like a fiery meteor. With an explosive roar, it struck the gold-iid Heavenly Treasure Hammer, and a crisp crack echoed as the hammer shattered violently.


    "What?"


    Li Xian''s face showed disbelief as he watched the hammer''s fragments fly backwards through the air.


    A cold gleam, tinged with the blood of the world.


    Thump!


    The sword prated Li Xian''s forehead.


    Both men hit the ground.


    Xiao Yi immediately bounced off the ground, while Li Xian''s head hit the ground and exploded with a thud, his headless body lying in a pool of blood. The crowd looked on in shock, "Xiao Yi won?"


    "What just happened? How could Xiao Yi suddenly unleash such a powerful force?"


    "Little Overlord Li Xian has been killed? Xiao Yi is just at the Peak of the Shentong Realm, how, how terrifyingly talented must he be..."


    Xiao Yi''s eyes were a blood red, and with a leap, he charged into the stunned crowd.


    He had now burnt forty percent of his blood, and his body was shrouded in a bright red glow like a fountain, using the explosively increased power to ughter wildly!


    "Chasing Stars and Moons!"


    "Sweeping through a Thousand Armies!"


    "Spirit Chasing... Life Seizing..."


    Xiao Yi''s sword was one meant for killing; with every life the Fire Qilin Sword imed, its de grew only brighter, the Qilin scales and patterns bing more defined, its light dazzling.


    Pu pu pu!


    With each sweeping stroke, heads were sent flying into the air.


    "Run for it!"


    "Don''t kill me, I... I was just watching the excitement..."


    "Save me..."


    In an instant.


    The number of strong warriors that Xiao Yi had in had already surpassed ten. The Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple was wiped out, nearly all of the twenty royal family members were dead, only less than ten strong men from the Royal Martial Arts Academy remained, and the Nine Profound Sect had only Ling Feng left.


    Only the Heavenly and Earthly Sword Brothers remained from Mingjian Manor.


    At this moment...


    Blocking Xiao Yi''s path were the Heavenly and Earthly Sword Brothers, but even with theirbined force, they could not withstand Xiao Yi. The piercing sword''s edge whooshed by, striking both men and sending them flying.


    The Heavenly Son Sword''splexion changed, and he bellowed, "Earthly Son Sword,bine our swords!"


    "All right!"


    The Earthly Son Sword shifted his form, spinning like a top. However... the Heavenly Son Sword, who should have joined him in abined attack, spun around and dashed towards Ling Feng instead.


    Only the Earthly Son Sword remained to face Xiao Yi alone.


    "Heavenly Son Sword... you motherf..."


    With a face full of despair, the Earthly Son Sword turned back to look at Xiao Yi, "Don''t kill me¡­"


    Thud!


    The edge of the sword swept past.


    The Earthly Son Sword''s head was removed, his face a picture of despair.


    With a surge of blood, Xiao Yi dashed forward, leaving trails of ck mud in his wake as he approached the Heavenly Son Sword.


    Ling Feng''s face hardened with anger as he roared, "Stop!"


    "What are you? Get lost!" Xiao Yi sneered, his sword pointed at the Heavenly Son Sword.


    "Seeking death!"


    Ling Feng''s face grew dark, and with a pointing finger he invoked, "Destruction Finger!"


    Hum!


    The light from his finger was unparalleled.


    Xiao Yi swept his sword across, at the same time bellowing, "Get out of my way!"


    Bang!


    The dazzling aura of the giant Qi Finger collided with the Sword Qi, resulting in absolute suppression. With a roar, it shattered the sword light and then mmed into Xiao Yi.


    A mouthful of fresh blood sprayed from his mouth.


    Ling Feng coldly said, "You''re no match for me. Resist again, and I''ll cut you down right here!"


    "Get lost!"


    Xiao Yi bellowed in rage, burning another ten percent of his blood, increasing his strength tenfold. But having already burnt fifty percent of his blood, his face was pale as death, even dizzy.


    But Xiao Yi could no longer care about that.


    His eyes glowing red, he roared, "Today, I wish to y my enemies! Whoever dares to block my path, I''ll kill them!"


    If gods block me, I will y gods!


    If Buddhas block me, I will ughter Buddhas!


    Xiao Yi''s sword cut through the air; under the disbelieving gaze of the Heavenly Son Sword, he bisected him. Then, turning around and channeling all his strength, he unleashed his strongest strike, "Life... Seizing!"


    This strikended directly on Ling Feng.


    Qi surged around Ling Feng, forming Qi shields in front of him.


    But in the face of Xiao Yi''s deadly strike, the Qi shields burst apart, and with a loud bang, it hit Ling Feng.


    Wow!


    Ling Feng was sent flying backward, blood streaming from his seven orifices. He sported a horrendous sword wound across his chest. The wound was bone-deep, covered in blood. Xiao Yi was about to follow up on his attack,


    Just as he was about to strike,


    He saw in the distance a terrifying aura rapidly approaching. Xiao Yi''s pupils suddenly constricted, "Ye Feng?"


    "Xiao Yi, your death is certain..."


    Ling Feng, dragging his heavily wounded body, rushed toward Ye Feng, shouting, "Ye Feng, Xiao Yi is here, kill him now!"


    "I''ll spare your dog''s life today, but I''lle for itter!"


    Xiao Yi gave Ling Feng a cold look, then turned and in an instant, vanished into the thick miasma and mist above the swamp...

 Chapter 87 Immortals, Demons, Ghosts, and Gods All Listen

    Xiao Yi did not know how long he had run.


    He had long left the swamp and entered a grey and hazy mountain range.


    Between the towering peaks, a raging river cut across thendscape, its giant waves crashing against the shore''s chaotic rocks and cliffs, sending up sprays of white foam.


    The bloody light on his body had grown increasingly dim, a sign that the power surge from the Blood Explosion Skill was rapidly fading, and once this energy was depleted.


    Xiao Yi would also faint from excessive blood loss and weakness.


    After all.


    He had consumed a full fifty percent of his blood!


    "To think that so many people couldn''t kill you, you really do have arge life!" In the midst of his frantic escape, a cold voice made Xiao Yi''s whole body shudder.


    He looked toward the source of the voice.


    About a dozen meters ahead of him stood Zhang Tianyi, in flowing white garments, arms crossed and a yful look on his face.


    "Zhang Tianyi?" Xiao Yi narrowed his eyes.


    Zhang Tianyi''s face was full of amusement as he sized Xiao Yi up and down, his eyes burning with passion: "Peak Divine Skills, capable of bursting forth with powerparable to the Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm in an instant, this must be the secret technique you brought from the Xiao Family, right?"


    The Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty, a family now extremely hot in the Heavenly Yuan Realm.


    The name of the Xiao Family was astonishingly well-known.


    In Zhang Tianyi''s eyes, the only way Xiao Yi could possess such a powerful secret technique was thanks to the gifted Xiao Tianjiao of the Xiao Family.


    Xiao Yi squinted his eyes, feeling a chill surge up his back: "Have you been watching the whole time?"


    He had never expected that during the previous battle, Zhang Tianyi had been spying on the sidelines?


    If Zhang Tianyi had made a move then, wouldn''t he be on a path with no return?


    Zhang Tianyi nodded, smiling slightly: "I have been there since you fought with Dao Yuan and the others. I was nning to kill you, but after seeing the secret technique you used, I changed my mind!"


    With the power of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, Zhang Tianyi could have easily killed Xiao Yi had he taken action.


    But after witnessing Xiao Yi y Dao Kuang with the Blood Explosion Skill, boosting his strength by dozens of times, he changed his mind.


    He had followed Xiao Yi until he left, tailing him all along, with the sole aim of seizing this secret technique for himself!


    If he could master such a technique, he even had the confidence to contend with the powerhouses of the Tao Tribtion Realm!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zhang Tianyi spoke unhurriedly, "Simply hand over the secret technique you used, and I can spare you your life!"


    Xiao Yi sneered, "Want my secret technique? Go ask King Yama for it in hell!"


    Boom!


    The bloody light around Xiao Yi was dazzling, as if he were a blood-colored War God holding the Fire Qilin Sword and cutting across the sky.


    A bloody wave swept across Changkong.


    The sharp edge of the sword aura seemed to tear apart space itself, cleaving through mountains and rivers.


    Zhang Tianyi coldly smiled and with a flick of his finger, a "thud" shattered the terrifying sword wave. At the same time, with a casual flick of his finger, a terrifying wave of energy surged forth, hitting Xiao Yi with a loud bang.


    Xiao Yi trembled all over, the bloody light around him faded substantially, and his face grew even paler. He struggled to stand up, but spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, stumbled, and was about to fall when his body abruptly stopped.


    His eyes were filled with rage, and his hands clutched at his throat desperately.


    Zhang Tianyi, with one hand in the air, making a gesture as though grabbing something, summoned an invisible force that formed a hand and tightly gripped Xiao Yi''s neck, lifting him: "Killing you is like crushing an ant. If you don''t want to die, hand over the secret technique obediently!"


    At that moment...


    A chilling voice suddenly rang out, apanied by a surging tide of energy, which with a bang, shattered Zhang Tianyi''s energy hand: "Xiao Yi is prey favored by the crown prince, do you also dare to snatch food from the tiger''s mouth?"


    "Ye Feng?"


    Zhang Tianyi raised his eyebrows, then with a wave of his hand, he grabbed Xiao Yi again, "If Jiang Shanhe were here, I might fear him a bit, but you think you can stop me?"


    "I''ve wanted to test my skills against you for a while now!"


    Ye Feng''s expression was stone cold as his iron fist cleaved through the air; ck Qi condensed into thousands of red leaves, swirling and forming a massive red wave that furiously rolled toward Zhang Tianyi.


    The impact of their attacks was earth-shattering.


    And their strength was evenly matched.


    For a time, neither could gain the upper hand over the other; instead, it was Xiao Yi who repeatedly suffered from the aftershocks of their strikes, his injuries growing more severe.


    "One leaf signals theing of autumn!"


    "A sliver of sky!"


    The two struck simultaneously, and two terrifying energies collided, creating a force that could destroy heaven and earth,pletely annihting a small mountain.


    Xiao Yi''s figure was sent flying once again, he came within a hair''s breadth of the surging, never-ending river.


    "Indeed worthy of being a paramount existence in the Tian Kingdom!" A grave expression spread across Ye Feng''s face.


    Zhang Tianyi snorted coldly and said with sped hands, "The feeling''s mutual!"


    Ye Feng said, "Zhang Tianyi, neither of us can do anything to the other, but Xiao Yi is the prey coveted by the crown prince. This man has transformed from the Physical Body Realm into a strengthparable to the Golden Core Realm in just half a year; he is an asset that the crown prince is determined to possess!"


    Discover stories at empire


    "What? Are you saying he advanced from the Physical Body Realm to his current strength in just half a year?" Zhang Tianyi was taken aback and asked incredulously.


    Half a year!


    Even though they were also considered prodigies, it would be good if they could break through one or two minor realms in half a year.


    Xiao Yi had crossed the Physical Body, Qi Gathering, and Divine Skills realms?


    Zhang Tianyi''s gaze toward Xiao Yi was filled with burning desire as he said solemnly, "Ye Feng, I do not wish to be enemies with Jiang Shanhe, but the secrets Xiao Yi holds are far too important. I absolutely cannot let them go. What do you say we share his secrets?"


    "Share?" Ye Feng was taken aback.


    Zhang Tianyi nodded, speaking coldly, "If you take him back to Jiang Shanhe, the secrets you end up with won''t be yours. But if you and I obtain all his secrets here, then how he broke through three realms in half a year, and how he, at the peak of Divine Skills, possesses fighting strengthparable to the fiveyers of the Golden Core Realm, will be our secrets¡­"


    Huff-puff!


    Huff-puff!


    Ye Feng''s breathing became heavy, and his blood-red tongue licked his lips. He focused and said, "But what if he doesn''t talk?"


    "Not talk?"


    Zhang Tianyi sneered viciously, "If he stays silent for one moment, I will cripple his cultivation; two moments, I''ll break his meridians. Three moments of silence, I''ll cut off his limbs... If he still doesn''t talk, doesn''t he have a wife? We''ll capture her. If he stays silent for a moment, I''ll find ten men; two moments, I''ll find a hundred men... Let''s see if he talks then!"


    Ye Feng gulped down a mouthful of saliva, his gaze filled with pity as he looked at Xiao Yi and chuckled wickedly, "Xiao Yi, you can only me yourself for offending those you shouldn''t have!"


    "I... I offended your mother!"


    Xiao Yi, who had finally regained his senses, struggled to his feet, every word of their conversation not missing his ears. His eyes were filled with bloody ferocity. Gritting his teeth, he growled, "Ye Feng, Zhang Tianyi, and Jiang Shanhe... I, Xiao Yi, have never intentionally provoked you, yet you seek to push me toward death at every turn."


    Boom!


    With one step, Xiao Yi moved, and icy coldness glinted in his eyes as he spoke with deliberate emphasis, "I, Xiao Yi, swear here today, if I do not die, I will drench Tian in blood and ughter my way through the Royal Martial Arts Institute!"


    "This vow, witnessed by the sun and the moon, acknowledged by heaven and earth!"


    "Let gods and demons alike listen..."


    The rumble of thunder!


    In the void, there seemed to be thunder tearing the sky apart, lightning shing across the heavens!


    The murderous intent in his oath and the bloodlust in Xiao Yi''s eyes sent chills down their spines, leaving them exchanging looks of shock.


    It was as if they had truly seen a terrifying demon god, wielding a sword, stepping through the Royal Martial Arts Academy, shattering the Tian Kingdom, and ying its rising stars!


    "Not good!"


    "Stop him..."


    The two were jolted, but then they saw Xiao Yi leap into the rapid river. Thunder roared, and silver lightning illuminated his fiercely cold face. Yet even under the mor of thunder, Xiao Yi''s voice was crystal clear, "Keep your filthy lives, wait for me to im them!"

 Chapter 88 Nothing can be accomplished without norms or standards, to destroy in order to establish!

    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Huge waves churned within the river, and the surging tides threw up a sky full of white mist against the banks.


    Xiao Yi''s figure was swallowed up by the river water in an instant, disappearing without a trace, while Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi stood by the riverbank and pursued downstream.


    After chasing for over thirty miles, Xiao Yi''s whereabouts were still nowhere to be found.


    "Over thirty miles, even at our peak, survival would not be possible..."


    "Damn it, one misstep leads to eternal regret! How could the two of us not have been on guard for Xiao Yi jumping into the river? What do we do now?"


    Naturally, the two men weren''t grieving over the death of a rabbit or the sorrow of a fox¡ªthey werementing Xiao Yi''s passing.


    They were simply regretting that they were unable to extract the many secrets from Xiao Yi.


    Ye Feng spoke in a heavy voice, "It''s better that he''s dead!"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Before his mind shed the words Xiao Yi had said before jumping into the river, that even gods and demons must listen, what an overbearing aura. Even gods and demons were to obey hismands, abide by his vows. Discover hidden content at empire


    Zhang Tianyi fell into silence for a moment, his eyes cold with a hint of gloom: "Even if he not dead, what is there to fear? If we could kill him once, we can kill him a second time!"


    "Enough!"


    Ye Feng took a deep breath and looked towards the depths of the secret realm, "The ancient tomb is right ahead, we should hurry and head over there!"


    The two men immediately left.


    ...


    The river water was turbulent, like a raging dragon tossing and turning.


    Downstream from where Xiao Yi had jumped into the river, a hundred miles away, there was a waterfall.


    Rumble!


    The waterfall cascaded down three thousand feet, the massive column of water like an angry dragon falling from the sky, mming viciously into the pool below, sending waves hundreds of meters high into the air.


    All of a sudden...


    Xiao Yi was washed away by the swift river water, plummeting from the waterfall. The fall was three thousand feet high, and if he were to crash into the pool, it would surely be a dead end.


    But at this critical juncture.


    A crack sounded from his embrace, followed by a small figure surrounded by a faint silver glow that wrapped around Xiao Yi, its silver light turning into a silver sphere.


    Shielding Xiao Yi''s body, it smashed into the pool with a thud.


    Then the silver figure twisted its body, carrying Xiao Yi deep into the bottom of the pool. In the pitch-ck depths, hundreds of meters down, suddenly there was a light.


    The silver figure, taking Xiao Yi with it, dived right in.


    In the quiet cavern within.


    Suddenly, bubbles burst forth from the crystal-clearke, popping the moment they surfaced, with a streak of silver light shing up.


    It was the silver snake, clutching Xiao Yi as it surged out from the water.


    Both man and serpentnded on thekeshore.


    The silver snake wove around Xiao Yi''s chest, sensing the life force within him growing fainter and fainter. Determination and an almost human resolve shed in the snake''s eyes. Opening its mouth, it revealed two needle-like fangs.


    Pff!


    It struck right above Xiao Yi''s heart.


    Thump! Thump!


    Xiao Yi''s heartbeat suddenly became rapid and powerful. His pale face flushed with color, but the silver snake seemed listless,zily sprawled on his chest, asionally lifting its head with a human-like worry in its eyes.


    In the darkness.


    A magnificent voice, like thunder rolling across the sky, shook the heavens, its sound captivating all realms: "Without destruction, there can be no establishment..."


    "Only through destruction can there be renewal!"


    Inside Xiao Yi, the God Sealing Seed suddenly boomed, and the power of God Sealing fell like oil onto the fire of hope: "I am a General whomands the heavens, destined to battle against the heavens and earth, to seal gods and suppress demons, invincible in all the world..."


    Rumble!


    In the darkness before Xiao Yi, a sun appeared, its radiant light expelling vast swaths of darkness.


    Boom!


    The dark world violently burst apart.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi''s eyes suddenly snapped open, and in his mind emerged a path, his path of martial arts, the path of the invincible!


    Almost at the very moment Xiao Yi grasped this path of the invincible, in the deepest part of the ancient Eternal Tomb, among the nine pyramid-like tombs, the one on the far left trembled violently.


    But it was quickly suppressed by the might of the Eternal Tomb!


    Golden light circted around Xiao Yi, and inside him, the God Sealing Seed came to life, as countless forces of God Sealing surged out, converging at his dantian.


    The cyclone condensed, spinning wildly, and at the same time, it rapidly shrank.


    Eventually, it turned into a ck pill the size of a walnut.


    "With me, invincible!"


    Xiao Yi''s countenance was dignified, and amid a cold shout, the power of the God Sealing Seed frantically assaulted the ck pill. Amid the crisp cracking sounds, the dark shell of the ck pill shattered, breaking away piece by piece.


    A strand of golden light brought forth patches of golden rainbows.


    Finally, it transformed into a walnut-sized Golden Core, floating in the center of his dantian.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation officially entered the Golden Core Realm!


    Above this Golden Core, a golden ring slowly emerged, indicating the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm. The ring was inscribed with profound and mysterious runes, exuding an ancient and vicissitudinous oppression.


    Sssss!


    The silver snake in his embrace shrank in fear, curling up in Xiao Yi''s arms, basking in the golden light. Its body, originally pure silver, slowly gained threads of gold.


    Boom!


    The vital energy of the First Layer of the Golden Core Realm within Xiao Yi surged wildly into the God Sealing Seed, like a vast ocean pouring into rivers,pletely activating each and every God Sealing Seed.


    Two thousand.


    Two thousand five hundred.


    Three thousand...


    The number soared to five thousand before finally stopping.


    The force of the five thousand God Sealing Seeds converging turned back into his body. After stepping into the Golden Core Realm, this power from the seeds became even stronger!


    With Xiao Yi''s current First Layer of the Golden Core Realm cultivation, even without using the Blood Explosion Skill, he could easily vanquish a practitioner of the Fourth Layer of the Golden Core Realm.


    "Five thousand God Sealing Seeds, should be enough to inherit his legacy, right?" Xiao Yi''s eyes shone.


    The breakthrough to the Golden Core Realm and the devouring of Xina''s heaven and earth vital energy alleviated the weakness caused by his excessive blood loss.


    Xiao Yi''s figure shed as he entered the Eternal Tomb.


    His eyes sharpened, falling upon the tomb that buried the Sword Demon Dugu, his eyes brimming with an eager fighting spirit, and Sword Intent surged forth like mad: "Suppress!"


    Hum!


    Between his palms, a "Suppress" character inscription fell like a towering mountain.


    Rumble!


    The entire tomb exploded with a st.


    A man dressed in green robes, tall and straight like a pine, with pride like a sword, stood with his hands behind his back. His eyes were as sharp as sword edges, forbidding others to look directly. His gaze rested on Xiao Yi.


    An earth-shaking Sword Intent soared to the heavens.


    The number one expert of the Blue Star Realm, Sword Demon Dugu, became the sword, and the sword became him, reaching the realm where man and sword were one.


    He pointed a single finger, yet it seemed as if a divine sword hung in the sky!


    This sword shone with thousands of glimmers, like a great sun towering in the sky, shing down towards Xiao Yi.


    "im... Life!"


    God Sealing force around Xiao Yi condensed into a sky-piercing sharp sword. This sword, like a meteor tearing through the sky, collided fiercely with another sword light. It was a sh of needlepoint against wheat, with terrifying power spreading in all directions.


    He did not use the power of the God Sealing force to overpower the Sword Demon Dugu; instead, he chose sword against sword!


    This was the dignity and pride of a swordsman!


    Clink clink ng!


    Sword techniques collided, and the two fought countless exchanges.


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves constantly evolved, while the Sword Demon Dugu simply swung his sword in the simplest manner. No sophisticated sword techniques were used, yet they contained the essence of the great way.


    The sword follows the heart.


    Truly powerful swordsmen rely not on sword techniques, but on Sword Intent!


    Everything moves with the heart.


    Where the thought goes, the sword edge follows!


    With this realization,


    Xiao Yi no longer used sword techniques, but simply wielded his sword against his opponent, the duel flowing like clouds and water, bing more and more proficient. After a bout, without any hesitation and devoid of any sword technique, Xiao Yi swung his sword.


    Pff!


    With that sword, he cut off a strand of Sword Demon Dugu''s hair.


    The Sword Demon Dugu startled, a meaningful smile spread across his face, his figure flickered, and he turned into a ray of light that entered into the God Sealing Seed, transforming into an aloof silhouette standing with hands behind his back, gazing up at the sky.


    At the same time...


    Xiao Yi''s mind received the life-long sword understanding of Sword Demon Dugu. His Sword Intent reached a new level, attaining the state where the sword follows the heart!


    Beyond that.


    There was also a set of sword techniques known as the "Solitary Nine Swords"!


    If measured by the standards of this era, this set of sword techniques would be considered a high-grade fourth-tier technique. Whenbined with the second phase of Sword Intent, where the sword follows the heart, it would beparable to a fifth-tier sword technique!


    "The First Layer of the Golden Core Realm, second phase of Sword Intent, aided by the ''Solitary Nine Swords''. With my currentbat power, even without the Blood Explosion Skill, I should be able to kill someone at the Fifth Layer of the Golden Core Realm."


    A hint of anticipation appeared on Xiao Yi''s face: "Ye Feng, Zhang Tianyi, clean your necks and wait for me..."

 Chapter 89 Martial Dao Divine Fruit

    Hiss hiss!


    Xiao Yi stopped mid-sentence as the silver snake poked its head out, flicking its scarlet tongue, while its amber eyes fixed on Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi was momentarily stunned, then he remembered the moment he had jumped into the river earlier, when the beast egg in his arms had cracked and hatched this little creature.


    It was this very creature that had dragged him into the deep waters, allowing him to avoid being pursued and killed by Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi.


    It had also led him to this cave.


    And at a critical moment, it had bitten him, infusing life force into his body.


    "Little guy, thank you for saving me!" Xiao Yi rubbed the head of the silver snake.


    The little snake nuzzled against Xiao Yi''s palm willingly, winding along his hand and climbing onto his shoulder, flicking its tongue, its eyes filled with worry and inquiry.


    Xiao Yi was taken aback, the little fellow seemed quite human-like. He smiled and said, "I''m fine, don''t worry!"


    This time, disaster had turned into a blessing.


    The continuous battles,bined with the explosion of the Blood Explosion Skill, had taken his already Peak of the Divine Ability Realm cultivation to the next level, stepping into the Golden Core Realm.


    Within the dantian.


    That golden-yellow Golden Core bobbed and drifted, surrounded by a golden halo.


    In the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, one revolution of the Golden Core indicated oneyer.


    With each rise in realm, an additional halo would appear, and now, he had also acquired the Sword Demon Dugu''s lifelong understanding of the sword, along with the Solitary Nine Swords and the second stage of Sword Intent, where the sword follows the heart. Readtest stories on empire


    Xiao Yi''s strength had now made a dramatic advance.


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake slithered swiftly to the ground, moving forward a certain distance before turning back to look at Xiao Yi. Xiao Yi, surprised, asked, "Are you asking me to follow you?"


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake nodded.


    Xiao Yi followed it.


    A man and a snake, moving farther and farther within the dim cave.


    Drip drop drip drop!


    The entire cave was deathly silent, with only the sound of water droplets echoing, adding a somber tone. The faint silver light emitted by the silver snake lit up the ground, with Xiao Yi closely following.


    The silver snake ahead suddenly stopped, spinning in ce and making urgent hissing noises.


    Xiao Yi, startled, approached and saw that right at the spot where the silver snake was circling, there was a corpse. The corpse had been covered by thick soil and stones, but as the silver snake continued to move, it brushed away the earthen cover, revealing its true face.


    "This is..." Xiao Yi stepped forward to investigate.


    The body had been dead for a long time, leaving only a skeleton.


    But it was this very skeleton that made Xiao Yi''s face turn pale with shock.


    Within the skeleton was a fist-sized, emerald-green fruit.


    "The Martial Dao Divine Fruit? How is this possible?" Xiao Yi picked up the green fruit, confirmed it was real, and an astonished look spread across his face.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    This was the Dao Fruit that formed within a martial artist after they broke through to the Tao Tribtion Realm!


    If such a Martial Dao Divine Fruit were to appear in the outside world, it would certainly cause a bloodbath, because one such fruit represented a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse!


    At the peak of the Golden Elixir, refining a single Martial Dao Divine Fruit would allow one to step into the Cmity Realm.


    Of course...


    There are downsides to consuming this fruit to enter the Cmity Realm, as it will make further breakthroughs much more difficult. However, for the vast majority of the strong, reaching the Cmity Realm is something they can only dream of.


    It''s just that...


    How could the body of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert appear here?


    Moreover, looking at the body, all the bones were shattered, obviously killed by someone who brutally broke all their bones.


    Hiss hiss!


    A silver snake brought a storage ring to Xiao Yi''s palm, and with a drop of blood, Xiao Yi made the ring recognize him as its master. However, inside the ring was merely an empty space with only a parchment scroll.


    Xiao Yi focused his gaze, and as he looked, his pupils suddenly dted, "If someone sees this letter, then it proves I am already dead. I do not know how long it has been, perhaps people have already forgotten my name. I am Wang Tianqi, the first headmaster of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy of Tianqing Kingdom. However..."


    As Xiao Yi read on, the shock and astonishment on his face intensified.


    This Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse turned out to be the founder of Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, a genuine Tao Tribtion Realm expert. Xiao Yi had heard of him from Gu Junhe, it could be said that Tianqi Martial Arts Academy''s rise and fall were both because of Wang Tianqi!


    It was precisely because Wang Tianqi was stationed there that the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy could be the number one martial arts academy of Tianqing Kingdom.


    But over five hundred years ago...


    Wang Tianqi mysteriously vanished, and from then on, the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy began to decline, and now has but a few disciples left.


    Xiao Yi had never imagined that Wang Tianqi would appear here, and ording to the parchment scroll, over five hundred years ago, Wang Tianqi and two other Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouses from Tian Kingdom and Purple Robe Kingdom were abducted by a mysterious being.


    And the being that took them away only wanted them to build a tomb for him!


    To have Tao Tribtion Realm experts build his tomb, one could fathom how terrifying that being was!


    Surely he was a being of the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or perhaps even from the Longevity Secret Realm!


    At that time, the being promised that as long as theypleted the tomb, he would let them go, but Wang Tianqi was cautious and secretly dug a tunnel leading to the deepest part of the ancient tomb.


    He had intended to enter the ancient tombter on.


    But when the tomb waspleted, that being unexpectedly struck and killed the three of them, ensuring they would rest forever within the burial site.


    Wang Tianqi''s body was different from an ordinary person''s, and he did not die on the spot.


    He managed to escape the ancient tomb through the secret tunnel.


    But he died here soon after escaping, gravely injured. Before his death, he left this parchment scroll: "Lucky one, this parchment bears the secret tunnel route map I left behind... Even in death, I wish to see his tomb desecrated... Wang Tianqi''s final words!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi stared at the parchment for a long time, unable to snap out of his reverie.


    Everyone thought this was the ancient tomb of a Tao Tribtion Realm expert, yet it was the tomb of a being suspected to be from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even the Longevity Secret Realm!


    "So it seems Zhou Yuan and the others did not find the real tomb; does that mean the true treasures of this ancient tomb are still intact? They merely took some trifling benefits?" Xiao Yi''s eyes gleamed as heughed heartily.


    Zhou Yuan and other experts at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak spent two months excavating the Secret Realm, thinking they had taken away the best treasures.


    They never imagined...


    What they got was merely trivial gains!


    Hiss hiss!


    The silver snake tilted its head, seemingly puzzled as to why Xiao Yi wasughing.


    Xiao Yi hugged the snake tightly and kissed it fiercely; if not for this little critter, he might never have discovered Wang Tianqi''s remains, nor obtained this parchment: "Little guy, you truly are my lucky star! It''s not good to keep calling you little guy, so considering your silver scales... from now on, I will call you Little Lin. How does Xiao Lin sound for a grand name?"


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin tilted its head,pletely baffled.


    Xiao Yi casually collected Wang Tianqi''s remains and Martial Dao Divine Fruit into his storage ring, preparing to take them out for a proper burial and to establish a memorial.


    Looking at the parchment in his hand, Xiao Yi flicked Little Lin''s head lightly, "Little Lin, let''s dig a grave!"


    A tomb of a Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even a Longevity Secret Realm expert!


    What exactly was inside?


    Xiao Yi''s heart was filled with curiosity and anticipation...

 Chapter 90 Killing with a Single Finger

    The routes marked on the parchment were extremely detailed.


    In just half a day, Xiao Yi had entered the main burial chamber. At each of the four corners of the main tomb was a greenntern that had been burning for at least five hundred years, judging by the time of Wang Tianqi''s disappearance.


    That they still shone brightly was truly astonishing!


    There were two corpses within the ancient tomb.


    They must have been martial artists from the Tao Tribtion Realm of the Tian Kingdom and the Purple Robe Kingdom, captured alongside Wang Tianqi to construct the ancient tomb, only to die right on this spot, unfortunately.


    Their Martial Dao Divine Fruitsy quietly within the skulls.


    Xiao Yi collected each of the Martial Dao Divine Fruits, "Just these three Martial Dao Divine Fruits are worth a fortune, I''m afraid they might be even more valuable than all the gains of Zhou Yuan and Gu the elder at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm..."


    Just as Xiao Yi had thought...


    The treasures obtained by Zhou Yuan and Gu Junhe weren''t many. After all, the ancient tombs in the Tao Tribtion Realm outside were just a decoy, and all their treasuresbined couldn''tpare to a single Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Plus, as the peak Golden Elixir Realm martial artists divided the treasures among themselves, each person''s share was not significant.


    But Xiao Yi alone had obtained three Martial Dao Divine Fruits!


    What''s more important was...


    The most precious and mysterious thing in the entire burial ground was the bronze ancient coffin at the very center!


    The four corners of the bronze ancient coffin each had a divine beast statue, modeled after the images of The Four Divine Beasts: Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, ck Tortoise, supporting the ancient coffin.


    The coffin was covered with a myriad of mysterious runes, with strange patterns connected to each other, emitting a faint golden glow.


    Ancient, vicissitudes of time, heavy, solemn, mysterious!


    Little Lin shrunk in Xiao Yi''s arms, although this little guy had just been born, it already possessed the strengthparable to a third-order high-level demon beast.


    Definitely considered gifted!


    Its little eyes stared at the ancient coffin, gently flicking its tongue as if asking Xiao Yi what was inside.


    Xiao Yi rubbed Little Lin''s head and ced his hands on the bronze ancient coffin.


    ng!


    The lid of the coffin was suddenly flung open by him.


    A surge of golden light shot up into the sky, obscuring the entire tomb. When the light quietly dimmed, whaty within the ancient coffin was revealed before Xiao Yi.


    "This¡­"


    Xiao Yi was dumbfounded.


    Inside the ancient coffin, the burial wasn''t a corpse but a pitch-ck jade box, and surrounding the jade box were luminous, transparent stones that glittered with spiritual light.


    Spirit Stones!


    The word surfaced in Xiao Yi''s mind.


    These Spirit Stones, which could only form in spirit veins where the heavenly and earth''s essence was incredibly condensed, were categorized into lower, middle, upper, and top grades.


    But even the lowest grade Spirit Stone was worth a fortune!


    ording to what Xiao Yi knew, a single lower-grade Spirit Stone, if converted to gold coins, was worth a hundred thousand, and they were priceless!


    Besides the jade box in the ancient coffin, there were over a thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones, more than a hundred middle-grade ones, and even ten upper-grade ones!


    To put it bluntly...


    Just these Spirit Stones alone exceeded the gains of Zhou Yuan and others!


    "What''s inside this jade box?" Xiao Yi collected the Spirit Stones and held the jade box, attempting to discover its secrets.


    Yet, despite all his efforts, he couldn''t open it.


    "Topel an existence suspected from the Dharma Manifestation Realm, or even the Longevity Secret Realm, to abduct three martial artists from the Tao Tribtion Realm to construct a tomb and bury it, this cannot be an ordinary item! I''ll take it back and find a way to open itter!"


    Xiao Yi stored the jade box away.


    He sat cross-legged before the ancient coffin.


    He took out a lower-grade Spirit Stone and circted his mysterious arts as a stream of pure heavenly and earthly essence flowed into his body. This energy was vast and pure, immediately swallowed up.


    "No wonder all martial artists are so eager for Spirit Stones; this is indeed an excellent aid for cultivation!" Spirit Stones were the essence of heaven and earth condensed to the extreme, materialized into substance.


    The energy within was purer than that of the dantian and medicinal pills.


    Xiao Yi kept devouring them.


    A single lower-grade Spirit Stone was equivalent to ten days of arduous cultivation, and at Xiao Yi''s current level of cultivation, he could devour a lower-grade Spirit Stone in about half an incense stick''s time.


    One by one, the Spirit Stones in his hands were refined.


    Xiao Yi''s cultivation level also kept rising, and in the blink of an eye, seven days had passed. Xiao Yi had devoured more than a thousand lower-grade Spirit Stones.


    His cultivation level had broken through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm!


    As the umted essence of the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm surged wildly into the God Sealing Seed within his body, Xiao Yi''s God Sealing Seed gained another fifteen thousand seeds, reaching a total of twenty thousand!


    ```


    Twenty thousand God Sealing Seeds reflected the power of divinity, causing Xiao Yi''sbat strength to swell once again.


    With his current level ofbat strength...


    Even without using the Blood Explosion Skill, he can effortlessly crush a Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm expert, and when he exercises his full power, even an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm opponent might be a match!


    "The time is almost up; they should have entered the ancient tomb by now!" A cold gleam shed across Xiao Yi''s eyes.


    He then left the true main tomb ording to the secret passage indicated on the parchment.


    The exit of the main tomb turned out to be beneath the stele at the entrance to the false tomb.


    Only from the inside could the stele be flipped; from the outside, it gave away no signs at all. As Xiao Yi left the secret passage, the stele reverted to its original state.


    "This must be the false tomb designed to mislead the world. Judging by Ye Feng and their speed, they should be in here¡­" Standing at the entrance to the false tomb, Xiao Yi pondered for a moment before stepping inside.


    The tomb passage was long and narrow, with traps destroyed by brute force visible everywhere ¨C clearly the handiwork of Zhou Yuan and the others.


    He continued on his way.


    The scent of blood in the air grew stronger.


    Xiao Yi slowed his pace, spotting many corpses along the way, mostly from the Purple Robe Kingdom, causing him to frown: "Why are people from the Purple Robe Kingdom dying here?"


    Suddenly...


    Intense sounds of fighting came from ahead, and Yue Ling''er''s exasperated voice could be heard: "Ling Feng, how dare you kill my subordinates? Aren''t you afraid of my cousin punishing you for your crimes?"


    "Hehe, His Highness the Seventh Prince is strong and a powerful contender for the Crown Prince position, one who my Nine Profound Sect cannot afford to offend. However, a dead prince has no standing to punish me, right?" Ling Feng''s voice was smug and fearless.


    The Nine Profound Sect was already supporting the eldest prince.


    Now that Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi had joined forces against Jiang Tai, putting him in danger of not being able to protect himself, Ling Feng naturally became even more brazen.


    Yue Ling''er, with her back against the rocky walls of the tomb passage, had a trace of crimson at the corner of her mouth, her eyes filled with despair: "Cousin... I told you not to seek revenge for Xiao Yi. You wouldn''t listen, and now look where we are... We''re all going to die here..."


    The moment Jiang Tai learned of Xiao Yi''s "death," he immediately sought out Ye Feng and fought him.


    But with Zhang Tianyi''s support, Ye Feng not only avoided death at Jiang Tai''s hands but instead the two of them teamed up to attack Jiang, forcing him into a retreat to the inside of the ancient tomb.


    Yue Ling''er intervened to help Jiang Tai, which resulted in the death of her own subordinates.


    And now, even she faced death at Ling Feng''s hands.


    "Time to depart!"


    With a malevolentugh, Ling Feng raised his hand, and the sharp de thrust straight at Yue Ling''er.


    It was at this critical juncture...


    A figure suddenly appeared in front of Yue Ling''er, and with a ng, Ling Feng''s fierce sword thrust was blocked.


    The tomb passage fell into dead silence, with not a sound to be heard.


    Yue Ling''er''s phoenix eyes opened slightly wide, herrge, watery eyes fluttering in shock. Ling Feng was ck-jawed, his sword firmly mped between two fair fingers, trapped and unable to advance or retreat!


    Both individuals stared at the figure before them in disbelief, uttering his name: "Xiao... Xiao Yi?"


    Xiao Yi slowly lifted his head, the corners of his mouth lifting as he looked at Ling Feng: "We meet again!"


    "You... you''re not dead?"


    Ling Feng drew in a sharp breath.


    Xiao Yi replied indifferently, "I''m not dead. Does that disappoint you?"


    "How could that be? Heh, I''m too pleased for words that you''re alive..."


    Ling Feng recovered from his initial shock, then sneered, "I was regretting not being able to kill you with my own hands. Now, you can go die!"


    Whoosh!


    Ling Feng''s weapon tore through the air, a mighty strike descending swiftly.


    "Be careful!"


    Yue Ling''er yelled out a warning.


    Yet Xiao Yi merely raised his hand and sent out a finger strike.


    Hum!


    That one finger, like the reemergence of a peerless divine sword in this world, shed with a ng against Ling Feng''s assault, then with a thud pierced Ling Feng''s brow.


    Thump!


    Ling Feng''s body shuddered, his face still twisted in ferocity, but now devoid of life!


    Hiss!


    Yue Ling''er inhaled sharply, speechless and with eyes wide open in astonishment.


    Ling Feng, a Sixth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm martial artist, had been killed by a single finger from Xiao Yi?


    ```N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 91 Ancestors and Clans

    Ling Feng was at the Golden Elixir Realm Sixth Layer Cultivation, serving as the chief top disciple of the Nine Profound Sect.


    Before this¡­


    Xiao Yi had to resort to the Blood Explosion Skill, burning thirty percent of his blood to contend against him, but now, having broken through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, Xiao Yi needed only a flick of his fingers to y him.


    This was the enhancement ofbat power that came with a foundation in cultivation.


    Yue Ling''er stared in disbelief, unable toprehend what she was seeing in this young man before her.


    When they had first entered the secret realm,


    she had on multiple asions advised Jiang Tai to keep his distance from Xiao Yi, believing Xiao Yi''s cultivation to be unimpressive and only a harbinger of trouble that would undoubtedly drag Jiang Tai down.


    What she could never have anticipated was Xiao Yi''s growth to his current realm in the mere half-month since the opening of the secret realm.


    Gulp!


    Yue Ling''er swallowed hard, asking incredulously, "Xiao Yi, what exactly is your cultivation level?"


    She simply could not believe that just half a month ago, Xiao Yi was merely at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm!


    Xiao Yi nced at her and said indifferently, "Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm."


    Yue Ling''er fell silent for a moment before pressing, "Half a month ago, were you really just at the peak of the Divine Ability Realm?"


    Xiao Yi nodded.


    Hiss!


    Yue Ling''er sharply inhaled a breath of cold air.


    Half a month, from the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm to the Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm?


    How terrifyingly fast was that?


    Even her brother, hailed as the first genius in the history of the Purple Robe Kingdom, couldn''t manage that!


    Surely no one from the eighteen kingdoms under the Great Qian Dynasty could possibly achieve that, could they?


    Except for that one¡­


    The idol of all the young people in the Great Qian Dynasty, Xiao Tianjiao, who also happened to be Yue Ling''er''s idol. Yue Ling''er looked intently at Xiao Yi and spoke in a grave voice, "Your surname is Xiao, could the rumors be true? Are you really from the Xiao Family of the Great Qian Dynasty? It''s only a family that produced a figure like Xiao Tianjiao that could manifest a miracle like yours¡­ breaking through four realms in half a month..."


    Xiao Yi gave her a cold look, the indifference and iciness in his eyes causing Yue Ling''er to shiver, as if she had fallen into an ice pit.


    Xiao Yi said coldly, "Where is Jiang Tai?"


    "Ah?"


    Yue Ling''er was taken aback, snapping back to reality and quickly saying, "Cousin, chased by Ye Feng and Zhang Tianyi, has probably already entered the main tomb by now. Hurry and help him!"


    Xiao Yi nodded and, with a sh, dashed wildly toward the depths of the tomb.


    ......


    Inside the main tomb.


    Jiang Tai, Zhang Tianyi, and Ye Feng stood clearly divided, with a massive coffin appearing before the trio. The coffin was suspended mid-air, tethered by three chains.


    The chains wrapped around the coffin, with bright red links and yellow talismans stered all over the coffin.


    An eerie ghostly aura pervaded, exceptionally terrifying!


    "The owner of this ancient tomb must be buried here!"


    Ye Feng said lightly, "Later, when the three of us join forces to open the coffin, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine, and the rest of the treasures are yours!"


    Jiang Tai sneered, "Impossible!"


    Zhang Tianyi also had a nonchnt expression, "The Martial Dao Divine Fruit can''t possibly be yours."


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes and said, "None of us can gain the upper hand over the others, and if we were to truly fight to the death, in the end, it would only benefit a third party."


    "What exactly are you trying to say?" Zhang Tianyi asked, frowning.


    Ye Feng said in a deep voice, "Let the three of us take turns attacking the coffin, and whoever opens it first gets the Martial Dao Divine Fruit. How about it?"


    After a moment of silence, they both nodded in agreement.


    Jiang Tai asked, "Who goes first?"


    Ye Feng said, "I have three sticks here, we could draw lots, with the length determining the order. The longest one goes first, the shortestst. How about that?"


    "Fine!"


    After drawing lots, Jiang Tai went first, followed by Zhang Tianyi, and then Ye Feng.


    Jiang Tai wielded a nine-ring great saber that gleamed with a silvery light, swinging the de down. With a humming sound, the silver saber light fell heavily on the coffin.


    Thud!


    The coffin shook violently, and the chains rattled loudly.


    Yet it did not open!


    Zhang Tianyi was the second to perform, wielding a long spear like a raging dragon sweeping the heavens,nding a blow on the coffin. The entire coffin shook violently, and strips of yellow talismans exploded off it.


    It still did not open.


    Zhang Tianyi, his face twisted with annoyance, red fiercely at Ye Feng, "Your turn!"


    Ye Feng''s mouth curled into a smirk, and with a casual toss, a bottle of blood-red liquid scattered forth.


    Hiss, hiss!


    The blood-red liquid stained the chains, from which plumes of ck smoke began to rise, corrosion eating away at the chains.


    With a loud boom, the three chains snapped in session, and the coffin crashed to the ground. The lid of the coffin had also opened a crack at that moment, and Ye Feng said with a smug face, "Sorry, this Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine now!"


    "You... vile..." Zhang Tianyi red at Ye Feng venomously.


    That blood-red liquid was the blood of a creature known as the Corpse-Eating Worm, possessing extremely potent corrosive properties.


    Never had they imagined that Ye Feng held this trick up his sleeve.


    Jiang Tai snorted coldly, "People from the Royal Martial Arts Academy really have no shame."


    "To the victor go the spoils; whoeverughsst is the real winner. As for the means used, nobody will care!" Ye Feng jeered and walked towards the coffin.


    But just as he was about three meters away from the coffin, a cold snort suddenly resonated throughout the main tomb: "Who dares disturb my eternal slumber?"


    Hiss!


    The three of them¡ªYe Feng included¡ªtrembled all over, "Who?"


    They looked around, but saw no one at all.


    The cold voice came again: "I am within this coffin. Who dare disturbs me?"


    Within the coffin?


    They exchanged looks, shock written all over their faces.


    Was the being inside the coffin still alive?


    Ye Feng asked in a deep voice, "May I ask the elder''s name?"


    "I am of the ancestral Zong n!"


    "Ancestor Zong?"


    Ye Feng paused for a moment, then respectfully said, "I am Ye Feng, a junior. Unaware that Ancestor Zong rested here, I hope for your forgiveness!"


    "Hmph!"


    The cold voice came again, "If you seek my forgiveness, kneel down and kowtow ten times!"


    A cold light shed in Ye Feng''s eyes.


    The cold voice spoke again, "Should you satisfy me, why should I not pass on my lifetime''s inheritance to you?"


    Hiss!


    Ye Feng''splexion flushed.


    A lifetime''s inheritance?


    That was the inheritance of a Tao Tribtion Realm powerhouse!


    With this thought in mind.


    Ye Feng thudded to his knees, his head banging resoundingly against the ground, respect on his face: "Junior Ye Feng offers kowtows in apology to Elder Ancestor Zong!"


    "Um, those kowtows are loud and clear. It seems you have had plenty of practice with this!" The icy, authoritative voice suddenly turned mocking and familiar.


    Huh?


    Ye Feng was taken aback and looked up sharply, only to see Xiao Yi sitting atop the coffin, watching him with amusement.


    Ye Feng trembled all over, his eyes instantly bloodshot with rage, "Xiao Yi? You''re still alive?" He suddenly recalled that cold voice, "Was that you speaking earlier? It was not an elder from within the coffin?"


    "My dear grandson, how can you be so rude? Weren''t you calling me your ancestor so naturally just now?" Xiao Yi raised an eyebrow at Ye Feng, tauntingly asking.


    "You..."


    Ye Feng''s face instantly turned beet red, as if he had been pped dozens of times.


    He had knelt before Xiao Yi and kowtowed ten times, even calling him ancestor?


    That was humiliating to the extreme!


    Zhang Tianyi''s eyes were also narrowed as he stared fixedly at Xiao Yi. To him, the secrets on Xiao Yi''s person were far more valuable than the Martial Dao Divine Fruit. His sanguine tongue licked his lips, "Xiao Yi, I''m d you''re not dead. With the secrets on you, who needs the Martial Dao Divine Fruit anyway!"


    Ye Feng immediately looked at Zhang Tianyi, "Zhang Tianyi, let us join forces to take down this man!"


    "Good!"


    Zhang Tianyi nodded his head.


    "Humph, if you want to deal with Xiao, you''ll have to get past me first!" Jiang Tai snorted coldly, his face showing a genuine gleam of joy upon learning Xiao Yi was alive.


    With a sh, he positioned himself in front of Xiao Yi.


    Ye Feng narrowed his eyes, "Your Highness the Seventh Prince, you may be powerful, but any one of us can contain you. The other can then deal with Xiao Yi, you won''t be able to stop us!"


    Before Jiang Tai could respond.


    Xiao Yi''s voice came from behind him, "Brother Jiang, just watch from the sidelines! This unfilial progeny of mine is actually conspiring with strangers against me, his ancestor. I must personally administer the family discipline!"


    With those words, one could almost hear the sound of ps in the air.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ye Feng''s face was an iron blue, his murderous intent soaring, "Xiao Yi, I will tear you into a thousand pieces..."

 Chapter 92 Choice

    "I shall tear your body into ten thousand pieces!"


    Ye Feng bellowed furiously, his voice like a booming bell, his figure moving like a startling rainbow.


    Leaving behind a trail of afterimages in his original position.


    In the blink of an eye.


    He had already arrived in front of Xiao Yi, with the cultivation of the Seventh Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm fully unleashed in an instant. His palm surrounded by Yuan Qi, transformed into a ferocious tiger descending the mountain: "Starving Tiger Pounces on Prey!"


    Ao!


    This palm strike was magnificent and powerful.


    With one palm strike, it could shatter a small mountain.


    Xiao Yi pped the coffin, and with a muffled thud, his body shot upwards, his right hand grasping in mid-air, the Fire Qilin Sword radiant with a fluctuating red light.


    With a casual swing, a red rainbow pierced through the void.


    There were noplicated techniques.


    Just a casual sword thrust!


    But it was the second stage of Sword Intent, the realm where the sword follows the heart!


    This sword was as gentle as the water of autumn.


    Yet, when it collided with Ye Feng''s momentous palm strike, it became as ruthless as the ice of a cold winter, tearing apart the Yuan Qi palm with a hiss.


    Xiao Yi advanced with his sword, threading through the crevice in the palm.


    In a sh.


    Xiao Yi had alreadynded in front of Ye Feng, his body spinning like a whirlwind, suddenly turning, sword in hand, as swift as an arrow released from its bow: "First form of the Solitary Nine Swords!"


    Shua!


    Countless Sword Qi shadows surrounded him.


    Dizzying to the eyes, one couldn''t tell which was real and which was false!


    "No matter how strong your swordsmanship is, it cannot stop my Hundred Battles King''s Fist!"


    Ye Feng''s eyes were bloodshot, his forehead veins bulging like a dragon turning over, all his strength converging in his fists.


    Hands clenched into fists.


    As fists flew, thunder roared, and when the fistsnded, they charged like great beasts.


    In that moment, Ye Feng seemed to transform into the War God of a hundred battles, his fists challenging heaven and earth, unbeatable in all fights, victorious in every battle.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Fist shadows and sword shadows shed like the tip of a needle against a stalk of wheat.


    Colliding with each other, grinding against one another.


    Rumbling...


    Inside the tomb, Sword Qi marks were all over the rocky walls, and fist prints were embedded all around. Dust was flying, sand and stones were moving about as if it were a battlefield.


    Jiang Tai and Zhang Tianyi had already retreated to the side.


    Both looked at the two in the battlefield with uncertainty and disbelief.


    In Zhang Tianyi''s shocked gaze, there was an added fervor, "Golden Core Realm! Xiao Yi is actually in the Golden Core Realm? It''s only been ten days since he jumped into the river, and he has had another breakthrough? I must find out his secret, such speed in improving cultivation is even more valuable than any Martial Dao Divine Fruit!"


    Even Jiang Tai had red eyes, staring fixedly at Xiao Yi, his face showing shock: "Xiao... worthy to be his brother!"


    At that moment...


    A shocking sword light tore through the flying dust.


    The red sword light shed by.


    One saw Ye Feng emerging from the rising dust, moving forward a few steps, then turning around to look towards the dust with a hint of coldness in his eyes: "Xiao! Yi!"


    Hiss!


    Xiao Yi walked out unscathed, facing Ye Feng, with a slight upward curve of his mouth, he said calmly, "You, have lost!"


    Thump!


    Ye Feng''s entire body shook, and his knees bent as he knelt before Xiao Yi.


    Blood continuously spurted out from his throat.


    Xiao Yi said indifferently, "I said before... if I didn''t die, I would surely drench Tian Kingdom in blood and ughter everyone in the Royal Martial Arts Academy! And now, this is just the beginning!"


    Thud!


    Ye Feng''s body fell straight to the ground, with eyes wide in anger and full of unwillingness.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze shifted to Zhang Tianyi, pointing his sword''s tip, "It''s your turn!"


    p p p!


    Zhang Tianyi pped his hands together, wearing a brilliant smile, "Impressive, truly impressive! I never expected that in just half a month, you would make such a tremendous breakthrough, from the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm to the Fourth Layer of the Golden Core Realm. Tsk tsk, in just half a month''s time... Zhang Tianyi admires few people, but you, you are definitely one of them!"


    Xiao Yi looked at him dispassionately.


    Zhang Tianyi narrowed his eyes and said, "Xiao Yi, I admit your talent is strong, and your strength isn''t weak, to be able to kill Ye Feng is indeed beyond my expectations. But, you are no match for me, even with Jiang Tai on your side, it''s impossible for you to defeat me. How about we make a deal?"


    Xiao Yi remained silent.


    Jiang Tai, however, stood beside Xiao Yi with an indescribably solemn expression.


    Just as Zhang Tianyi said...


    Even if they joined forces, Jiang Tai was not confident they could beat him.


    Zhang Tianyi said, "As long as you tell me the secret to your rapid cultivation, I can spare your lives. Even the inheritance from the Tao Tribtion Realm expert within the coffin behind you, I''m willing to let you have it, how about that?"


    His eyes were full of eagerness and anticipation.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    To some who see no hope in breaking through to the Cmity Realm, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is a treasure worth fighting for with their lives!


    But to a true genius, they are more inclined to break that shackle themselves.


    Xiao Yi, who managed to step into the Fourth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just half a year, having such a secret in hand, Zhang Tianyi was absolutely confident he could step into the Cmity Realm!


    Xiao Yi''s lips curved upward as he said yfully, "You beg me! Maybe if I''m in a good mood, I might just teach you!"


    "Hmm?"


    Zhang Tianyi''s eyebrows furrowed tightly, and a touch of gloom appeared in his eyes as he said coldly, "Xiao Yi, don''t be ungrateful! If you really anger me, I might as well just cripple your cultivation, break your limbs, and take you back for a slow and painful questioning. The Ministry of Punishments of Tian Kingdom has plenty of ways to make people talk!"


    Xiao Yi said, "You can ask my sword if it agrees!"


    Seeing that Xiao Yi was impervious, Zhang Tianyi then turned to look at Jiang Tai, "Jiang Tai, with Jiang Shanhe over you, your chances of seizing the Crown Prince title are not great. But if you can get Xiao Yi''s secret, and you step into the Cmity Realm, then the throne would inevitably be yours. Think about it, he managed to reach the Golden Core Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just half a year..."


    Jiang Tai''s face subtly changed.


    Indeed.


    In the struggle for the position of the Crown Prince, aside from his mother being from the royal family of the Purple Robe Kingdom, he had no advantage at all.


    In terms of cultivation?


    Jiang Shanhe was the first person on the Teng Long List of Tianqing Kingdom!


    In terms of background?


    Jiang Shanhe had the entire Royal Martial Arts Academy behind him!


    His chance of victory was extremely slim!


    But if he could step into the realm of Cmity, then the position of the Crown Prince would be uncontested, even Jiang Shanhe would not stand a chance!


    Jiang Tai''s eyes didn''t just look at Xiao Yi.


    Xiao Yi calmly looked back at him, to be fair, he did not wish to be an enemy of Jiang Tai. But if Jiang Tai chose to attack him, then Xiao Yi would definitely not hold back!


    After a moment of silence.


    Jiang Tai took a deep breath, slowly exhaled, and fixed his gaze on Zhang Tianyi, "No matter how down-and-out I, Jiang Tai, am, I have not stooped to the level of turning on my fellow disciples.".


    He clearly chose to stand with Xiao Yi.


    "Utter folly!"


    Zhang Tianyi let out an angry snort, his eyes suddenly turned sharp, "Since you''re courting death yourself, don''t me me!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Tianyi''s vital energy surged like a sudden storm; with a swift movement, he attacked both of them...

 Chapter 93 Solitary Nine Swords

    ```


    Whoosh!


    Zhang Tianyi''s spear in hand rose like an angry dragon taking to the skies, as if it had be one with his body.


    Jiang Tai gripped his nine-ring saber with both hands, the de glittering with silver light. The nine rings clinked against each other, emitting a ngor as he held the saber horizontally in front of him.


    ng!


    The moment the saber edge collided with the spear''s radiance, a fearsome power burst forth in all directions.


    The stone tiles underfoot flew about, and Jiang Tai stumbled backward repeatedly, eventually thudding against a coffin and overturning it.


    A corpse tumbled out of the coffin, revealed to be a pitch-ck skeleton.


    Within the skeleton,


    a ck Martial Dao Divine Fruit rolled on the ground,ing to rest to one side.


    But at this moment, no one was concerned with that Martial Dao Divine Fruit.


    Jiang Tai pushed off from the coffin, the rebounding force doubling his speed as he charged back towards Zhang Tianyi: "ying Dragon Saber Skill!"


    "Dragon Ascension to the Heavens!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s face was expressionless, the vital energy within his spear pulsing, flickering like dragon mes.


    This man had alsoprehended Sword Intent!


    What''s more, he had reached the limit of the first tier of Sword Intent, and was just one step away from mastering the second tier¡ªThe Sword Moves with the Heart.


    With a loud ng, his spear shattered Jiang Tai''s saber, and using the spear as a staff, he swung it with momentum.


    The spear went straight for Jiang Tai''s back.


    Jiang Tai had no time to defend, and even Xiao Yi was toote to help him block this spear thrust. At this critical juncture, Xiao Yi had a sh of inspiration.


    With a swift movement, he delivered a hard kick right to Jiang Tai''s buttocks.


    Ow!


    Jiang Tai screamed, and with a bang, Xiao Yi kicked him flying.


    Although he crashed to the ground in aplete mess, he narrowly escaped that potentially fatal spear thrust!


    "Xiao Yi, you..." Jiang Tai red at Xiao Yi with a look of deep resentment.


    Xiao Yi: "Don''t mention it!"


    Jiang Tai: "..."


    Xiao Yi advanced with his sword, executing a stroke that cut across the sky, The Sword Moves with the Heart. His sword moves were neither fancy nor particrly powerful, but each strike''s force, angle, and speed were extremely precise.


    To put it simply...


    They were just right!


    The force was just right.


    The angle was just right!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The speed was also just right!


    What seemed like ordinary sword moves flowed seamlessly and naturally, keeping pace with Zhang Tianyi without falling behind. This left Jiang Tai astonished: "Is this... the second tier of Sword Intent, The Sword Moves with the Heart? Since when did Junior Brother Xiao master the second tier of Sword Intent..."


    As far as Jiang Tai knew, within the Tianqing Kingdom''s peers, only Jiang Shanhe had mastered the second tier of martial intent.


    Now there was another, Xiao Yi!


    At this moment...


    Jiang Tai suddenly felt thankful for his earlier decision, having stepped into the Golden Core Realm from the Physical Body Realm in just over half a year¡ªa feat somewhat understandable if one had a special cultivation method.


    But...


    To have mastered the second tier of martial intent while at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm,


    That could only be achieved with truly great talent!


    "I''ll help you out!"


    Jiang Tai surged with an overwhelming fighting spirit, holding the nine-ring saber as he came whirlwind-fast. Side by side with Xiao Yi, the two simultaneously attacked, putting unrelenting pressure on Zhang Tianyi.


    Zhang Tianyi was so pressed that he could hardly catch his breath.


    No matter how he changed his tactics,


    Xiao Yi was always able to respond to changes with unchanging principles. His seemingly whimsical sword moves often had the most direct and significant effects.


    Add Jiang Tai to the mix,


    and as Zhang Tianyi parried a blow from Jiang Tai, he would have to face an immediate assault from Xiao Yi. This made him increasingly irritated: "Damn it, Xiao Yi is such a pain. I never expected him to have mastered The Sword Moves with the Heart. I can''t gain the upper hand with technique, it looks like I''ll have to use raw strength to suppress them!"


    Boom!


    Zhang Tianyi jammed his spear into the ground with one hand, kicked it up with a tap of his toe, and violently uprooted a chunk of earth the size of a small hut.


    Swoosh!


    ```


    Tu Shi shot towards Xiao Yi and another.


    Jiang Tai swung his saber, shattering the rocks and, amidst the flying sand and stones, they lost sight of Zhang Tianyi.


    "Where is he?"


    Jiang Tai was startled.


    Xiao Yi''s expression changed, and he instinctively blocked to his side with the Fire Qilin Sword. With a ng, a violent force violently sent Xiao Yi flying.


    Seizing the momentum, Xiao Yi thrust the Fire Qilin Sword into the ground, but still, he could hardly stop the tremendous force.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The ground was cleaved open by the Fire Qilin Sword, leaving a sword mark stretching tens of meters.


    At the same time Xiao Yi was sent flying,


    Zhang Tianyi thrust with hisnce at Jiang Tai. Caught off guard, Jiang Tai''s shoulder was impaled. With a flick of his spear, Zhang Tianyi shattered Jiang Tai''s right shoulder, blood streaming down.


    The Nine Rings Saber was too heavy to hold and fell to the side.


    Zhang Tianyi pointed his long spear at Jiang Tai''s throat. Jiang Tai kept backing away, watching the spear''s light grow closer and closer, his body drenched in cold sweat.


    "Am I going to die?"


    At this moment,


    Jiang Tai suddenly wished for Xiao Yi to kick him once more!


    Just as the long spear was about to pierce his throat,


    At that moment...


    A tremendous force suddenly kicked him from behind right in the buttocks; with a howl of pain, Jiang Tai''s body flew sideways.


    With a thud, he crashed against the rock wall.


    Spread out like a starfish, as if embedded in it.


    And the one who had kicked him was none other than Xiao Yi!


    At this moment, Xiao Yi''s whole body was covered in blood, evidently using the Blood Explosion Skill. He directly ignited twenty percent of his blood, with his power surging by twenty times, Xiao Yi''s face was cold "Solitary Nine Swords, first move!"


    Whoosh!


    He moved like a whirlwind, with sword in hand.


    "Child''s y!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s legs, like pirs supporting the heavens, were firmly nted on the ground, holding the spear in one hand, unleashing sharp spear shadows one after another.


    ng, ng, ng!


    The shing of spear and sword sparked mes, with violent energy scattering in all directions.


    If it were before...


    Zhang Tianyi could have easily withstood it, but now Xiao Yi''s power had increased twenty times!


    Each sword strike on the long spear made his palm go numb, threatening to burst at any moment.


    "Overturning Rivers and Seas!"


    Zhang Tianyi''s sword-like eyebrows tensed, he gripped the long spear with both hands, the entire spear bending severely under the violent force. Like a fully drawn bow, it released fiercely, and the suppressed power eruptedpletely.


    "Solitary Nine Swords, second move!"


    Xiao Yi gripped the sword handle tightly and abruptly thrust upward, bringing forth a blood-red sword re.


    Boom!


    The sword re collided with the long spear, dispersing its umted force. Meanwhile, Xiao Yi leaped into the air, "Solitary Nine Swords, third move!"


    This sword strike was like a fairy descending from the heavens!


    Falling from the sky!


    Utilizing the vibrating force of the sword, Xiao Yi continuously changed positions in mid-air, smoothly dodging the spear thrust by Zhang Tianyi, and with a puff, a sword shed down from behind him.


    Aoowu!


    Zhang Tianyi screamed in pain, stumbling forward.


    The clothes on his back were torn, and a blood-red sword mark stretched from the back of his neck to his waist, with peeled skin revealing the spine wrapped within.


    Just this one sword nearly crippled Zhang Tianyi!


    In a life-or-death moment,


    Zhang Tianyi red fiercely at Xiao Yi. With severe injuries, he was no longer a match for Xiao Yi and chose to flee without hesitation.


    A vengeful voice echoed within the ancient tomb, "If I do not avenge this, I shall not consider myself a person!"


    Xiao Yi forged ahead with his sword, giving chase relentlessly,ughing coldly, "Vow not to be human? Then be a ghost!"

 Chapter 94 The Consequences of This Sword!

    ```


    Boom!


    Sword Qi surged forth, proving fatally dangerous to Zhang Tianyi as he fled for his life through the narrow tomb passage.


    He couldn''t dodge at all, but if he turned back to defend,


    he would end up letting Xiao Yi close the distance even more.


    He could only use his energy to form an energy shield, constantly blocking Xiao Yi''s sword moves.


    However, the energy shield was extremely draining to maintain. Once or twice was still manageable, but after several times the speed at which the energy shield could be formed could no longer keep up with the speed of Xiao Yi''s sword.


    Pfft!


    Pfft!


    Pfft!


    Several ghastly wounds appeared on Zhang Tianyi''s back, from which blood gushed, dyeing his entire back a bloody red.


    "Xiao Yi, you''re going too far!" Zhang Tianyi roared in rage.


    Xiao Yi''s face remained expressionless as he struck with his sword, "So I bullied you, what can you do about it?"


    "I..."


    Zhang Tianyi was so angry he felt like spitting blood.


    At this moment...


    The only thought in Zhang Tianyi''s mind was why he hadn''t killed Xiao Yi when he teamed up with Ye Feng. s, there are no pills for regret in this world.


    He fled all the way.


    Finally escaped the ancient tomb.


    Seeing light appear ahead, Zhang Tianyi felt a surge of excitement: "To escape... Once I get out of here, without the restrictions of the tomb passage, he won''t be able to catch up to me."


    "Seize life!"


    A cold voice suddenly came from behind, followed by a series of ear-piercing whooshing sounds.


    "Not good!"


    Zhang Tianyi''splexion changed dramatically, and he quickly ced his long spear behind him.


    ng!


    A thunderous boom erupted.


    The violent force burst out behind him, creating an immense shockwave that sent Zhang Tianyi flying.


    At the exit of the ancient tomb...


    Yue Ling''er was healing under a nearby tree when she suddenly heard a loud noise and saw Zhang Tianyi flying out like a kite with its string cut.


    Thud!


    Zhang Tianyi mmed hard into the ground, not just getting a mouthful of mud but also rolling and crawling dozens of meters away.


    But Zhang Tianyi didn''t care about his own disgrace.


    He rolled and crawled, running wildly toward the distance.


    Like a dog that had lost its home!


    "This, this is... Zhang Tianyi?" Yue Ling''er blinked,pletely baffled.


    This was the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, the second-ranked person on the Teng Long List of the Tian Kingdom!


    How had he be so disheveled?


    "Could it be that cousin has made a breakthrough?"


    Yue Ling''er''s eyes shone with hope, thinking that only if Jiang Tai had broken through to the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm could he have driven Zhang Tianyi to such desperation.


    She quickly got up, looking hopefully towards the entrance of the tomb.


    But...


    The figure appearing before her was not Jiang Tai, but Xiao Yi!


    Xiao Yi stood with his sword, frowning as he nced at Yue Ling''er, "Which way did Zhang Tianyi run?"


    "Over, over there..."


    Yue Ling''er pointed subconsciously in the direction Zhang Tianyi had fled.


    Xiao Yi grunted in acknowledgment and like an arrow shot from a bow, he relentlessly pursued.


    "Uh..."


    Yue Ling''er stood there baffled, momentarily stunned. Then, she saw the pale-faced Jiang Tai walk out from the tomb. She swallowed and stammered, "C-cousin, was it Xiao Yi chasing Zhang Tianyi just now?"


    Jiang Tai nodded, "Didn''t you see it? Which way did they run?"


    Yue Ling''er: "..."


    ...


    Above the marsh.


    Zhang Tianyi ran wildly, changing his position from left to right.


    In his wake...


    Sword Qi tore through the air, slicing through the marsh, sending ck soil sttering into the air. Hisplexion turned deathly pale due to excessive blood loss, and he caught a glimpse of Xiao Yi in hot pursuit from the corner of his eye.


    Zhang Tianyi seethed with hate, "Xiao Yi, let me go, and I''ll no longer be your enemy!"


    ```


    Xiao Yi said, "If you stop, I won''t kill you!"


    Zhang Tianyi shouted angrily, "You don''t trust me? I can swear that I will never be your enemy again!"


    Xiao Yi said calmly, "I swear too, if you stop, I won''t kill you with my own hands!"


    Zhang Tianyi was so angry that he was fuming, "..."


    Not kill me with your own hands?


    If you hand me over to Jiang Tai, that''s still death!


    Zhang Tianyi could only grit his teeth and flee desperately, his blood dripping down his legs to the ground with every movement, causing the wounds on his back to tear and bringing waves of piercing pain.


    But under Xiao Yi''s pressure, Zhang Tianyi had no choice but to run for his life!


    "I''m close, just past the forest ahead and I can leave this damn secret realm. Once there, with the Great General around, my life will be safe!" Zhang Tianyi thought to himself.


    Driven by a strong will to survive, his speed unexpectedly increased even more.


    Through the swamp.


    Inside the dense forest.


    Where the two passed, ancient trees copsed with loud crashes, pushing straight through, carving a wide path through the dense forest.


    Finally arriving at the edge of the forest, the exit of the secret realm was right before his eyes.


    Zhang Tianyi was so excited he was near tears; the desperate flight had been far too tormenting. With tears in his eyes, heughed loudly, "Xiao Yi, the exit of the secret realm is right ahead, you can''t kill me! Hahahaha, when I get back, I''m going to spread the word about you. Then, there will be more than just me trying to kill you! You''re done for, no one can save you..."


    Xiao Yi''s face was expressionless: "Blood Explosion Skill!"


    Boom!


    Once again burning off twenty percent of his blood, the fourth level of the Blood Explosion Skill, his strength soared forty-fold, and his speed surged as he and Zhang Tianyi raced towards the exit of the secret realm...


    ......


    Outside the secret realm.


    Gu Junhe, Zhou Yuan, and other mighty figures at the peak of the Golden Core Realm sat distinctly around the entrance of the secret realm.


    Suddenly...


    Several figures opened their eyes and looked towards the exit of the secret realm: "Someone''sing out!"


    "Who could it be?"


    "Ye Feng?"


    "Zhang Tianyi?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Jiang Tai?"


    The eyes of the figures grew fervent, along with a trace of anxiety.


    The reason they had handed over this secret realm for the younger generation to trial, was because the top figures were closely matched and none wished to fight to the death, allowing others to benefit from their dispute.


    After opening up this realm, they allowed the younger generation to contend within it.


    Whose descendant seized the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, their camp would im the victory!


    Zhou Yuan wore a confident look: "It must be Ye Feng... gentlemen, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit will belong to me!"


    "Hmph, that''s not necessarily the case; it could be Zhang Tianyi," said Wu Yu confidently.


    Among the younger generation of powerhouses who entered the secret realm, Zhang Tianyi of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm was the foremost contender, and he was utterly confident!


    At that moment...


    The entrance to the secret realm buzzed brightly as Zhang Tianyi burst out from it.


    "Hahahaha, indeed, it''s Zhang Tianyi; gentlemen, the Martial Dao Divine Fruit is mine to take!" Wu Yu said triumphantly, his face flushed with excitement as heughed and walked toward Zhang Tianyi.


    But just then.


    Zhang Tianyi, with a look of terror, shouted, "Great General, save me!"


    "Huh?"


    Wu Yu was stunned, and then he saw Xiao Yi, his body covered in blood light, brandishing the Fire Qilin Sword and chasing after him.


    "Life-taking!"


    Xiao Yi thrust out with his sword.


    Wu Yu''s face turned pale, and he roared, "You fiend, stop right there!"


    He wanted to intervene, but it was already toote.


    Thump!


    The sword struck hard on Zhang Tianyi''s back. Zhang Tianyi spat out a mouthful of blood and fell to the ground. Xiao Yi leapt up and stepped on Zhang Tianyi.


    The cold sword de was against Zhang Tianyi''s neck.


    "Stop!"


    Wu Yu''s face turned grim, his eyes shining with a ferocious light, he gritted his teeth and said, "Xiao Yi, let go of Tianyi now. Think carefully about the consequences if you plunge that sword. Let him go, kneel and apologize, and I can let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, you will be the public enemy of Tian Kingdom!"


    In Wu Yu''s view...


    He was a towering figure at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, and themander of the Tian Kingdom''s three armed forces.


    Xiao Yi surely wouldn''t dare oppose his will.


    However...


    Xiao Yi''s sword gently slid across, and with a soft thud, he decapitated Zhang Tianyi. Then, looking up at Wu Yu, he asked, "You were saying... what would be the consequence of this sword strike?"

 Chapter 95 Kill!!!

    Xiao Yi''s face was tinged with amusement as he looked at Wu Yu, whose face was overcast with gloom, "What was that about consequences you just mentioned?"


    Silence enveloped the surroundings.


    All eyes inevitably fell upon Zhang Tianyi, whoy dead at Xiao Yi''s feet.


    This was the second-highest master of the Teng Long List from Tian Kingdom!


    A formidable power from the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    And he was dead?


    Dead by the hand of Xiao Yi, who just half a month ago, was only at the Peak of the Shentong Realm?


    In his shock, Wu Yu felt a burning pain on his face, as if he had been furiously pped dozens of times.


    Xiao Yi had actually in Zhang Tianyi right in front of him.


    If he couldn''t kill Xiao Yi, what face would he have left?


    A raging fury ignited within him; Wu Yu''s eyes turned frosty to the extreme, his teeth clenched, "Xiao Yi, I will tear you to pieces!"


    Boom!


    Wu Yu struck the air with a palm from above.


    Such was the might of one at the Golden Elixir Realm Peak, a palm so powerful it seemed to cause the sun and moon to lose their luster, dimming their light.


    Qi unrivaled in might, coalesced into a hand asrge as a small mountain; this palm, though condensed from Qi, was so lifelike, one could even discern the lines on its palm.


    A gray hand crushed the air downwards, its terrifying might causing the ground to buzz, and pebbles to shatter explosively.


    Xiao Yi''s body quivered, surrounded by a nimbus of blood light, his longsword in motion, "Solitary Nine Swords, the third move!"


    There were nine moves in total within "Solitary Nine Swords."


    Xiao Yi''s sword pierced through the sky, and from the Fire Qilin Sword burst a beam of Sword Qi, winding around ayer of red mes, exploding with a bang as it cleaved the giant gray hand in two.


    Bang!


    The Sword Qi fractured, and the hand was split into halves.


    As Xiao Yinded on the ground, the valley violently shook with a rumble, and the ground cracked open, spread with fierce, web-like fissures.


    Dust swirled, and rocks flew through the air.


    Xiao Yi leaped up, his toesnding upon a flying rock, he lightly tapped it, his figure soaring once more, "Solitary Nine Swords, the fifth move!"


    Every move of "Solitary Nine Swords" flowed with the heart.


    The swordsmanship was ingenious and difficult to defend against.


    His figure constantly shifted positions in mid-air, left, right, high, and low, dazzling to the eye and making it impossible to grasp his intentions.


    Suddenly...


    ng!


    A dazzling streak of silver ripped through the air, with a swish, appearing like a silver rainbow strung across the heaven and earth, slicing towards Wu Yu.


    Wu Yu had not anticipated that Xiao Yi could break his offensive; the subsequent sword technique was even more cunning.


    He casually conjured several Qi shields to block in front of him.


    But Xiao Yi''s sword, almost as if sentient, bypassed the Qi shields and, under Wu Yu''s astonished gaze, thudded into his shoulder.


    A ssh of blood-red sprayed out, hot blood spattering across his left cheek.


    Hisss!


    Everyone was stunned, "I must be seeing things..."


    "Xiao Yi has actually injured Wu Yu?"


    "This man... must not be left alive..."


    Within the crowd, Zhou Yuan wore a dark expression, his gaze on Xiao Yi shifting from initial scorn to grave seriousness.


    A few months ago...


    When Xiao Yi caused a major disturbance in the Martial Arts Institute and Zhou Yuan personally pursued him, seeking to put him to death, Xiao Yi had vowed to tten the Royal Martial Arts Academy within a year to take his life.


    At that time, Zhou Yuan considered it nothing but a joke.


    But now...


    In just a few months, Xiao Yi had acquired the strength to y a power from the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm and was even able to wound Wu Yu, someone at the Peak of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Even considering the possibility that Wu Yu had been careless and underestimated his opponent, one could not deny Xiao Yi''s strength!


    And it had been mere months!


    "If it''s a yearter?"


    "What about three yearster?"


    Harboring the same thoughts were Jin Sheng, Zhuang Bifan, and Master Kong Ming from the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple. Xiao Yi and them had unresolvable deep hatred!


    "Wu, the Great General, I am here to assist you!" Zhuang Bifan let out a cold snort; his longsword, sheathed at his back, was drawn and held in each hand, with another clenched between his teeth.


    The strongest sword technique of Mingjian Manor¡ªTriple Sword Style!


    A cold gleam shed in Jin Sheng''s eyes; his grandson was in by Xiao Yi, and even his son was left half-dead by Xiao Yi''s hand. Now that he had the chance, he certainly would not hold back.


    Swish!


    Without a word, Jin Sheng also charged toward Xiao Yi.


    Both were of the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Together with Wu Yu, the two attacked Xiao Yi. This outraged Gu Junhe, who was originally just observing the battle, "Damn it, you shameless wretches, stop this instant!"


    He had seen Wu Yu unable to threaten Xiao Yi for the moment and had been on standby, but he hadn''t expected Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng to be so shameless.


    One at the Golden Elixir Peak, and two at the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Three elders from the older generation were ganging up on Xiao Yi.


    Is this something people would do?


    However...


    No sooner had Gu Junhe made his move, he was stopped by Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming working together. Gu Junhe red furiously, "Zhou Yuan, Kong Ming, you bald donkey, get out of my way!"


    "Xiao Yi killed Zhang Tianyi, he must die! If the Tian Kingdom uses this as a pretext to start a war, causing untold suffering, the humble monk cannot let you save him!" said Master Kong Ming with an air of moral superiority and a face ofpassion.


    Zhou Yuan spoke indifferently, "Sacrificing one for the avoidance of war between two nations is worth it!"


    "Bullshit!"


    Gu Junhe cursed loudly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He tried to break through theirbined attack several times, but Zhou Yuan''s strength was no less than his, and he was joined by Master Kong Ming, who was at the Tenth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    He simply couldn''t break through their blockade.


    Gu Junhe''s eyes were blood-reddened. He could only look over them in fury at Xiao Yi, who was being overwhelmed by Wu Yu and the other two, falling back step by step and he roared angrily, "Zhou Yuan, you thieving baldy... If anything happens to Xiao Yi, I''ll never let you two off the hook!"


    "Amitabha, if he can sacrifice himself to relieve the suffering of all living beings, Xiao Yi''s death would indeed be worthwhile!" Master Kong Ming put his palms together.


    Zhou Yuan''s lips curled up into a mocking, cold smile. "Gu Junhe, the righteous gain help while the unrighteous find little support. You and the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, along with Xiao Yi, have chosen to act perversely and against the tide. It is destined that you will only face defeat!"


    Meanwhile...


    Faced with the attack of three great masters, Xiao Yi was retreating step by step, his body covered in wounds.


    Zhuang Bifan, with a sword in each hand, his Sword Qi stern, stated, "Xiao Yi, from the moment you destroyed my Sword Burial Ground, you should have foreseen this day''s oue!"


    Jin Sheng''s punches whipped up fierce winds, mighty and powerful, driving Xiao Yi into a corner punch after punch, "Join my grandson in death!"


    Wu Yu''s expression was impassive, "Even the people of your own Tianqing Kingdom are so eager to kill you; you truly deserve your fate!"


    "I am dying, your motherf¡ª"


    Xiao Yi spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his right hand gripping tightly onto the sword hilt, his fierce eyes scanning the three men, teeth clenched, "You want my life? You three old dogs are not worthy!"


    Boom!


    The Blood Explosion Skill, the fifth level.


    The sixth level.


    The seventh level...


    Xiao Yi''splexion was pale as snow, but upon unleashing the seventh level of the Blood Explosion Skill, his strength had increased seventyfold.


    A blood-red storm rose from beneath his feet.


    Boom, boom, boom!


    The ground beneath Xiao Yi exploded, and rocks burst upward in the crimson storm, crushed to dust by Sword Qi before him.


    His eyes were a blood-red re, the Fire Qilin Sword in his hand trembling with an ascending Sword Intent.


    What of the Golden Elixir Peak?


    What of the three great figures?


    The divine general whomanded the heavens was invincible in battle and defeated all in war!


    His blood-colored gaze swept over the three men.


    Xiao Yi''s boundless fighting spirit erupted like a volcano, his roar thundering into the skies, "Kill!!!!"

 Chapter 96 Youve Rejoiced Too Soon!

    Xiao Yi''s blood turned wicked as seven-tenths of it became tainted in a single instance.


    The seventhyer of the Blood Explosion Skill exploded in full force.


    He was truly risking his life in this fight.


    After all...


    At the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, facing three highyer Golden Core Realm powerhouses at once, Xiao Yi had no other choice but to fight desperately or face certain death.


    He erupted with power in this dire situation!


    Of course.


    If Xiao Yi had fled desperately to Gu Junhe''s side, with Gu Junhe''s strength, he could have protected him thoroughly. But Xiao Yi was the War God, holdingmand over the Ancient Tomb of Eons, suppressing the existence of heavenly immortals, ghosts, demons, and gods!


    Even if the enemy was dozens of times stronger than himself, he must not lose the heart to fight bravely.


    Otherwise, how could he suppress those legendary supreme powerhouses within the Ancient Tomb of Eons?


    Almost at the same moment that Xiao Yi unleashed the seventhyer of the Blood Explosion Skill, within the Ancient Tomb of Eons, the most dazzling among the nine majestic golden pyramids suddenly trembled violently as if trying to break free from the shackles of the Ancient Tomb of Eons.


    But the eighty-one radiant divinities restraining the Ancient Tomb of Eons suddenly burst forth with blindingly brilliant light.


    Along with the nking chains.


    Forcefully suppressing this golden pyramid.


    Of course, Xiao Yi was unaware of all these events; at that moment, his body was shrouded in a ten-zhang high sea of blood, resembling a crimson War God. Holding the Fire Qilin Sword, activating his Divine Skills, his entire body was covered with a ck membrane.


    He looked like an iron figure crafted from ck iron.


    Whoosh!


    The Fire Qilin Sword, swung in the air, emitted a piercing sword re that shed straight toward Zhuang Bifan.


    Among these three...


    The most difficult and threatening to him was naturally Wu Yu, but Wu Yu''s strength was too immense. At the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, even with Xiao Yi''s current state, killing him would be quite challenging.


    Once entangled by Wu Yu, then Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng would be a great threat.


    Therefore.


    Xiao Yi''s objective in this three-against-one battle was clear, to first strike down Zhuang Bifan, who had a stronger offense, then kill Jin Sheng.


    And finally, to have a deciding life-or-death battle with Wu Yu!


    "You little bastard, do you really think I''m a pushover?"


    Seeing Xiao Yi choosing him first among the three, Zhuang Bifan''s face showed a hint of annoyed anger; his sword brows furrowed tightly as the Solitary Nine Swords were fully executed. His left handmenced work, performing two entirely different sword moves.


    And the longsword he held in his mouth was also covered with ayer of vitality, stabbing straight at the vital points like a spirit snake.


    The Solitary Nine Swords was not only fast.


    It also simultaneously performed three different sword moves, overwhelming the opponent. These were three fourth-grade famous swords, each one ranked among the top ten in the Tianqing Kingdom, not to be underestimated in power.


    The sword moves with the heart.


    Xiao Yi''s sword moves constantly changed, one by one neutralizing Zhuang Bifan''s attacks, all the while shifting positions, using Zhuang Bifan to block the offensive of Jin Sheng and Wu Yu.


    When facing the siege of three great experts, Xiao Yi did not sh directly with them.


    While bombarding Zhuang Bifan with attacks, he used Zhuang Bifan to resist the offensive of Wu Yu and the other, making Wu Yu''s trio feel restrained everywhere; despite having mightybat strength, they couldn''t utilize it at all.


    "Nine Evolution Divine Fist!"


    Jin Sheng''s fists glimmered like gold, smashing down with thunderous force, the two fist lights converging into a column of light.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However...


    Xiao Yi turned back, his sweep carrying the momentum of a sweeping army and sliced toward Zhuang Bifan.


    Zhuang Bifan''s longsword stood vertical, blocking the sword in front of him. Yet the great impact from the sword edge sent him flying backward,nding right on Jin Sheng''s column of light with a loud bang.


    Zhuang Bifan took the full brunt of the punch.


    Wow!


    Zhuang Bifan spat out blood, ring fiercely at Jin Sheng: "Damn you, aim more carefully!"


    Jin Sheng''s face twisted with embarrassment: "..."


    Wu Yu snorted coldly, "Zhuang Bifan, get out of the way!"


    Zhuang Bifan tried to dodge, but Xiao Yi returned swiftly, sticking close beside him.


    Eight Extremes Copse!


    Eight Extremes Copse!


    Life-Chasing Soul Sword...


    The constant onught left Zhuang Bifan with no way to escape, rendering Wu Yu and Jin Sheng helpless and forced to look on.


    Not far away.


    Watching Xiao Yi fight one against three and still have the upper hand to the extent of toying with them effortlessly, Gu Junhe felt much relieved and burst intoughter, "Wu Yu, you three shameless old dogs ganging up on a junior from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and still falling behind? You have truly lived your years in vain!"


    Zhou Yuan''s face was also extremely ugly as he angrily said, "Wu Yu, what good are you for?"


    Master Kong Ming, with eyes narrowed, pressed his palms together as the Buddha beads in his hands gently turned. All of a sudden, with a flick of his hands, the string of beads whizzed towards Xiao Yi. These Buddha beads were a fourth-grade spiritual weapon, and if they hit Xiao Yi, he would be gravely injured if not killed.


    "Bald donkey, you dare?"


    Gu Junhe flew into a rage, hurling his wine gourd out.


    Whoosh!


    The wine gourd suddenly expanded and with a bang, collided with the Buddha beads.


    The wine gourd burst open.


    The Buddha beads were abruptly halted, missing the prime opportunity to ambush Xiao Yi.


    "Bald donkey, how utterly despicable!" Gu Junhe red furiously.


    Master Kong Ming pressed his palms together, chanting Buddha''s name with a face full ofpassion, "Amitabha, this poor monk is merely exorcising demons and protecting the path!"


    "A fine exorcism, and protection of the path! Today, I, Gu Junhe wille to see for myself the Buddhist Law of the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple..."


    Gu Junhe trembled all over as the aura of someone at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm fully erupted.


    He charged directly at Master Kong Ming.


    Master Kong Ming''s face changed dramatically, shouting to Zhou Yuan, "Director Zhou, help me!"


    "I aming too!"


    Zhou Yuan charged towards Gu Junhe, joining forces with Master Kong Ming to fight Gu Junhe into a melee.


    For a moment...


    The entire valley was filled with soaring battle intent.


    ......


    "I''ll hold him off, you two strike quickly!" Zhuang Bifan suddenly let out a low roar as three longswords circled each other, forming a sword array.


    Trinity Sword Formation!


    The three renowned swords were positioned as Heaven, Earth, and Man to form a sword-shaped cage, trapping Xiao Yi within the sword formation. Xiao Yi''s Fire Qilin Sword constantly bombarded the sword formation but was unable to break free for the moment.


    Jin Sheng and Wu Yu''s faces revealed a trace of ecstasy, "Now''s the time!"


    "Nine Evolution Divine Fist!"


    "Monument Splitting Hand!"


    The attacks from Jin Sheng and Wu Yu, one from the left and one from the right, came crashing in.


    Looking at Xiao Yi trapped in the sword formation with two ferocious attacks bearing down, Zhuang Bifanughed triumphantly, "Like a damn dog, how are you not dead yet?"


    However...


    Just as the two attacks were about to hit Xiao Yi.


    A brilliant smile suddenly appeared on Xiao Yi''s face, which in Zhuang Bifan''s eyes resembled the soul-reaping grin of the grim reaper, causing his back to suddenly break out in a cold sweat.


    The next moment...


    A streak of silver light suddenly burst forth from Xiao Yi''s bosom.


    It was none other than Little Lin!


    Little Lin''s tail swept out, directly tearing through the Trinity Sword Formation, while Xiao Yi shed out of it. The two attacks collided behind him, and the explosive shockwave elerated Xiao Yi''s speed by several times.


    Like an arrow leaving the bowstring, he charged at Zhuang Bifan.


    "Sword Breaking Style!"


    The strongest attacking move of the Solitary Nine Swords, Xiao Yi''s form seemed to merge with the Fire Qilin Sword, barely revealing the third phase of Sword Intent''s unity of man and sword. Whoosh, he brushed past Zhuang Bifan.


    Zhuang Bifan shuddered, his hands subconsciously clutching his neck as blood uncontrobly gushed out.


    In his ears...


    He heard Xiao Yi''s cold voice, "You''ve celebrated too soon!"

 Chapter 97 The March Agreement

    "You''re celebrating too early!"


    A cold voice rang in his ears.


    The moment the words fell.


    Zhuang Bifan''s hands clutched at his neck as blood uncontrobly spurted out like a fountain.


    His life force was rapidly draining away.


    Darkness fell before his eyes.


    His vitality waspletely extinguished!


    Xiao Yi quickly grabbed Zhuang Bifan''s corpse and threw it towards Jin Sheng and hispanion.


    "Get out of my way!"


    Jin Sheng raised his hand to throw a punch, explosively sting Zhuang Bifan''s corpse away, and amidst the blood mist that filled the air, Jin Sheng suddenly saw a streak of red sword light sh before his eyes. Wu Yu''s voice came from beside him, mixed with shock and anger, "Quick, dodge!"


    "Hmm?"


    Jin Sheng was stunned and instinctively dodged to the side.


    But he was still a step too slow!


    The moment Xiao Yi threw Zhuang Bifan''s corpse, he was already closely following behind, and with a ''pff,'' his sword''s cold light shed off Jin Sheng''s left arm. A blood-stained arm soared high into the air, like a kite with its string cut.


    Aaawooo!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Jin Sheng let out a miserable scream, his face instantly turning pale.


    Sharp Sword Qi came from behind again, and Jin Sheng, disregarding his injury, stumbled forward. But Xiao Yi merely whistled, and amid the whoosh of a sonic boom, Little Lin wrapped itself around Jin Sheng''s neck.


    Hiss!


    Little Lin opened its mouth and its sharp poisonous fangs deeply pierced Jin Sheng''s neck.


    "What the hell is this thing?"


    Jin Sheng winced in pain, grabbed Little Lin, and brutally mmed it to the ground. With a thud, Little Lin hit the floor, blood spraying from its mouth. It rapidly coiled and slithered away to the side.


    Little Lin was not strong inbat, but its physical body was incredibly tough.


    Even Xiao Yi could not break through its scale armor defense.


    Just now, it used its sturdy scale armor to wrap around the Three Talents Sword and broke through Zhuang Bifan''s Sword Array, but it was still seriously injured by Jin Sheng''s throw, trembling on the side, its cold eyes fixed on Jin Sheng as if staring at a lifeless corpse.


    Jin Sheng, running frantically, dodged Xiao Yi''s attacks several times, only to find his speed getting slower and slower, his body increasingly heavy, and his vision now and then fading to darkness.


    Jin Sheng''s expression changed drastically, "What''s, what''s happening?"


    He raised his hand.


    A sticky mess of blood clung to his palm.


    ck blood began to spurt from his seven orifices.


    "Poisoned?"


    Jin Sheng felt his scalp go numb.


    The poison from Little Lin was terrifyingly potent, and this bite was right on his carotid artery, the toxin rapidly spreading throughout his body. Despair filled Jin Sheng''s face as he could feel his life force swiftly slipping away.


    "I must detoxify immediately, or my life is at risk!"


    With a resentful re at Xiao Yi, Jin Sheng did not dare to stay any longer and fled desperately.


    The turmoil here naturally caught the attention of Gu Junhe and others.


    Bang!


    Gu Junhe punched Master Kong Ming, breaking most of his ribs, and if Zhou Yuan had not intervened timely, Master Kong Ming would have surely perished at Gu Junhe''s hands.


    His face went pale as he looked at the disheveled Jin Sheng fleeing and Zhuang Bifan''s dismembered body, swallowing hard, "How, how is this possible? Zhuang Bifan and the others, faced with a three against one, ended up with one dead and one fleeing?"


    Zhou Yuan''s face was extremely ugly: "Useless trash."


    Gu Junheughed heartily, "Xiao Yi, well done! Worthy of being the sessor of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy!" He looked triumphantly at Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming, his face mocking, "Gentlemen, does that sting?"


    Previously, these two were convinced that as long as they kept him upied, Xiao Yi was as good as dead.


    But...


    Xiao Yi was not only alive.


    He had counter-killed Zhuang Bifan and severely injured Jin Sheng, forcing him to flee in a wretched state.


    Now, that was a resounding p in the face!


    Zhou Yuan''s face alternated between shades of green and white, so furious he was at a loss for words.


    At Master Kong Ming''s side, his face was as pale as death. He swallowed several Buddha Pills to stabilize his injuries but could no longer maintain the detachment he had before. His Buddha Beads kept spinning in his hand, and his eyes reached the ultimate level of gloominess.


    Zhou Yuan said in a deep voice, "Kong Ming, I will stop Gu Junhe. How confident are you in helping Wu Yu y Xiao Yi?"


    Master Kong Ming was startled, about to speak.


    Gu Junhe, who was standing nearby, already sneered, "Zhou Yuan, if you dare to do that, I will ignite my Golden Core and fight you to the death right away!"


    "You¡­"


    Zhou Yuan''s face stiffened and he was at a loss for words for a moment.


    Hisbat strength was on par with Gu Junhe, even slightly suppressing him.


    But¡­


    If Gu Junhe were to ignite his Golden Core, it would be a fight to the death, and even if Zhou Yuan could kill Gu Junhe in the end, he would suffer great losses himself.


    Seeing this.


    Gu Junhe also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, obviously Zhou Yuan had his concerns too.


    He shed to Xiao Yi''s side in an instant.


    With bloodshot eyes, Xiao Yi nced at Gu Junhe and, enduring the severe pain all over his body as well as the exhaustion and weakness from loss of blood, gritted his teeth and said, "Headmaster!"


    "Leave it to me!"


    Gu Junhe nodded at Xiao Yi and ced his palm on Xiao Yi''s body, infusing a surge of vital energy into him. With the boost of vital energy, the color returned slightly to Xiao Yi''s face. Gu Junhe, staring at Wu Yu with an extremely ugly expression, said indifferently, "You can''t kill him, how about we call it quits?"


    Snorting, Wu Yu said with a dark face, "He killed our national Tianjiao, Zhang Tianyi. Do you expect me to let this go so easily?"


    Gu Junhe spoke indifferently, "Before entering the secret realm, we had an agreement that we will not discuss life and death in thepetition within. When Zhang Tianyi and the others issued the kill order against Xiao Yi earlier, I did not interfere!"


    "That was inside the secret realm¡­ Zhang Tianyi had already escaped from the secret realm, yet Xiao Yi was relentless in pursuing... If we let it go like this, where would my face be?" Wu Yu said.


    That being said.


    Inside, Wu Yu was already starting to beat a retreat.


    Although he was at the Golden Elixir Peak and had experienced many battles.


    It''s not easy to suppress Xiao Yi at this moment either!


    Moreover¡­


    Xiao Yi''s desperate fighting style had also deeply rmed him. Additionally, with Gu Junhe nking, he knew it was impossible to kill Xiao Yi today. However, Wu Yu was clearly not willing to let Xiao Yi off the hook just like that.


    Gu Junhe said indifferently, "If you''re not satisfied, I can apany you in a battle!"


    "You¡­"


    Wu Yu''s face changed repeatedly, his expression uncertain.


    At this moment.


    Xiao Yi spoke up, "If you want to kill me, let the strong from Tian Kingdome to the Royal Martial Arts Academy in three months!"


    "Huh?"


    Wu Yu was taken aback.


    Xiao Yi''s gaze turned towards Zhou Yuan and Master Kong Ming, an icy chill in his eyes as he said slowly, "I have said that within a year, I will tten the Royal Martial Arts Academy. In three months, I will personally go to the Royal Martial Arts Academy, and then you can send your strong ones over!"


    "Xiao Yi¡­"


    Gu Junhe''s face changed.


    The Royal Martial Arts Academy is the holynd of martial arts in Tianqing Kingdom.


    Even he dared not im to tten the Royal Martial Arts Academy outright. To him, Xiao Yi''s actions were suicidal!


    Yet Xiao Yi gently shook his head, stopping Gu Junhe from persuading him further, fixing Zhou Yuan with a stare, "Zhou Yuan, you old dog, do you dare ept the challenge?"


    Zhou Yuan narrowed his eyes and smiled coldly, "In three months, I will have a coffin ready for you!"


    Master Kong Ming murmured Amitabha and, with his Buddha Beads rolling and a cold expression on his face, said, "At that time, my Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple will definitely send people there!"


    Xiao Yi turned to Wu Yu.


    Wu Yu''s expression fluctuated, he took a deep breath, and said through gritted teeth, "Fine, in three months, my Tian Kingdom will surelye on time!"


    Zhou Yuan and others soared into the sky and disappeared into the horizon.


    With aplex expression on his face, Gu Junhe looked at Xiao Yi and sighed, "Xiao Yi, you''re too impulsive... The Royal Martial Arts Academy has a profound background, far beyond what you understand..."


    Xiao Yi gave a faint smile, about to speak, but suddenly everything went ck, and he passed out.


    Gu Junhe quickly caught him, looking at Xiao Yi in his arms, he sighed gently, a resolute look appearing in his eyes, "Well then... I''ll apany you in your utter madness!"

 Chapter 98 The Struggle for First Place

    Inside the valley.


    Gu Junhe gave Xiao Yi many elixirs to consume and, seeing Xiao Yi''splexion regain some of its rosiness, finally breathed a sigh of relief.


    Looking at the dozen or so empty medicine bottles on the ground, Gu Junhe couldn''t help butugh bitterly, "This kid... In order to save you, he almost emptied out my entire stock... You better not disappoint me!"


    Xiao Yi had burned up to seventy percent of his blood.


    Any other person at the Golden Core Realm would have long since died from excessive blood loss.


    Gu Junhe had also been startled when he saw Xiao Yi''s blood was nearly drained.


    He hastily fed all his treasured elixirs to Xiao Yi.


    "What a monster!"


    Watching the body that had be withered after losing the power boost of the Blood Explosion Skill, slowly recovering, Gu couldn''t help but take a deep breath, "Such terrifying recovery ability is no less than some Spiritual Bodies!"


    In the Heavenly Yuan Realm.


    There are many special physiques, and from weak to strong, they are ssified as Spiritual Body, Sacred Body, and Divine Body!


    For instance, Xiao Tianjiao possesses the Supreme Overlord Holy Body!


    This is a terrifying physique that can evolve into a Divine Body.


    Although Xiao Yi doesn''t possess a special physique, the transformation from the silent influence of the divine power has made his body no weaker than an ordinary Spiritual Body. Otherwise, he would not have survived after consuming so much blood!


    Hum!


    The entrance to the secret realm suddenly transmitted a surge of energy fluctuations.


    Jiang Tai walked out with the support of Yue Ling''er, and the first thing they saw was the unconscious Xiao Yi and Gu Junhe.


    Jiang Tai''s face changed, and he quickly asked, "Principal Gu, Xiao, is he...?"


    "He''s fine!"


    Gu Junhe shook his head and frowned at Jiang Tai, "What about you? What happened to you?"


    Upon hearing Xiao Yi was fine, Jiang Tai also rxed and then bitterly recounted everything that had happened in the secret realm to Gu Junhe, "I didn''t expect Junior Brother Xiao to be so terrifying, even Ye Feng was killed by him..."


    "Not just Ye Feng?"


    Gu wore a strange expression and moved his mouth towards a side, "Zhang Tianyi and Zhuang Bifan were both killed by him. Jin Sheng from the Nine Profound Sect also had an arm severed by him and fled in a sorry state..."


    Hiss!


    Jiang Tai and Yue Ling''er took a sharp breath, exchanging nces and seeing the shock in each other''s eyes.


    Zhuang Bifan and Jin Sheng!


    They were both high-level Golden Core practitioners from the older generation.


    They were killed by Xiao Yi?


    Seeing the astonishment that left the two at a loss for words, Gu Junhe thought for a moment but decided not to tell them that Xiao Yi had fought Wu Yu, who was at the peak of the Golden Elixir Realm, for dozens of rounds without falling at a disadvantage!


    To avoid hitting them too hard and making them lose their confidence in pursuing the martial path.


    Yue Ling''er sized up Xiao Yi with curiosity and suspicion sparkling in her phoenix eyes.


    The first time they met.


    Yue Ling''er didn''t think much of Xiao Yi at all.


    When they met again.


    In front of her, Xiao Yi had in Ling Feng, making it hard for her to believe.


    Now, the third time they met...


    Even though Xiao Yi was unconscious, his battle achievements had also shaken her heart.


    Gu Junhe nced at the secret realm entrance behind them and frowned, "Logically, now that you''ve broken through the main tomb, others should havee out too. Howe it''s only you two..."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "They''re all dead, I suppose!" said Yue Ling''er.


    "Hmm?"


    Gu Junhe was taken aback, "Was thepetition in the secret realm that intense?"


    Jiang Tai nced at the unconscious Xiao Yi and said with a bitter smile, "Most of them were killed by Junior Brother Xiao!"


    "Eh... He killed them?"


    Gu Junhe looked confused.


    Twenty people each from the royal family and the Royal Martial Arts Academy, ten each from the Nine Profound Sect and the Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple, four from Mingjian Manor, and ten from the Tian Kingdom.


    All seventy or eighty people were killed by Xiao Yi?


    Gu Junhe looked down at the unconscious Xiao Yi, rubbed his forehead with his hand, and said with a wry smile, "This guy... Does he have such a heavy killing intent?"


    Yue Ling''er said, "Elder Gu, it was those people who tried to take Xiao Yi''s life first, that''s why he killed them!"


    Gu Junhe let out a sound.


    Jiang Tai looked at her with a strange expression, "Ling''er, you... seem to be very concerned about Xiao, aren''t you?"


    "Wha, what..."


    Yue Ling''er''s face turned red with embarrassment.


    But from the corner of her eye, she couldn''t help but nce over at Xiao Yi from time to time.


    Jiang Tai''s expression turned thoughtful.


    Gu Junhe shook his head and said, "Since no one else ising out, we can also close the entrance to the secret realm!"


    With a wave of his hand, the secret realm''s entrance dispersed into nothingness.


    Out of the blue, Jiang Tai said, "Elder, this is a Martial Dao Divine Fruit that I acquired from the ancient tomb!"


    "You keep it,"


    Gu Junhe waved his hand, not even ncing at the Martial Dao Divine Fruit, for he was still young and fully capable of breaking through to the Tao Tribtion Realm on his own, "Let''s head back first! Next up, the Royal Capital is going to be a lively ce indeed¡­"


    Gu Junhe whistled.


    High above in the sky.


    The Cangyun Eagle pped its wings and descended, carrying a few people as they soared into the air...


    ......


    Just as Gu Junhe had predicted.


    The Royal Capital indeed became bustling with excitement, with everyone from noble lords tomoners in the streets discussing the battle in the secret realm.


    And the most famous from this battle was naturally Xiao Yi!


    He had in nearly eighty young talents from various major forces!


    Fighting one against three, killing the lord of Mingjian Manor, grievously wounding the elder of Nine Profound Sect, and shing with a peak Golden Elixir Realm powerhouse for dozens of rounds without falling behind, and so on...


    A series of such news spread through the entire Royal Capital like a gue.


    Xiao Yi became famous in one battle!


    Simultaneously...


    The news that Xiao Yi had agreed to fight Zhou Yuan and tten the Martial Arts Institute in three months also spread rapidly, with the source being none other than Treasure Pavilion, the very same entity in charge of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List!


    Treasure Pavilion''s influence extended across the Heavenly Yuan Realm, and its intelligencework was immensely powerful, with eyes and ears everywhere.


    On this day.


    Outside the Treasure Pavilion.


    It was already a sea of people.


    "Thetest Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is about to go on sale soon, where do you think Xiao Yi will rank?"


    "He must be in the top three!"


    "Top three? You are underestimating him. Xiao Yi killed Zhang Tianyi, the second-ranked of the Tian Kingdom''s Teng Long List, and the lord of Mingjian Manor. I think he might very well challenge for first ce!"


    "First ce? That''s impossible. Great Prince Jiang Shanhe has been at the ninthyer of the Golden Elixir Realm for two years, firmly holding the top spot on the Teng Long List. Xiao Yi cannot surpass him!"


    "I heard that Xiao Yi is only at the fourthyer of the Golden Elixir Realm. There''s still a significant gap between him and the Great Prince, so it''s unlikely he''ll surpass the Great Prince any time soon."


    "I think Xiao Yi has a good chance of challenging for first ce..."


    Among the crowd, there was a heated debate.


    More than half of their focus in the debate was whether Xiao Yi could surpass Jiang Shanhe and be the first-ranked on the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and Teng Long List.


    Being first on the Teng Long List.


    That also signified the glory of being the foremost among the Tianqing Kingdom''s younger generation.


    It was a matter of significant importance!


    Under the watchful eyes of the masses, the doors of the Treasure Pavilion slowly opened.


    A young man stood at the doorway and shouted, "Thetest edition of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List is now on sale, one hundred Gold Coins per copy, limited to one copy per person!"


    Whoosh!


    The crowd rushed in, frantically purchasing.


    Momentster...


    A young man squeezed out from the crowd, eagerly flipping open the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List. Upon seeing the contents, he couldn''t help but draw in a sharp breath, "This, this..."

 Chapter 99 Renowned Everywhere, Xiao Yi Awakens!

    "Wha, what is this..."


    "Oh my God, I must be seeing things..."


    "How is this possible?"


    "The Tianqing Kingdom is in for a change..."


    From within the crowd, exmations of shock followed one after another, filling the air. Every strong warrior was clutching the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List with faces filled with horror, unable to stop their gasps of surprise.


    On that very list, sharing the coveted top spot on the Tenglong List right next to Crown Prince Jiang Shanhe, was another name.


    Xiao Yi!


    Heaven-level student of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, at the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, with major achievements including: ying Ye Feng, who was second on Tianqing Kingdom''s Tenglong List, defeating Zhang Tianyi, second on Tian Kingdom''s Tenglong List, killing the master of Mingjian Manor, and crippling an elder of the Nine Profound Sect...


    Every newbie who enters the Tenglong List would have their major achievements listed.


    This was essential for the rankings on the list to carry more weight!


    Until now.


    Everyone thought that at most Xiao Yi would only rece Ye Feng and im the second spot on the Tenglong List, but to everyone''s surprise, Treasure Pavilion had ranked Xiao Yi alongside Jiang Shanhe, as the joint top figure on the Tenglong List.


    Joint first ce!


    This was unprecedented in the history of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Putting aside the dazzling series of achievements following Xiao Yi''s name, just his shared first ce with Jiang Shanhe was already astonishing enough!


    Every strong warrior who had gotten their hands on a copy of the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List and seen this news, all looked in the direction of the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy and muttered to themselves, "The name Xiao Yi will surely spread across the world!"


    Treasure Pavilion has branches everywhere.


    Dragon and Tiger Lists of various countries could be purchased, and the name Xiao Yi quickly spread far and wide.


    In the Tian Kingdom.


    Wu Yu respectfully looked at the brocade-d youth in front of him, who was none other than Wu Zheng, the top figure on the Tian Kingdom''s Tenglong List and the reigning Crown Prince.


    "Xiao Yi? Joint first on the Tianqing Tenglong List?"


    Wu Zheng clenched his fist fiercely, the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List in his hand turned into a ze and burnt to ashes. His face revealed a grim and cold smile, "Issue my order, in three months, I will personally visit the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Yes!"


    Wu Yu bowed respectfully and withdrew.


    In the Purple Robe Kingdom.


    Yue Ling''er was staring at the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List in her hands, dazed. After a long while, she put down the list and rushed straight to the residence of the current Crown Prince Yue Cang, "Big brother, big brother,e out quickly!"


    "Ling''er? What brings you to visit me?" Yue Cang, with his trouser legs and sleeves rolled up, wearing a sun hat, and holding a watering can, was tending to his flowers. He looked curiously at the hastily arriving Yue Ling''er and asked.


    Yue Ling''er pursed her lips and said, "In three months, you have to apany me to the Tianqing Kingdom!"


    "Ah? No way, no way!"


    Yue Cang was taken aback and shook his head, "This secret realm ordeal, Xiao Yi of the Tianqing Kingdom has killed too many people. His name has spread throughout the surrounding six countries by now, and surely many strong warriors will gather in the Tianqing Kingdom. There are a few tough guys who have been wanting to challenge me, and I would rather not waste my time with them!"


    Yue Ling''er''s face fell cold as she said, "You won''t go? Then I''ll just have to tell Father about your secret visit to Smoke and Dust..."


    "Shh!"


    Suddenly, Yue Cang vanished from where he was standing, covered Yue Ling''er''s mouth with his hand, and said with a mixture of crying andughter, "Oh my dear aunt, I''ll go, okay? You absolutely cannot let this get out..."


    Adjacent to the Tianqing Kingdom were the Baijing Kingdom, Qingyun Kingdom, and Sihai Kingdom.


    Within these nations...


    Some of the favored children of heavens also received the news, "Golden Core Realm Four Layer, actually on par with Jiang Shanhe? Interesting, I really want to see what kind of genius this is!"


    "Most likely the Treasure Pavilion of Tianqing Kingdom is exaggerating. No matter how talented one is, how could they possibly kill an Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm expert with just the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm? I''m going to expose them in person..."


    "Three months from now, in Tianqing Kingdom, I shall go!"


    Just as Gu Junhe had said, Xiao Yi was indeed renowned in all directions.


    His fame skyrocketed!


    However...


    As the one who caused all thismotion, Xiao Yi knew nothing about it.


    Half a month had passed since he returned from the secret realm.


    During these past two weeks, Xiao Yi had been in aa. If it wasn''t for his heartbeat still persisting, Gu Junhe would have thought he was dead.


    This time his exhaustion was truly tremendous!


    He had ignited seventy percent of his blood.


    If it were anyone else, they would have died long ago.


    That he was still alive was a miracle!


    In the bedroom.


    A silver-coated Little Lin was coiled by Xiao Yi''s pillow. Over these past two weeks, it had not only regained its vitality but was full of energy and had sessfully stepped into the Fourth Order realm. In terms of cultivation alone, it wasparable to the early stage of the Golden Core Realm.


    Together with its powerful body that could withstand attacks from peak Golden Core Realm experts and the potent venom that could threaten Eighth Layer Golden Core Realm enemies, it was an extremely difficult foe.


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin lifted its head, its emerald eyes looking towards the door.


    When it saw that Fang Qingzhu hade in, it rxed,zily worming its way over to her. Landing on her shoulder, it gently touched her cheek with a worried gaze at Xiao Yi.


    Fang Qingzhu ced Little Lin on the table, rubbed its little head, and said, "Don''t worry, Xiao Yi will wake up soon." After a pause, she looked at Xiao Yi, whoy motionless on the bed, and repeated in a more resolute voice, "He will definitely wake up!"


    For the past half month, it had been Fang Qingzhu who took meticulous care of Xiao Yi.


    Day after day, under the nourishment of century-old ginseng and red-bellied brocade chicken soup, the blood that Xiao Yi lost was recovering.


    It was just that the expenditure from that battle was too great, which was why he had yet to wake up.


    But Xiao Yi''s life was out of danger.


    "Xiao Yi, do you know? You are now on top of the Teng Long List, tied with Great Prince Jiang Shanhe!"


    Fang Qingzhu helped Xiao Yi to sit up against the headrest, talking to him. "Elder Yan and Bingxin sent a letter the other day! Elder Yan nned to visit the capital soon; you need to wake up earlier. Otherwise, if you are still in aa when theye, that would be really embarrassing!"


    Fang Qingzhu cooled the chicken soup in the spoon and fed it to Xiao Yi bit by bit, "Do you remember when we first met, Xiao Yi? I was really desperate at that time! If it weren''t for you, I might have already been... Thank goodness for you!"


    "Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu kept talking about the past.


    From when she met Xiao Yi to all that had happened along this journey.


    From the memories of her childhood to the present...


    During this half a month, she had persisted, talking to Xiao Yi every day, hoping to awaken him. Yet, as she saw Xiao Yi still with his eyes tightly shut, ayer of mist gradually formed over her eyes.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hiss hiss!


    Little Lin crawled up to her shoulder, its tail gently wiping the tears from the corner of her eye.


    "Little Lin, I''m okay!"


    Fang Qingzhu offered a faint smile, but as she turned her head back, the bowl and spoon ttered to the ground. She widened her eyes in disbelief at the sight before her, Xiao Yi: "..."

 Chapter 100 Qingyun Banquet

    "Xiao Yi, Brother Xiao Yi? You, you''re awake?"


    Fang Qingzhu looked at Xiao Yi with incredulity, her phoenix eyes wide open and ayer of mist already veiling her watery orbs.


    Hiss!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Little Lin on her shoulder also stood erect, staring intently at Xiao Yi.


    In its eyes was a human-like excitement.


    Xiao Yi squeezed out a faint smile on his pale face, nodded, and with a hoarse voice that was still somewhat weak, he said, "Sorry for making you worry!"


    Even though he had been in aa for half a month, there were times when he could still sense everything that was happening outside.


    Fang Qingzhu''s meticulous care over the past half-month, her tireless conversations in hopes of awakening him¡ªXiao Yi was fully aware of all this.


    Xiao Yi tried to rise, but his arms felt weak and he leaned heavily against the headboard.


    "Brother Xiao Yi, don''t move...What do you want to do? Let me help you!" Fang Qingzhu said in panic, supporting Xiao Yi as she hastily asked.


    With the help of Fang Qingzhu, he sat up properly.


    Xiao Yi caught Fang Qingzhu''s retreating hand. Her soft palm was somewhat cool, and medicinal ointment was applied on the back of her hand. Xiao Yi asked with concern, "Does it still hurt?"


    This was where Fang Qingzhu had identally scalded herself while stewing soup for him.


    Before this incident,


    Fang Qingzhu had never cooked, but for Xiao Yi, she started learning to cook, learning to make soup, learning to take care of people.


    Xiao Yi remembered all of this in his heart.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head, a sweet smile on her face as she said, "It doesn''t hurt!"


    "You''re lying!"


    Xiao Yi forced a smile.


    Fang Qingzhu was taken aback and lowered her head, "It hurt a bit at the beginning, but His Highness the Seventh Prince got me these ointments, and they worked very well. It doesn''t hurt anymore!"


    Xiao Yi gently stroked Fang Qingzhu''s messy fringe on her forehead and said in a deep voice, "Qingzhu, thank you for staying by my side all this time!"


    "Brother Xiao Yi..."


    Fang Qingzhu hesitated for a moment and then rested her head against his chest, "We are husband and wife, if you never leave, I will never forsake you!"


    Smelling the faint fragrance that entered his nose, Xiao Yi gently patted her shoulder and lightly rested his chin against her head.


    In this life...


    Besides his mother, at least for now, Fang Qingzhu was the only one who had entered the sanctuary of his heart. This feeling was more than just between husband and wife, it was also an inseparable kinship!


    In his eyes, however, there was an unprecedented determination!


    Little Lin, looking at the two hugging each other, nced left and right at itself, then brought its tail to its head.


    It rested its head against its tail.


    Its face showed a human-like contentment.


    ¡­


    At Tianqi Martial Arts Academy, behind the mountain.


    It was still that waterfall.


    Xiao Yi stood beneath the waterfall, holding an energy stone in each hand.


    The surging energy from the energy stones infused into his body, converging within his Golden Core, and above Xiao Yi''s Golden Core were already five light rings floating up and down.


    This signified that his cultivation had stepped into the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    Half a month had passed since he woke up.


    "Breaking through a realm now requires fifty medium-grade energy stones, and the further I go, the greater the consumption¡­"


    Xiao Yi slowly opened his eyes, looking at the energy stones in his hand that had lost their luster and turned to waste, he sighed deeply.


    Back then, in that ancient tomb, Xiao Yi had obtained a little over a thousand low-grade energy stones, one hundred forty medium-grade, and twelve high-grade ones.


    The medium-grade energy stones contained ten times the energy of the low-grade ones, and the high-grade ones ten times that of the medium-grade.


    To break through to the Four Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm, he had exhausted all the low-grade energy stones.


    The remaining medium and high-grade energy stones amounted to what would be equivalent to two hundred and sixty medium-grade energy stones: "Two hundred and sixty medium-grade energy stones... Should be enough to break through to the Eighth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Below the tribtion, I''ll be invincible, Zhou Yuan is no longer a concern!"


    The greatest reward for Xiao Yi from this secret realm adventure was not the spirit stones, but those three Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    Each of these Martial Dao Divine Fruits could be exchanged for several hundred or even a thousand top-quality spirit stones.


    But Xiao Yi had no intention of selling the Martial Dao Divine Fruits.


    "Xiao!"


    Jiang Tai''s voice came from outside the waterfall, and with a step, Xiao Yi emerged with rolling vital energy surrounding him, preventing the cascading water from getting close.


    In just a few shes, Xiao Yi had reached Jiang Tai''s side.


    After the journey through the secret realm.


    Xiao Yi hade to recognize Jiang Tai. He sized him up and down andughed, "Congrattions, elder brother, your cultivation has greatly improved!"


    Since returning from the secret realm, Jiang Tai had already stepped into the Eighth Layer Realm of the Golden Core Realm.


    Hisbat power was also even stronger than before!


    Jiang Tai rolled his eyes and said exasperatedly, "You''re supposed to beplimenting me, right? But why does it sound so awkward to my ears?"


    Xiao Yiughed heartily, clearly aware Jiang Tai was referring to him being tied for first ce on the Teng Long List, and then shook his head, "Did elder brother need me for something?"


    Jiang Tai nodded, a yful look on his face, holding an invitation between two fingers, "This is for you!"


    "Hm?"


    Xiao Yi was startled, opened it, and looked with a peculiar expression, "Jiang Shanhe is inviting me to the Qingyun Banquet?"


    In half a month''s time, it would be the Tianqing Kingdom''s Qingyun Festival.


    Every year at this time, when the unique Qingyun flowers of the Tianqing Kingdom bloom, the royal family holds the Qingyun Banquet to invite the outstanding young talents from within the kingdom.


    Moreover, with the Crown Prince position not yet decided, the recent Qingyun Banquets have been organized by the eldest prince.


    Given Xiao Yi''s rtionship with the Royal Martial Arts Academy, he couldn''t fathom why Jiang Shanhe would send him an invitation!


    Jiang Tai squinted his eyes and suggested, "Maybe he wants to recruit you?"


    Xiao Yi rolled his eyes, "Recruit me? It''s probably a setup for a trap, aiming to put me in a deadly situation!"


    "Don''t worry, the Qingyun Banquet is a state banquet. If anything goes wrong, father won''t spare him, and he wouldn''t dare make a rash move. If you don''t want to go, I can help you decline," Jiang Tai said.


    Xiao Yi waved his hand dismissively and smiled at the invitation in his hand, "Go, why not go? Not only will I attend, but our fellow brothers from the Tianqi Martial Arts Academy will go as well!"


    "Ah?"


    Jiang Tai was taken aback.


    "Our Tianqi Martial Arts Academy is too poor, you see, the Shi Family brothers and Niu Dali have all starved to the point of skinniness, it''s a good opportunity to take them for a good meal!"


    Xiao Yi''s eyes narrowed into slits, "It''s also a good chance for me to see for myself what this eldest prince, who has held the top position on the Teng Long List for many years, is really like!"


    A strong sense of fighting spirit suddenly burst forth from him.


    Ten days flew by in the blink of an eye...


    At the gate of the Tianqi Martial Arts Institute.


    Xiao Yi looked at Gu Junhe, who was drinking sullenly next to the Cangyun Eagle, and said helplessly, "Headmaster, the Qingyun Banquet is for young people, it''s really not suitable for you to go!"


    "Are you saying I''m old?" Gu Junhe squinted his eyes and asked.


    With a serious face, Xiao Yi hummed in agreement.


    Gu Junhe: "..."


    Niu Dali chuckled and said, "Headmaster, let the young people handle their affairs; you don''t need to get involved!"


    "Are you saying I''m old?" Gu Junhe asked again, putting down his liquor gourd.


    Mimicking Xiao Yi''s seriousness, Niu Dali nodded his head, but before he could utter a word, he was abruptly smacked to the ground by Gu Junhe''s palm.


    The p made stars dance in his vision.


    Gu Junhe grabbed Niu Dali''s ankle and dragged him towards the institute like dragging a dead dog. Niu Dali''s head made a thudding sound with every intimate contact with the stairs, and Gu Junhe''s voice drifted, "You all go! Niu Dali will stay with me in the institute for some extra training."


    Thud! Thud! Thud!


    Everyone looked at the stairs with over a thousand steps, swallowing saliva subconsciously, their faces filled with sympathy.


    Shi Yaoming sighed and said earnestly, "Brother Dali, keep the headmasterpany, we will eat your share as well..."

 Chapter 101 For Your Drink!

    Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion!


    It sits at the bustling intersection of Vermilion Bird Avenue and Azure Dragon Avenue in the royal capital.


    Though not the most luxurious tavern in the capital, it bore the strongest backing, hosting many royal banquets. For example, the current Azure Cloud Banquet was held within this Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion.


    Along the road, the non-stop flow of carriages was seen.


    Those within the carriages were either rich or noble.


    Not only did they include many famous and esteemed families from Tianqing Kingdom, but also numerous gifted masters from the Heavenly Qing Dragon and Tiger List.


    Azure Cloud Banquet, implying an ascension into the Azure Clouds.


    It was specifically organized by the royal family to invite the young heroes within the kingdom.


    "Xiao Yi, brother, the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion is so grand!" Fang Qingzhu admired the elegant and imposing building before her with a look of wonder on her face.


    Little Lin, perched on her shoulder, craned his neck and stuck out his tongue lightly.


    The Shi Family''s four brothers exchanged a nce, excitement in on their faces. Shi Yaoqian''s eyes shone, "Owning such a tavern in this prosperous area would be like raking in gold every day!"


    Shi Yaodu rolled the dice in his hand non-stop, his eyes slightly squinted, "I wonder if there are any gambling games at this Azure Cloud Banquet!"


    "Gambling, gambling, gambling, is that all you ever think about? In a ce like this, making connections with geniuses from all over is what''s most important, isn''t it?" Shi Yaoquan nced at his brother and said, annoyed.


    Shi Yaoming said indifferently, "Second brother, as long as we hold tight to Xiao''s coattails, do we need to make connections with any other genius?"


    Shi Yaoquan''s face stiffened.


    Just as Shi Yaoming said, wasn''t Xiao Yi the most talked-about genius in Tianqing Kingdom at the moment?


    Xiao Yi nced at the three and said, speechlessly, "Speak any more nonsense, and I''ll have you roll back home!"


    The four of them promptly shut up.


    Xiao Yi, holding Fang Qingzhu''s hand, smiled and said, "The Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion is backed by the royal family, naturally it is a lot more imposing! Brother Jiang should already be inside, let''s go in!"


    "Yes!"


    Fang Qingzhu nodded obediently.


    Suddenly, a harsh whooshing sound came hurtling towards her shoulder, and Little Lin tensed up on her shoulder. He quickly turned and dodged as a streak of silver light, avoiding it just in time as a dark shadow shed by.


    Swish!


    The cloth on Fang Qingzhu''s shoulder was torn apart.


    "Diao,e back!" An arrogant voice called out.


    The dark shadow quickly returned to the shoulder of a youth in brocade robes, with a face like a jade carving and a handsome, spirited appearance. Astonishingly, it was a gray-colored fourth-grade demon fox marten. The fox marten''s fiery eyes were fixed on Little Lin, who had climbed back onto Fang Qingzhu''s shoulder, its gaze filled with greed.


    Fox martens were naturally fond of preying on snake-type demons, and it had just tried to prey on Little Lin.


    "Are you all right?" Xiao Yi hastily inquired.


    Fang Qingzhu shook her head, her face slightly pale, but immediately hugged Little Lin in her arms, checking him over to make sure he wasn''t injured. Only then did she look at the youth, "You..."


    Before she could finish speaking,


    The youth arrogantly said, "My Diao has taken a fancy to your snake, sell it to me!"


    Meanwhile,


    The youth flicked his finger, and a silver note of one hundred silver floated towards Fang Qingzhu.


    Frowning with displeasure, Fang Qingzhu raised her hand and sent a gust of wind to blow the silver note back, saying coldly, "Little Lin is not for sale!"


    "Is it that you find the money too little?" demanded the young man impatiently, "One thousand silver!"


    Today, the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion was already full of people, and many recognized the youth: "Isn''t that the son of the Minister of War, Li Heng? He''s a master on the Flying Tiger List, and also proficient in The Way of Beast Tamer, truly one of the elites among the young generation!"


    "Youngdy, you should just sell that demon beast to Young Master Li!"


    "Young Master Li is not someone you can afford to provoke!" the crowd advised in turn.


    Despite Xiao Yi''s growing reputation, very few people had actually seen him.


    Not to mention Fang Qingzhu.


    Fang Qingzhu retorted angrily, "Little Lin is our partner, and we will absolutely not sell him!"


    Over these past months, she had developed a deep, rooted bond with Little Lin, regarding him as a friend and family member. She would not sell him for mere thousands of silver, not even for a million yuan stones!


    Little Lin seemed to understand, holding its head high, its little eyes fixed on Fang Qingzhu.


    Squeak squeak squeak!


    The green marten on Li Heng''s shoulder let out a few piercing shrieks, standing its fur on end and drooling uncontrobly.


    "Alright, alright, I know you''re hungry!"


    Li Heng doted on the marten by rubbing its head, then looked towards Xiao Yi and the others, saying arrogantly, "I''ll say this onest time, hand over that little snake, crawl under my crotch, and I''ll let bygones be bygones. Otherwise, I..."


    His words were cut off.


    A crisp p suddenly sounded across his face.


    Li Heng''s body spun on the spot from the impact, seeing stars, and he looked around in disbelief, "Who? Who hit me?"


    He was at the Peak of the Divine Ability Realm, along with a martenparable to the First Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm.


    How could he not have seen who pped him?


    All was silent around.


    Nobody had seen who made the move.


    Li Heng''s face turned ashen with rage, unable to find the assant, his eyes filled with venomous hate as he stared at Xiao Yi and hispanions, "You... it must be you who ambushed me!" He patted the marten on his shoulder, "Little Diao, kill them for me!"


    The green marten was a fiercely murderous beast.


    Upon receiving Li Heng''smand,


    It gave a squeak.


    Whoosh!


    It turned into a grey streak of light, charging straight towards Fang Qingzhu, aiming to y her and then capture Little Lin on her.


    Li Heng wore a look of triumph, "This is the fate of those who offend me!"


    However...


    Faced with the rapidly approaching marten,


    Xiao Yi merely gestured towards the void, invisible energy coalescing into a giant hand that snatched the marten firmly.


    Squeak squeak squeak...


    The marten red with rage, struggling hysterically.


    Li Heng''s face underwent a drastic change, seeing Little Diao caught in Xiao Yi''s hand, powerless to break free, his heart skipped a beat, realizing he was facing a real expert. Li Heng spoke hastily, "Release Little Diao, and I will not pursue any grudge with you..."


    To tame that marten, he had exhausted countless resources and wealth.


    Just finding a young green marten had cost him nearly ten million silver pieces!


    "Not hold a grudge with us?"


    Xiao Yi let out a sneer, ncing sideways at Li Heng and suddenly clenching his fists harder.


    Crack!


    The sound of breaking bones made one''s scalp tingle.


    Squeak...


    The marten let out a pitiful cry, its life hanging by a thread.


    Xiao Yi tossed it towards Little Lin, "Here''s something for you to enjoy with your drink!"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hiss!


    With a single swallow, Little Lin consumed the marten.


    Little Lin was alreadyparable to a primary fourth-tier demonic beast, possessing strength equivalent to the Fifth Layer of the Golden Elixir Realm. Once it assimted the marten, chances were it would break through to the middle fourth-tier.


    After swallowing the marten, Little Lin returned to Xiao Yi''s embrace.


    In front of the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion, silence reigned.


    Pant! Pant!


    Li Heng watched Xiao Yi with disbelief. Had his painstakingly nurtured marten died just like that?


    But now, he didn''t dare to move an inch!


    If Xiao Yi could subdue a martenparable to the Golden Core Realm with a single p, how could he be his match?


    While Li Heng was in panic, his eyes suddenly brightened, and he sprinted towards the figure emerging from the Spring Breeze and Rain Pavilion, "..."


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